NFL Player News

Coach John Harbaugh relayed that Beckham has been given a couple of rest days because he's been practicing so hard of late, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

With Beckham bouncing back from knee surgery, the team is understandably proceeding cautiously with the veteran wideout. While Beckham figures to be back at practice soon, it wouldn't surprise us if he doesn't see action in Monday's preseason contest against the Commanders.

The Colts signed Washington on Friday.

With Ashton Dulin (knee) having been placed on IR by the Colts, Washington gives the team some added pass-catching depth ahead of Week 1. For now, the 27-year-old figures to compete for slotting in a wideout corps that is currently led by Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Isaiah McKenzie and Josh Downs. Washington did not record a catch in two games with the Cowboys last season.

Beckham (undisclosed) didn't participate in practice Friday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

OBJ also missed Thursday's session, though it's unclear if it's an excused absence or injury-related. Beckham didn't play in the Ravens' preseason opener and is unlikely to suit up this week. Baltimore at least got Rashod Bateman (foot) back practicing Friday after he missed two straight sessions.

Bateman (foot) returned to practice Friday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Bateman had missed practice the previous two days, but coach John Harbaugh noted Wednesday that the wideout hadn't experienced any setbacks with his surgically-repaired foot. "There's a process to getting guys back," Harbaugh noted of Bateman. "He's on schedule." As the coming season approaches, the 2021 first-rounder is in line to be a key cog in a revamped Ravens WR corps that also includes veteran newcomers Odell Beckham and Nelson Agholor, as well a promising rookie Zay Flowers. Assuming he can stay healthy, Bateman looks poised for a resurgent campaign in 2023 after being limited to six games and a 15-285-2 receiving line last season.

The Lions signed Moore to a contract Friday.

Detroit waived Denzel Mims (undisclosed) with an injury designation in a corresponding transaction. Moore appeared in six games with the Chargers last season, playing a depth role due to the team's injuries in the receiver room. He now gets a chance to continue his development with the Lions.

Turpin will be the Cowboys' primary kick returner this season, Nick Harris of the team's website reports.

"We have a Pro Bowl returner in Turp," special teams coordinator John Fassel said Thursday. "I think he's become a much better punt catcher, even though I think he was very good at it before. He's special, I envision him being even more special this year than he was last year." An electric performance from rookie Deuce Vaughn in camp and the preseason had created some buzz Turpin might be squeezed off the roster, but his spot appears secure. What's less clear is whether the 27-year-old will have a bigger role on offense this season after seeing only two targets and getting three carries on jet sweeps in 2022.

Schwartz caught four of 10 targets for 33 yards in Thursday's preseason game against Philadelphia. He also had one carry for minus-5 yards.

Schwartz bounced back from a tough Preseason Week 1 showing, when he was shut out on three targets with a drop. He made one tough catch in traffic Thursday, holding onto the ball after getting hit. Cleveland coaches gave the 2021 third-round draft pick a lot of chances to improve his roster status. Schwartz is in danger of losing a spot, particularly with the surprising play from free agent Austin Watkins.

Watkins caught seven of 14 targets for a team-high 139 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Watkins, a free agent added to the preseason roster days before the Browns set out for the Greenbriar to open training camp, has been the team's best receiver through three preseason games (including the Hall of Fame Game). The former USFL pass catcher has significantly outplayed both David Bell and Anthony Schwartz -- both draft picks -- and is getting reps with injuries to Marquise Goodwin (illness), Elijah Moore (ribs) and Jaelon Darden (leg). Added to that list is Jakeem Grant, who has yet to play in a game as he's being brought back slowly from an Achilles injury. There's still some time left in camp for roster tinkering, but Watkins' turn as the preseason star among the wideout group has improved his chances.

Jackson worked with the first-team offense at times in Thursday's joint practices with Tennessee, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Jackson appears back to full speed after suffering a knee injury early in training camp. He's getting time with the first and second units with Jordan Addison sidelined with a concussion. Jackson has had an impressive camp and is making a strong case to win a final spot on the roster, but it's still more likely he ends up on the practice squad.

Bell secured one of two targets for seven yards in the Browns' 18-18 tie with the Eagles on Thursday night.

Bell recorded his one catch on Cleveland's opening drive, and his production represented a notable downturn from the 3-33-1 line he generated versus the Commanders during the Browns' second preseason game this past Saturday. The 2022 third-round pick was outperformed Thursday by multiple competitors for a reserve receiver role, so the team's road preseason finale against the Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 26 is likely to be critical for Bell's fortunes.