NFL Player News

Dell (coach's decision) was held out of Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams.

Dell continues to work with the first team offense despite the addition of superstar wideout Stefon Diggs this offseason and continued presence of Nico Collins as the No. 2 option. With C.J. Stroud looking like the real deal under center, the sophomore slot man may be a rare case in today's NFL of a true No. 3 receiver carrying "must-start" status in fantasy (a la Wes Welker with the 2007 Patriots). Dell has already proven his good health -- following last year's fractured fibula -- when he broke off a long touchdown catch in the Texans' first preseason contest.

Pickens recorded two catches on two targets for 26 yards in Saturday's 24-17 preseason loss to the Lions.

Pickens appeared in one drive with Russell Wilson under center and was targeted twice. The latter was an explosive catch as he ran deep across the middle of the field for a 32-yard gain. Pickens is unquestionably the top pass catcher in Pittsburgh and should be set to receive a large number of targets, barring a late addition to the wide receiver corps.

Kupp (coach's decision) was held out of all the Rams' preseason contests this season.

Head coach Sean McVay's gameplan to rest his key players and hide his offensive gameplan allowed Kupp to get some extra rest after two separate lower-body injuries caused the superstar to miss 12 games over the last two years. The 2023 Rookie of the Year, Puka Nacua, (knee) emerged in the veteran's absence, and both players are lined up to start a regular season across from each other for the first time. McVay mentioned earlier in the offseason that Kupp was still limited by the aforementioned leg injuries last season when he provided a 7/59/5 receiving line across 12 regular-season games. The 31-year-old is only two years removed from his memorable Super Bowl MVP campaign, so a bounce back could be in store for Kupp's suitors if McVay's words hold water this year.

Hamler rushed three times for 21 yards and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for 11 yards in Saturday's 31-26 preseason loss to the Panthers.

Hamler got some reps at running back after Frank Gore (knee) and Darrynton Evans (hamstring) exited Saturday's game, while top three running backs James Cook, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson were resting Saturday. The former Broncos wide receiver filled in admirably, breaking off an 18-yard gain on the ground and running in a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The ability to fill in at running back is another feather in the cap for the versatile Hamler, who also contributes on special teams as a return man. That versatility should help Hamler secure a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Cardinals

Thielen caught his only target for 21 yards in Saturday's 31-26 preseason win over the Bills.

Thielen and the rest of the first-team offense played the opening drive, which ended in an eight-yard touchdown catch by Jordan Matthews. Offseason trade acquisition Diontae Johnson and rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette could cut into Thielen's target share in 2024, so matching last year's total of 137 will be tough, but Carolina's entire offense could benefit from increased efficiency if 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young can take a step forward in his second NFL regular season, which kicks off Sept. 8 against the Saints.

The Dolphins released Snead (undisclosed) from the reserve/injured list Saturday with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Snead caught on with Miami in late July after appearing in four regular-season games for the 49ers in 2023. He caught one pass for 13 yards across his two preseason outings with the Dolphins, but he was set to miss the entire 2024 season after being placed on injured reserve Monday. Now that he's been let go with an injury settlement, Snead will be able to sign with another team once he is fully healthy.

Johnson caught one of two targets for 17 yards in Saturday's 31-26 preseason win over the Bills.

Johnson missed time during training camp due to a groin injury and illness, so it was nice to see him get into a preseason game and build some rapport with Bryce Young. Johnson's lone catch was an important one, as it helped the Panthers convert on fourth down on an opening drive that ended in a touchdown before Carolina's starters got the rest of the day off. The former Steelers wide receiver is expected to be the top pass catcher on his new team in the regular season, which begins Sept. 8 against the Saints.

Schwartz suffered a ligament tear in his left knee during Friday's preseason loss to Tampa Bay, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Schwartz didn't play in either of the Dolphins' first two exhibition contests but was finally able to take the field Friday for the preseason finale. The 23-year-old caught both of his targets for 24 yards, but on his second catch -- a 17-yard reception thrown by Skylar Thompson -- he hurt his knee while being tackled. Jackson cites a source in indicating that Schwartz tore a ligament in his left knee on the play and suggests that the speedy wideout is headed either to IR or toward an injury settlement. Miami has yet to confirm those details, but this nonetheless appears to be another hit to a wide receiver room that has had its depth thinned due to a multitude of injuries.

Smith-Marsette is questionable to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Bills due to an ankle injury, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

The wide receiver was examined for a possible lower right leg injury after landing awkwardly following a catch, per David Newton of ESPN.com. Smith-Marsette returned a punt for 21 yards and a kickoff for 46 yards before exiting. The 24-year-old is projected to be Carolina's punt returner in 2024.

Smith-Marsette was being examined by trainers for a possible lower right leg injury during Carolina's preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The wide receiver/punt returner landed awkwardly after a catch, per Newton. Smith-Marsette recorded 322 punt return yards and a touchdown for the Panthers in 2023.