NFL Player News

Ray-Ray McCloud seems to have the "inside track" over Moore to be Atlanta's slot receiver, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

McCloud got a lot of first-team snaps throughout the offseason program and now is getting most of the slot work with Kirk Cousins and the starting offense during the first week of training camp. Moore, meanwhile, reportedly has been one of Michael Penix's favorite targets on the second-string offense, which suggests the 5-foot-7 receiver is at least making a case to earn more reps with the starters. There's still plenty of time for things to change, but it's not a great sign for Moore that he's currently behind a veteran journeyman like McCloud who is mostly known for returning punts and kicks.

Claypool is considered day-to-day with a toe issue, Sal Maioranaof the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports.

Claypool sustained his toe injury Sunday, but he isn't expected to be out for long. Once he's able to return to practice, Claypool will resume competing for slotting in a re-tooled Bills wideout corps that also includes Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins and rookie Keon Coleman.

Marshall caught a deep pass at Monday's practice, continuing a trend from the first week of training camp, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Multiple Carolina beat writers have mentioned Marshall and Jonathan Mingo as surprise standouts through the first week of training camp. Both are former second-round picks that have disappointed so far, and any fantasy interest in them mostly died out after poor showings in 2023 were followed by the Panthers trading for Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette (32nd overall). It's still a long shot for Marshall to become useful in fantasy after managing just 767 yards and one TD over his first three professional seasons, but he could at least make it a competition with Legette and Mingo for the third WR spot alongside Johnson and Adam Thielen. Despite being in his fourth professional season, Marshall is only six months older than Legette and 10 months older than Mingo.

Mingo has been impressive during the first week of training camp, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer supports the notion that Mingo and fellow wideout Terrace Marshall have been two of Carolina's standout performers so far. The former was a second-round pick in 2023 and the latter a second-rounder in 2021, but both seemed to be fantasy afterthoughts after struggling last season -- even more so once the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall. With Johnson and Adam Thielen locked in for top-3 roles, it sounds like there could be lively competition between Mingo, Legette and Marshall for the third spot.

Whittington took some first-team reps last week, with teammate Cooper Kupp noting that the rookie is "pretty special" and "so impressive," Cameron DeSilva of Rams Wire reports.

Whittington was a top recruit for Texas back in 2019 and doesn't lack for size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) or strength (18 bench press reps), but he lasted until Round 6 of the 2024 Draft after being overshadowed by early draft picks in the Longhorns offense throughout his college career. He never drew more than 72 targets in a season, and a hamstring injury this spring prevented him from running a 40-yard dash, which meant he didn't have an opportunity to alleviate concerns about a lack of speed. While it's a good sign Whittington is impressing veteran teammates early in training camp, DeSilva notes that Tutu Atwell seems to be the wide receiver competing with Demarcus Robinson for the No. 3 role. Whittington could perhaps jump into the competition if he continues performing well in practices, or at least make a push to be the next man up if either Kupp or Puka Nacua were to miss time.

Thornton now weighs 192 pounds, up from his listed weight of 185 pounds, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The 2022 second-round pick is still quite thin for a wide receiver, but it's an improvement from the 2022 Combine, when he checked in at 6-foot-2, 181 pounds. The 4.28 speed he showcased at said combine hasn't gotten him far in the NFL, with Thornton now on the roster bubble after catching 35 passes in 22 games over his first two NFL seasons. He may end up competing for one spot with Jalen Reagor, a fellow speedster (and draft bust) who offers more potential to contribute on special teams.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Sunday that Flournoy is day-to-day with a knee injury, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

McCarthy added that Flournoy's issue isn't "classified as anything serious," according to Nicole Hutchison of the Cowboys' official site. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver out of Southeast Missouri State was selected in the sixth round after a dazzling performance as the 2024 NFL Combine, and he'll likely compete for one of the final spots in Dallas' receiver room this training camp. Top wideout CeeDee Lamb also is holding out of training camp while awaiting a contract extension, so Flournoy's absence should open up some valuable opportunities for other fringe roster players like Racey McMath and Jalen Moreno-Cropper.

Brown sat out practice Sunday due to an illness, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Specifics of the illness were not shared, but it doesn't seem like something that will keep Brown out for an extended period. The flashy wideout is set to take on a key role in the Chiefs' passing game this year after signing a one-year deal in March. Though he has the explosiveness to thrive in KC's offense, Brown will need to remain healthy after missing eight contests over the past two years due to injuries.

Addison, who was arrested July 12 in Los Angeles on suspicion of driving under the influence, said Wednesday that he is ready to face any discipline. "Whatever's out there for me," he said, "whatever comes with it, I'll own up to everything. I feel like anything that comes my way is meant to happen or is deserved," he told ESPN. However, no charges in the incident have been filed as of last week.

Last summer, Addison pled guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge after being cited for driving 140 miles per hour in Minnesota. The pattern of behavior could lead the NFL to discipline Addison, but the timing of any possible suspension remains in doubt. The NFL will likely let the legal process play out, which could stretch into the regular season. Addison's remarks, however, make it seem like he anticipates some kind of punishment from either the NFL or the legal system.

Claypool appeared to injure his left leg while practicing Sunday, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Fitzgerald indicated that the wideout looked to be in "a good bit of pain" and hobbled after the play before being looked at by trainers. An update on Claypool's status may come following Buffalo's practice Sunday. Being able to participate during training camp could be critical for Claypool, as he is jostling for placement on the team's WR depth chart with the likes of Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins and rookie Keon Coleman.