NFL Player News

Johnson caught three of seven targets for 35 yards during Saturday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Raiders.

It was a game of highs and lows for the 24-year-old, as he snared a 24-yard dart from Stetson Bennett during a second-quarter drive that led to a field goal but was also part of a blown play between himself and the rookie quarterback that led to a pick-six for the Raiders. The good news for Johnson is that he still led all Rams wide receivers in yardage and tied with Demarcus Robinson for targets, a sign the duo signed in free agency are being given ample opportunity to secure spots on the final 53-man roster. Johnson will have one final opportunity to showcase his abilities in the Rams' preseason finale Saturday against the Broncos.

Robinson secured two of seven targets for eight yards during Saturday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Raiders. He also returned one kickoff for 24 yards.

Despite being on the field for 49 of the Rams' 54 offensive snaps, Robinson was only able to turn seven targets into two small receptions. Quarterback Stetson Bennett had an erratic night while running the offense, and the only Rams' pass catcher that had any success on the night was tight end Davis Allen, which helps lessen the blame being squarely on Robinson for a poor performance. With four wideouts (Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell) now essentially locked onto the roster, the final three or four wide receivers on the final 53-man will likely come down to Robinson, Ben Skowronek, Tyler Johnson and Lance McCutcheon, with McCutcheon looking like the odd man out at the moment.

The Buccaneers placed Gage (knee) on injured reserve Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Gage will miss the entirety of the 2023 campaign after he suffered a patellar tendon tear during Wednesday's joint practice with the Jets. The 27-year-old dealt with numerous injuries last regular season, including hamstring, ankle and back issues, which sidelined him for four games. He also sustained a scary concussion during Tampa Bay's wild-card loss to Dallas in January. Gage reworked his contract with the team in March, and he dealt with a lower leg injury to begin training camp. After finally looking healthy again heading into joint practices, the 6-foot slot receiver will now have to sit out until the final season of his three-year contract with the Bucs in 2024.

Gray has a sprained joint in his right shoulder, Josh Dubow of The Associated Press reports.

Gray injured his shoulder during San Francisco's win versus the Broncos on Saturday and will now likely miss the start of the season. The 2022 third-round pick could now find his roster spot in jeopardy as he only caught one pass on seven targets for 10 yards during his rookie season

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Sunday that Hart will not practice this coming week after he sustained a concussion during Friday's 13-13 preseason tie versus Cincinnati, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Hart was examined for a head injury after he came down hard on his head during Friday's contest, so these results must have come back positive for a concussion. As a result, the 5-foot-8 wideout will almost certainly be sidelined for the Falcons' preseason finale Thursday against the Steelers. Hart signed a contract with Atlanta after catching just three passes during his third season with the Seahawks in 2022. Therefore, any missed time this preseason for Hart could significantly impact his chances to make the final 53-man roster ahead of J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Keilahn Harris, Slade Bolden, Mathew Sexton and Xavier Malone.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Sunday that Hodge (ankle) will not participate in practice this coming week, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Hodge sustained an ankle injury during Friday's 13-13 preseason tie against the Bengals, sidelining him for the remainder of the contest. The exact nature and severity of the issue are still unknown, but it's significant enough to keep him from practicing ahead of Atlanta's preseason finale Thursday versus Pittsburgh, which likely means he'll be sidelined for that game. Smith also indicated that fellow veteran wideout Penny Hart (concussion) will be sidelined during this week's practices. Both Hodge and Hart are expected to vie for the Falcons' fourth and fifth wide receiver spots, so their absences could open up more opportunities for Josh Ali, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Keilahn Harris and others.

Johnson wasn't targeted during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over Buffalo.

Johnson unsurprisingly worked with the team's starting offense once again Saturday, but the starters played just seven snaps in the win. While there wasn't much work to go around among the team's pass catchers, Johnson had three receptions during the preseason opener and should see plenty of targets once the regular season gets underway.

Robinson secured one of two targets for 10 yards during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.

Robinson wasn't targeted during last weekend's preseason opener, but he saw more work Saturday despite playing just five snaps. He worked alongside the starters once again Saturday and seems like a solid option to serve as the team's starting slot receiver once the regular season gets underway.

Virgil was diagnosed with a torn meniscus that will require full meniscus surgery, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Virgil injured his knee on the final play of the first half of Denver's loss to San Francisco on Saturday and will be out a few months at the very least. The 25-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent last year and appeared in two games during the 2022 campaign, catching two of his five targets for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Virgil had an MRI on his knee Sunday, and the team is awaiting the results, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Virgil suffered the injury during Saturday's preseason contest with the 49ers and was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game. The 25-year-old was likely on the bubble as far as making the 53-man roster, so good news on the MRI would be especially important for the Appalachian State product.