NFL Player News

The Lions signed Alexander to the practice squad Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the team's official site reports.

Alexander showed promise in the return game this preseason, and he also logged seven catches for 49 yards while appearing in all three exhibition contests for Detroit. Now, Alexander gets a chance to continue developing with the team.

Shepherd was signed to the Broncos' practice squad Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Shepherd originally joined the team in early August as an undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State, but he was subsequently waived. Denver opted to keep the rookie in the organization with a spot on the practice squad, but Shepherd's unlikely to be elevated to the main roster in 2022.

As the upcoming season approaches, Crowder is listed behind Isaiah McKenzie on the Bills' posted unofficial depth chart.

Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis are the team's clear-cut top options out wide, but the slot role previously handled by Cole Beasley figures to be largely handled by some combo of McKenzie and Crowder. With McKenzie having been touted this summer as the favorite to claim the biggest portion of the team's slot assignment, Crowder may not have a path to steady targets out the gate this season, but if injuries hit the Bills' receiving corps, the 29-year-old could well find himself back on the PPR radar.

Hinton was signed to the Broncos' practice squad Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Hinton failed to make the 53-man roster in 2022 after playing in 16 games for Denver last season, but he'll remain part of the organization after going unclaimed on waivers. The 25-year-old wide receiver could be the next man up should injuries strike Denver's receiving corps during the season.

General manager Joe Schoen said Thursday he expects Toney (leg) to suit up Week 1 against the Titans, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Toney spent most of August dealing with a right leg injury, and he underwent minor knee surgery earlier this offseason, but it appears that the Giants still anticipate him being available for the regular season-opener. As long as he can get back to full health, Toney will have an opportunity to establish himself as one of Daniel Jones' top targets in a receiver room that also includes Kenny Golladay, Wan'Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard (Achilles).

Thomas (hamstring) is expected to start Week 1 at Atlanta, Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

Thomas has missed roughly two weeks of practices due to a lingering hamstring injury, but it doesn't appear that his availability for the regular-season opener is in legitimate danger. The bigger unknown is whether the 29-year-old Thomas, who missed the entire 2021 season due to a left ankle injury, will be back to 100 percent health and ready to handle a full workload Week 1. It will do a fair amount to alleviate concern if Thomas can resume practicing without restrictions ahead of the Sept. 11 regular-season opener. Thomas will be joined by Jarvis Landry and rookie first-rounder Chris Olave in three-wide sets as he establishes chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston.

Harley was signed to the Browns' practice squad Wednesday.

The Browns were happy to see Harley clear waivers, as he enjoyed a strong camp as both a wide receiver and return man. The 24-year-old Harley could be elevated to the main roster later in the season if Cleveland's in need of depth on offense or a spark on special teams.

Lassiter signed with the Bengals' practice squad Wednesday.

Lassiter will stay in the organization after being waived Tuesday. He originally joined the Bengals in May as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Kansas.

Irwin signed with the Bengals' practice squad Wednesday.

Irwin played in seven games for the Bengals last season but failed to make the team in 2022. The 26-year-old wide receiver went unclaimed on waivers and will instead bide his time on Cincinnati's practice squad in hopes of getting elevated to the 53-man roster at some point.

Webster was signed to the Bears' practice squad Wednesday, Larry Mayer of the team's official site reports.

Webster was among 14 players to join Chicago's practice squad Wednesday, leaving the Bears with two more spots. The former Eastern Washington receiver had been waived by the Bears on Tuesday.