NFL Player News

The Bengals are hoping to agree to an extension with Higgins prior to the start of the 2023 regular season, James Rapien of SI.com reports.

Extending Higgins is viewed as a greater priority than doing so with DJ Reader or Chidobe Awuzie. The Bengals still are hoping to go into this season with long-term contracts in place for both Joe Burrow (calf) and Higgins. The Burrow-to-Higgins connection has been among the NFL's most effective since the quarterback and receiver came into the league in 2020, as Higgins has compiled 3,028 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.

Thornton (undisclosed) saw his most extensive practice reps of the summer on Sunday, Paul Perillo of the Patriots' official site reports.

While Thornton reportedly has had a quiet training camp thus far, the 2022 second-grounder's speed does give him the ability to provide the Patriots offense with an outside deep threat. That said, it remains to be seen if the Baylor product will see steady volume out of the gate this coming season. Also in the mix for WR targets are JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne, while the team's top TE combo of Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki also figure to see their share of looks from QB Mac Jones.

Johnson was waived by the Vikings on Monday.

Johnson joined Minnesota on April 30 after going undrafted out of Southeastern Louisiana. The 23-year-old was a quarterback in college but he was working to make the transition to wide receiver during training camp. He'll now try to find an opportunity with another team.

Copeland signed a contract with the Vikings on Monday.

Copeland started the offseason with the Titans after going undrafted out of Maryland. However, the 24-year-old was waived by the team in August. He'll now work to make the most of his new opportunity in Minnesota.

McLaurin told reporters last week that he has a "nuanced connection" with QB Sam Howell, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

The report notes that Howell has been spreading the ball around in training camp rather than heavily focusing on his top receiver, but it sounds like he and McLaurin nonetheless have developed a strong working relationship. While that doesn't necessarily mean Howell will be able to elevate McLaurin beyond the WR2 range where he's lingered in fantasy throughout his career, there's at least some theoretical upside now that the team is giving a young QB a chance instead of relying on a veteran who is proven to be no better than mediocre. The WR group looks like the strength of Washington's offense, with McLaurin joined by 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson and veteran slot man Curtis Samuel. The tackle spots also appear in good hands between LT Charles Leno and RT Andrew Wylie, while potential problem areas (besides QB) include the interior line and tight ends.

Kirklin signed a contract with the Saints on Sunday.

Kirklin joined the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2022 campaign but was unable to remain with the club for the start of the regular season. He'll now attempt to compete for a roster spot with New Orleans over the next few weeks.

Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday that Young is considered day-to-day due to a hip/abdomen injury, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Young had a limited role for the Seahawks in 2022, securing both of his targets for 24 yards. It's unclear whether his injury in camp will prevent him from suiting up for Thursday's preseason opener against the Vikings.

Speaking to NFL Network on Friday, Chase encouraged teammate Joe Burrow to fully recover from his calf injury, even if it means missing Week 1, Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com reports. Chase elaborated: "I 100 percent mean that. I just want him to be 100 percent healthy to play. I don't want him rushing nothing. I don't want people in his ear telling him to play at a certain time. I just want him to be healthy."

Chase has his own experience recovering from an injury and taking the extra week after being technically cleared to play. He took one extra week to rest when the Bengals played the Titans (and they won anyway) in Week 12 last season in order to allow him to be 100 percent down the stretch.

Harry signed a contract with the Vikings on Sunday.

Harry spent last season with the Bears but was hampered by a high-ankle sprain that delayed the start of his season. He ultimately appeared in seven games, recording seven catches on nine targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. A first-round selection by the Patriots in 2019, Harry has yet to solidify his potential in the NFL. He'll now work to do so with the Vikings.

Davis signed a contract with the Lions on Saturday.

Davis went undrafted out of Notre Dame after suffering a torn ACL in each of his knees in subsequent years to close out his time in college. He'll now work to earn a depth role in Detroit's receiving corps.