NFL Player News

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said the team has been "real impressed" with Sutton during training camp and added that the Broncos will rely on him a lot in the upcoming campaign, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

After what was a disappointing year for Sutton in 2022, it appears the Broncos are committed to utilizing the veteran receiver in a significant role this season. An increased reliance on Sutton in the passing game could become a matter of necessity to start the season as fellow wideout Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) is set to miss several weeks after an injury suffered during practice Thursday. The 27-year-old is set to headline Denver's receiving corps while Jeudy is on the mend, with rookie Marvin Mims potentially stepping into the No. 2 role for the time being. If the Broncos' offense can turn things around in 2023, Sutton could be headed toward a bounce-back year for fantasy purposes.

McKenzie caught his only target for eight yards in Thursday's 27-13 preseason win over the Eagles.

McKenzie appeared to only play with the backups, while rookie Josh Downs (no catches on two targets) took a vast majority of snaps with the first-team offense alongside Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. If it's the same alignment Week 1 against Jacksonville, it might mean McKenzie is limited to work on returns and perhaps the occasional trick play or jet sweep.

Downs had two targets and no catches in Thursday's 27-13 preseason win over the Eagles.

Downs played a vast majority of the first-team snaps with Indianapolis largely operating from three-wide formations. He let a ball slip between his hands in tight coverage on a 3rd-and-7 and otherwise did little of note. Multiple recent reports suggested the rookie has been much busier at training camp, and it seems either he or Alec Pierce are most likely to emerge as Anthony Richardson's second-favorite target behind clear No. 1 Michael Pittman. The Colts open their season Sept. 10 with a home game against the Jaguars.

Pierce was held without a catch on three targets in Thursday's 27-13 preseason win over the Eagles.

Pierce made the mistake in the first week of the preseason, dropping what would've been a 30-plus yard completion on his lone target. His second game playing with Anthony Richardson didn't go much better, though this time the blame fell on the rookie quarterback for throwing to Pierce when he was blanketed in coverage. Michael Pittman remains the Colts' clear top WR option, but Pierce should be choice B or C ahead of Indy's regular-season opener against Jacksonville on Sept. 10.

Pittman caught two of his team-high five targets for 24 yards in Thursday's 27-13 preseason win over the Eagles.

Pittman accounted for five of the targets from Anthony Richardson, who completed only six of his 17 passes for 78 yards. The rookie may do wonders for a rushing game that appears highly unlikely to have RB Jonathan Taylor, but Richardson doesn't figure to do much for Pittman's production. The good news is that he's locked in as the top option in the passing game ahead of a Week 1 matchup with Jacksonville, and there's potential for better stats as Richardson develops or if he really hones in on Pittman as his go-to guy.

Robinson caught his lone target for a two-yard gain in Thursday's preseason game at Atlanta.

Robinson exclusively worked with the first-team offense this preseason, accounting for three of 15 targets from QB Kenny Pickett and ultimately catching two for 12 yards. Pickett had more luck throwing to returning starters Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, which isn't exactly a surprise given the expectation of those three being the team's top pass catchers. Robinson will try to prove he has enough left in the tank to be a helpful complementary option, starting with a Week 1 home game against San Francisco.

Pickens was targeted once and caught the pass for a 35-yard gain in Thursday's exhibition with Atlanta.

Pickens jumped over a defender for the long gain, showcasing a talent that was often on display during his rookie year. He was targeted once in each of Pittsburgh's three preseason games, accounting for three of the 15 targets (20 percent) from Kenny Pickett, and and caught all three passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. Pickens will open his second-year-breakout bid with a Week 1 home game against the 49ers.

Johnson caught his lone target for a 33-yard gain in Thursday's preseason game at Atlanta.

Johnson beat his man down the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-5 on the third snap of the game. Pittsburgh's starters ultimately needed only 11 plays to score 14 points over two drives, with QB Kenny Pickett sending each of his four pass attempts to a different receiver. George Pickens also made a big play downfield, finishing his preseason with three catches for 76 yards and a TD on three targets. Johnson accounted for four of the 15 Pickett passes this preseason, catching all four for a total of 65 yards. Johnson, Pickens and TE Pat Freiermuth figure to account for a large share of the team's targets Week 1 against a tough San Francisco defense.

General manager Dave Ziegler said he's "seen a lot of good stuff" from Renfrow (shoulder) during training camp, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

"It's been great to seen him feel great, playing great and ecstatic to see that development," Ziegler added. Renfrow was the subject of trade speculation earlier in the offseason and has barely been heard from this summer. He and Jakobi Meyers feel redundant as slot receivers, but the Raiders seemingly have a plan. Renfrow's fantasy startability is unlikely to return in 2023 if he's in Las Vegas.

Smith-Njigba underwent wrist surgery Thursday but remains without a clear timetable for return, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Coach Pete Carroll said the surgery "went great" but didn't put a timeline on Smith-Njigba's return to the field. With the season just over two weeks away, it's difficult to envision the rookie out there for Week 1, but it sounds like we should expect to see him debut sometime in the season's first month. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett will carry the bulk of the load in JSN's absence.