NFL Player News

Flowers didn't officially draw a target and rushed once for one yard in the Ravens' 20-19 preseason win over the Eagles on Saturday night.

Flowers' quiet stat line is a bit deceiving, as the rookie first-round pick helped draw illegal use of hands and defensive holding penalties over a three-play sequence that straddled the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second. Flowers was also guilty of a flag in his own right, getting whistled for a false start on the Ravens' first offensive play. A mixed bag of a debut now behind him, Flowers will aim to get on the stat sheet as a receiver for the first time when Baltimore tangles with the Commanders on Monday night, Aug. 21 in its second preseason game.

Coach Nick Sirianni said Watkins didn't play in Saturday's 20-19 preseason loss at Baltimore due to a hamstring injury, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

While A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were among Eagles starting offensive players that were DNPs, Watkins' absence was due to a health concern along with Britain Covey (hamstring) and Deon Cain (ankle). Greg Ward did see the field Saturday but made an early exit due to cramps. Watkins seems secure in his role as Philadelphia's No. 3 WR, but the current issue could allow newcomer Olamide Zaccheaus to make inroads on the job.

Pittman (hip) had one reception (three targets) for nine yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Bills.

Pittman was dealing with a hip injury during camp, so his availability for Saturday's tilt bodes well for his health heading into the regular season. The 25-year-old will be a starter for the Colts this season, but it is still unclear who will be throwing him the ball (which could affect his fantasy value). Rookie Anthony Richardson started Saturday's game, but he made a couple rookie mistakes including an interception. Veteran Gardner Minshew might be the preferred starter for those investing in Pittman, as his production is easier to project week-to-week compared to a 21-year-old raw prospect.

Ward was forced out of Saturday's contest with the Ravens early with leg cramps, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

Ward appears to have avoided a significant injury, exiting the game after making five catches for 53 yards. The wide receiver is entering his seventh season with the Eagles, looking to crack the active roster as a depth option behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Williams isn't on pace to play in Saturday's preseason contest versus the Rams, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

The Chargers will keep Williams, Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer (undisclosed) and John Hightower on the sideline for their exhibition opener. With Jalen Guyton (knee) on the active/PUP list, the team's available wide receivers are Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis and Keelan Doss, among others. Williams' next opportunity for game action will happen Sunday, Aug. 20 against the Saints.

Allen isn't slated to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Rams, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

The Chargers will keep Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer (undisclosed) and John Hightower on the sideline for their exhibition opener. With Jalen Guyton (knee) on the active/PUP list, the team's available wide receivers are Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis and Keelan Doss, among others. Allen's next chance for game action will occur Sunday, Aug. 20 versus the Saints.

Ridley caught both of his targets for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Cowboys.

Ridley made his first appearance in an NFL game since Week 7 of the 2021 season, back when he was still a member of the Atlanta Falcons. The 2018 first-round pick looked refreshed after the lengthy, non-injury related layoff, catching both targets from his new quarterback Trevor Lawrence before exiting with the rest of the starters. Ridley's talent is unquestioned, and he appears to be happy in Jacksonville, so the 26-year-old could be in store for a nice bounce-back season. The last time Ridley played a full year in the NFL, he posted a 90/1,374/9 receiving line with the Falcons in 2020.

Beasley caught all four of his targets for 33 yards in Friday's exhibition loss to the Lions.

The Giants rested most of their starters for the preseason opener, so Beasley's presence may have been an indication that he still needs to earn a roster spot. On the other hand, the veteran wideout made the most of his time on the field, leading the team with four catches on his 10 snaps. His longest reception was an 18-yard gain on a pass from Tommy DeVito on the final drive of the first quarter. Beasley excelled under head coach Brian Daboll when both were in Buffalo, and he could be more than just an afterthought if he makes New York's 53-man roster given the unsettled pecking order in the team's receiver room.

Marshall wasn't targeted in Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets.

Marshall didn't start the game but checked in on the team's second possession while starting quarterback Bryce Young was still in the game. While Marshall didn't gain any ground on Adam Thielen, DJ Chark or rookie second-round pick Jonathan Mingo for a potential starting spot, none of those receivers posted multiple catches in this game, so Marshall could still make a push for a larger role with a strong performance against the Giants in Carolina's second preseason game.

Thielen caught his only target for eight yards in Saturday's 27-0 preseason loss to the Jets.

Thielen started the game along with DJ Chark and rookie Jonathan Mingo at wide receiver, but those three and fellow wideout Terrace Marshall combined for just two catches across the three drives they spent in the game alongside rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Things didn't get any better for Carolina's offense after the backups came in. Thielen has a chance to emerge as Young's top target in Carolina's remade passing game. The veteran wide receiver's embarking on his first season with the Panthers after spending nine years in Minnesota.