NFL Player News

Skowronek (back) caught two of three targets for seven yards during Saturday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Chargers.

The third-year Rams wideout suffered a few health concerns during the preseason with both back and foot injuries, but he was able to play nearly half of the team's offensive snaps and showed no signs of rust in snaring a pair of passes in the contest. Skowronek's do-it-all role for the Rams appears to be intact, but with Puka Nacua impressing early and often during both training camp and Saturday's contest (3-32-1 on five targets) and Tutu Atwell also seemingly looking at an expanded role, how often the Rams utilize the versatile trio of receivers immediately behind starters Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson will be something to keep an eye on through the rest of the preseason.

Robinson caught his only target for nine yards during Saturday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Chargers.

Despite a strong training camp, Robinson was targeted only once on 29 snaps and took a backseat to breakout performances from Puka Nacua (3-32-1) and Tyler Johnson (5-70-0). While Nacua seems to have secured a roster spot, Johnson's and Robinson's positions are more tenuous, which may give more weight to preseason performances from both players. The 28-year-old veteran will have another opportunity to showcase his talents Saturday, Aug. 19 against the Raiders.

Johnson secured five of seven targets for 70 yards during the Rams' 34-17 preseason loss to the Chargers on Saturday.

A breakout performance in the preseason doesn't always translate to success in the regular season; just ask 2022 Rams preseason darling Lance McCutcheon. But it does help move the needle above fellow wideouts who may be on the roster bubble, and Johnson impressed with a pair of lengthy catches, including a team-high 34-yard scamper on a slant route, and led the team in catches, targets and yardage. With Cooper Kupp (hamstring), Van Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Tutu Atwell and Ben Skowronek all likely to make the initial 53-man roster, Johnson and fellow free-agent signing DeMarcus Robinson are in a pack with McCutcheon, Austin Trammel and Xavier Smith, among others, for likely two remaining roster spots, as the Rams kept seven wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster in 2022.

Tucker had one reception (three targets) for three yards and one carry for three yards in Sunday's 34-7 preseason win over San Francisco.

Tucker didn't get to put his wheels on display, but he was able to show off his dual-threat ability on a jet sweep attempt. The third-round rookie is looking to make the team as a gadget wideout and return man. Tucker will look to have more success with his touches in the Raiders' next preseason matchup against the Rams on Saturday.

Smith caught his only target for a 20-yard gain in Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets.

Smith's reception came during the fourth quarter while playing with quarterback Matt Corral. Amid many offseason additions on offense, Smith is among those competing for a roster spot behind veterans Adam Thielen and DJ Chark this season.

Chark caught one of two targets for five yards in Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets.

Chark's targets both came from rookie No. 1 pick Bryce Young on Carolina's opening drive of the game. The veteran is anticipated to start alongside fellow offseason signing Adam Thielen in a new-look Panthers passing attack that also includes second-rounder Jonathan Mingo and tight end Hayden Hurst.

Coach Sean McVay said Sunday that it's "more likely than not" that Kupp (hamstring) doesn't participate in joint practices with the Raiders this week, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

The Rams initially hoped that Kupp would be back on the field for the joint practices with Las Vegas this week, but McVay said that it's more realistic that the receiver returns the following week. Even if he takes an extra week to recover, Kupp will have a few weeks to practice with the team before the Rams' regular-season opener in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Thomas caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 26-24 preseason win over the Chiefs.

Thomas hadn't played since Week 3 of last season but was involved early on, garnering both of his targets on New Orleans' 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to begin the game. With fellow wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Tre'Quan Smith both dealing with slight groin issues, Thomas currently faces less competition for looks from new quarterback Derek Carr, but with him playing merely 10 games over the last three seasons, the Saints figure to be careful with Thomas' preseason workload.

Rice caught three of four targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 26-24 preseason loss to the Saints.

Rice's first catch came from Blaine Gabbert on Kansas City's second drive of the game. Although only Nikko Remigio made more receptions for the Chiefs than Rice, the rookie second-rounder dropped a pass and committed a false start during his time on the field. With Kadarius Toney (knee) likely sidelined for the preseason, Rice will strive to eliminate mistakes and continue pushing for more action in next Sunday's exhibition contest versus the Cardinals.

Moore started but was not targeted in limited action during Sunday's 26-24 preseason-opening loss to the Saints.

Moore began the game alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson in Kansas City's first-team offense. However, with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes featuring for just one drive, Moore too was withdrawn early on, allowing rookie Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross more opportunities. Coming off just 22 catches last season, Moore -- a 2022 second-rounder -- could grow in importance in the buildup to the upcoming campaign, as fellow wideout Kadarius Toney (knee) is likely out for the preseason.