NFL Player News

Williams brought in one of three targets for 16 yards in the Commanders' 20-7 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.

The rookie third-round pick has been impressing in camp and even receiving some limited first-team reps, so his busy and productive night Friday relative to playing time wasn't surprising. Williams outperformed Luke McCaffrey (zero catches on two targets), who's directly above him on the Commanders' unofficial depth chart, against the Dolphins, and it remains to be seen if the Clemson product can keep pushing his veteran teammate in Washington's second preseason game on the road against the Lions on Saturday, Aug. 22.

McCaffrey failed to bring in either of his two targets in the Commanders' 20-7 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.

McCaffrey played most of the first half but couldn't corral either of the two passes Sam Hartman directed his way. The 2024 third-round pick, who saw his 2025 campaign cut short by a broken collarbone, is in the midst of a pivotal training camp for his future with the franchise, as there are experienced options beneath him such as Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, Jaylin Lane and Van Jefferson.

Tolbert secured one of three targets for 27 yards in the Dolphins' 20-7 preseason loss to the Commanders on Friday.

Tolbert, who currently slots in as the No. 2 receiver on the Dolphins' unofficial depth chart, made his one reception on Miami's second drive of the night after Quinn Ewers had replaced Malik Willis under center. Tolbert showed some promise two seasons ago with the Cowboys when he posted a career-best 49-610-7 line on 79 targets over 17 regular-season games, but a downturn in 2025 led to his availability this offseason. Tolbert should have a good chance of garnering a meaningful role in his new Miami digs this season if he can continue impressing this summer, given the Dolphins' dearth of proven options at the position.

Washington brought in all three targets for 15 yards in the Dolphins' 20-7 preseason loss to the Commanders on Friday.

The third-year pro's catch total led the Dolphins on the night, as Washington opened the game with the first-team offense and recorded his first two catches, which netted 12 yards, on Miami's first two plays from scrimmage. Washington supplied a career-best 46 receptions in 2025, and he currently heads up Miami's wide-receiver depth chart heading into the Dolphins' second preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22 at home against the Giants.

Douglas secured one of two targets for 28 yards in the Dolphins' 20-7 preseason loss to the Commanders on Friday.

The rookie third-round pick opened the game with the starting offense and was targeted incomplete deep on Malik Willis' third pass attempt of the night. However, Willis went right back to Douglas on his next dropback, and the duo connected for a 28-yard gain on third down to put the ball in Commanders territory. Douglas brings impressive size and speed and has been running with the first-team offense in recent training camp practices, and Friday's cameo certainly continued to buttress his case for a sizable role right out of the gate in his NFL career.

Branch caught two of four targets for six yards and added a three-yard run in Friday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Broncos. He also had a six-yard punt return.

Branch didn't gain much yardage in his NFL debut, but the Falcons made a concerted effort to get the ball into his hands. The speedy Branch is expected to work as a return man on special teams for the Falcons in addition to contributing on offense, where he's battling Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus for depth-chart slotting at wide receiver behind Drake London. Branch will look to strengthen his case for regular-season playing time in Atlanta's second preseason game against the Colts on Aug. 22.

Bryant caught his only target for 15 yards in Friday's 27-7 preseason win over the Falcons.

Bryant's catch came on Denver's first play of the game. It's encouraging to see the 2025 third-round pick getting involved early, as Bryant will have his work cut out for him as he tries to earn playing time in his second NFL campaign. Jaylen Waddle (leg) and Courtland Sutton are locked in as starters at wide receiver, while Bryant will also face competition for targets from Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims (undisclosed) in Denver's WR room.

Franklin caught one of two targets for 23 yards in Friday's 27-7 preseason win over the Falcons.

Franklin's lone reception came on the final play of the first quarter on a pass from Jarrett Stidham, who started at QB while Bo Nix rested. Franklin is competing for the third spot on the wide-receiver depth chart with 2025 third-round pick Pat Bryant and 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims (undisclosed). Jaylen Waddle (leg) and Courtland Sutton are locked in as starters. Franklin had 709 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season, which was second most on the team behind Sutton's 1,017.

Hurst brought in two of six targets for 19 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-16 preseason win over the Jets on Friday.

With Emeka Egbuka (toe), Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan (knee) all sitting out, Hurst worked as the Buccaneers' de facto No. 1 receiver on the night. The rookie third-round pick recorded his first catch for a seven-yard gain on the Buccaneers' second drive, and he added a 12-yard grab on Tampa Bay's third possession. Hurst was also targeted by Connor Bazelak on a goal-line slant on the final ball thrown his way, but the pass was a bit behind him and broken up. Hurst enters his rookie season with elevated expectations after an impressive two-year tenure at the D1 level, and both Godwin and McMillan's recent injury history suggests Hurst could see plenty of opportunity in his first NFL season.

Cooper caught two of three targets for 31 yards in Friday's 24-16 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.

Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams got into the game before Cooper at wide receiver, though Cooper promptly made his first catch of the game on the first play of the Jets' second drive. Cooper is expected to work his way ahead of Williams at some point, but the rookie first-round pick out of Indiana will need to earn his starting spot. Cooper will likely remain involved during the Jets' second preseason game, next Friday against the Steelers.