NFL Player News

Knowles caught his only target for a one-yard touchdown and returned one kickoff for 24 yards in Saturday's 27-12 preseason win over the Browns.

The undrafted receiver out of Kansas State missed all of last season with an undisclosed injury, and he also began training camp dealing with an injury that kept him out of the Vikings' preseason opener. Knowles was in the lineup Saturday, however, and looked pretty healthy, leaping high to snag a one-yard corner fade from Jaren Hall at the back of the end zone on Minnesota's first possession of the second half. Knowles' ability to return kickoffs -- he had 1,254 return yards over his final two years at Kansas State -- could give him an edge on winning at least a spot on the practice squad given the NFL's changes to the kickoff rules this season.

Jackson caught three of four targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 27-12 preseason win over the Browns. He also gained six rushing yards on one carry.

The Vikings sat starting wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison (ankle) on Saturday, but Jackson surprisingly got the start in 11 personnel alongside Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell over veteran Trent Sherfield. Jackson capitalized on the opportunity, hauling in a back-shoulder throw from Nick Mullens and getting his toes down in bounds for a 14-yard touchdown on the team's first possession. The undrafted player out of Syracuse suited up for seven games last season -- his first NFL action -- as he bounced between the practice squad and the game-day roster, but he would find himself with a more consistent role in 2024 if he wins the No. 5 receiver job.

Jackson suffered a knee injury in Saturday's preseason contest against Seattle and is questionable to return, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Jackson played only three snaps on offense and didn't see a target before getting hurt. However, he made an impression on special teams with a 30-yard punt return. Jackson is battling for a spot on the 53-man roster with a host of other wideouts, including fellow returner Jha'Quan Jackson. As such, it could be a major blow to Kearis' chances of making the cut if the knee issue keeps him out of the Titans' final preseason contest Sunday, Aug. 25 against New Orleans.

Collins caught one of two targets for 24 yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason win over the Giants.

The first-team offense was only on the field for two possessions and came away with zero points, but Collins and C.J. Stroud still got a chance to show off their chemistry, as the wideout's big gain on the first drive put the Texans in the red zone. Collins is coming off a breakout 2023 campaign, and even with Stefon Diggs now in the mix for targets along with holdovers Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz and others, the 25-year-old could still be Stroud's top downfield option.

Valdes-Scantling (neck) won't return to Saturday's preseason contest at Pittsburgh.

Valdes-Scantling had his neck stabilized after a catch in the second quarter and eventually was carted to the locker room. Considering he's lagged behind in the WR competition in training camp and now is dealing with a health concern, he could be in danger of not making the Bills' initial roster after cut-down day Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Diggs caught his only target for nine yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason win over the Giants. He also gained two rushing yards on one carry.

The Texans' first-team offense was only on the field for two possessions and came away with zero points, but Diggs was still able to build on his rapport with C.J. Stroud. Houston played both series in 12 personnel, with Diggs and Nico Collins being the two starting wideouts, and that appears as though it might be the team's base package during the regular season. Diggs is coming off a four-year run in Buffalo during which he caught more than 100 passes and topped 1,100 receiving yards in each season, but the 30-year-old will have a lot more competition for targets in Houston.

Slayton caught all three of his targets for a team-high 59 yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason loss to the Texans.

The speedster quickly reforged his connection with Daniel Jones in the quarterback's first game action since he tore his ACL in Week 9 of last season, hauling in a 44-yard strike in the second quarter that nearly went for a touchdown, although Slayton was ruled down at the one-yard line. The 27-year-old has led the Giants in receiving yards in four of the last five seasons despite never having an 800-yard campaign, and while that honor is expected to pass to rookie Malik Nabers in 2024, Slayton should still have a big role in the team's passing game.

Nabers caught four of six targets for 54 yards and added one carry for five yards in Saturday's 28-10 preseason loss to the Texans.

The rookie showed off his first-round talent on a spectacular 21-yard catch along the sideline during a two-minute drill at the end of the second quarter, as he pulled down a ball that was slightly overthrown with a leaping catch and got both feet down in bounds to help to set up a field goal. Nabers flashed some chemistry with Daniel Jones in their first game together, and the Giants are counting on the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to be the elite downfield threat the franchise has lacked since Odell Beckham was in his prime.

Valdes-Scantling suffered a neck injury during Saturday's preseason game in Pittsburgh.

Valdes-Scantling remained on the field after a second-quarter catch and even had his neck stabilized by trainers, but he eventually sat up and went to the sideline tent before being carted to the locker room. With his night almost certainly over, his upcoming prognosis may be a determining factor to whether or not he's able to earn a roster spot on the Bills on cut-down day (Tuesday, Aug. 27).

Charles is questionable to return to Saturday's exhibition contest against Carolina due to a hip injury.

Charles didn't draw a target before getting hurt, and it's unclear if he'll be able to reenter the game. The 6-foot-4 wideout has had a strong camp and has a solid chance of making the 53-man roster if the toe issue doesn't prove to be serious. As with last year, Charles may see most of his work on special teams if he does make the cut, though it's certainly possible that he could get more opportunities on offense this season.