NFL Player News

Collins had two receptions on three targets for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Miami.

Collins didn't see much action in the Texans' preseason opener against New England last Thursday (one catch for eight yards), so it was encouraging to see him get more involved in quarterback C.J. Stroud's second exhibition start. The 24-year-old projects to start atop a thin Houston receiver depth chart, so we could see the third-year wideout's production increase from the 35 receptions and 473.5 yards he averaged in his first two seasons as a pro. Collins will look to continue developing a rapport with his rookie signal-caller as Week 1 approaches.

Kupp (hamstring) said during Saturday's preseason game versus the Raiders that he intends to take part in joint practices with the Broncos on Wednesday and Thursday, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Kupp has missed the Rams' first two exhibitions due to a hamstring injury that he sustained early on in training camp. This follows his long recovery from November tightrope surgery to repair the high right-ankle sprain that ended his 2022 campaign. Prior to that injury, Kupp was the only bright spot in a dull L.A. offense, putting together a 75-812-6 line on 98 targets in nine games. It remains to be seen if he'll play in the team's preseason finale Saturday, Aug. 26 in Denver, but he nonetheless seems to be on pace to be active Week 1 at Seattle.

Benson failed to record a catch on three targets in Saturday's 25-7 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Benson was carted off the field with a seemingly serious leg injury early in training camp. However, he managed to return to the field for the team's second preseason game. Even so, Benson likely faces an uphill battle to make the final roster and his most likely fate may be a spot on a team's practice squad.

Gray (shoulder) exited Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos and will not return, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Gray wasn't targeted before leaving in the first half. After playing just 85 offensive snaps as a rookie last season, Gray is competing for a roster spot this summer. Missing time with an injury won't help his cause.

Philips suffered a knee injury during Saturday's preseason game at Minnesota, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to his departure midway through the first quarter, Philips had one punt return for two yards. Neither DeAndre Hopkins nor Treylon Burks (knee) suited up Saturday, so the Titans' remaining available wide receivers are Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chris Moore and Racey McMath, among others.

Aiyuk is in uniform for Saturday's preseason contest versus the Broncos, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With Brock Purdy expected to see his first game action since he injured his right throwing elbow in last season's NFC Championship Game loss in Philadelphia, he's slated to have his top two wide receivers available in Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. In the upcoming campaign, Aiyuk will be looking to replicate his breakout 2022 in which he hauled in 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 contests.

Samuel is in uniform for Saturday's preseason contest against the Broncos, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With Brock Purdy slated to see his first game action since he injured his right throwing elbow in last season's NFC Championship Game loss at Philadelphia, he's expected to have his top two wide receivers available in Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. In the coming campaign, Samuel will be looking to bounce back after managing just 864 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns in 13 appearances in 2022.

Hill caught his lone target for 13 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Texans.

Hill made a brief two-drive preseason debut -- the first of which lasted just one play after Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception on his first attempt -- which explains the fantasy star's lack of usage sans Jaylen Waddle (hip). Tagovailoa settled down and found his favorite target for a 13-yard pitch and catch on Miami's next drive. Hill doesn't need to prove anything before the regular season, so it was a welcome sight to see the fantasy star and his quarterback get on the field as Week 1 approaches. The dynamic wideout will look to build on a 2022 season that saw him set new career highs in receptions (119) and receiving yards (1,710).

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Dell (undisclosed) was "feeling some tightness" in his leg during pregame warmups Saturday prior to the Texans' preseason contest against the Dolphins, Deepi Sidhu of the team's official site reports.

Dell didn't play in Houston's exhibition loss to Miami, but Ryans said the rookie wideout "will be fine." His practice status will be monitored next week.

Thornton (undisclosed) wasn't in uniform ahead of Saturday's preseason contest against the Packers, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Thornton exited practice early Thursday and didn't return, so his absence isn't much of a surprise. The 2022 second-rounder will need to get back on the field soon in order to secure a key Week 1 role in a Patriots WR corps that also features JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne.