NFL Player News

London (knee) is not slated to play in Monday's preseason contest against the Jets, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The report notes that the knee injury London sustained in the Falcons' preseason opener is not serious, but the rookie wideout is slated to be held out Monday for precautionary reasons. London's next chance to see game action will arrive in the team's preseason finale this coming Saturday against the Jaguars.

Gage (leg) isn't practicing Monday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Gage missed the first two weeks of the preseason and isn't looking good for Tampa's final exhibition this Saturday against Indianapolis. He hasn't practiced since Aug. 10, when he limped off the field during a scrimmage with the Dolphins.

Hardman (groin) is returning to practice Monday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Hardman left practice last Wednesday and was held out of a preseason game against the Commanders on Saturday. With JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) also unavailable, the Chiefs used Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson as their starting wideouts, with rookie Skyy Moore coming on as the No. 3. The week before in the preseason opener, Hardman worked as the No. 3 with the starters while Moore played with the backups.

Merritt lined up in the backfield for several snaps Sunday, John DeShazier of the team's official website reports.

After spending the majority of the 2021 campaign on the Dolphins' practice squad, Merritt joined the Saints in January. It appears as if the team is considering using him in a hybrid role, affording him reps at both running back and wide receiver.

Godwin (knee) took a step forward Monday, participating in 11-on-11 drills with a non-contact jersey, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

While he won't play in any preseason games, Godwin seemingly has a shot to be cleared for contact before Week 1. At that point, the Bucs would assess him in practice to determine if he's game ready, with the team set to kick off its season Sunday, Sept. 11 against Dallas. It's possible Godwin plays but on a reduced snap count, especially after the Bucs added Julio Jones to give them a fourth starting-caliber wide receiver in addition to Godwin, Mike Evans and Russell Gage (leg).

Palmer is in the concussion protocol, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Palmer presumably got hurt during Saturday's preseason game, in which he toasted the Cowboys for 3-75-1 on four targets. He looks to be ahead of Jalen Guyton in the competition for the No. 3 receiver spot, though it's possible both guys play some behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. With his concussion occurring 22 days before a Week 1 matchup with Las Vegas, the second-year wideout should have enough time to make his way through the NFL's concussion protocol.

Anderson (quadriceps) isn't practicing Monday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Anderson made a brief appearance in Carolina's preseason opener before sitting out the second game. It sounds like the team will play some starters in the preseason finale this Friday against the Bills, including QB Baker Mayfield, but Anderson won't necessarily be ready for the contest. After that, Anderson still would have more than two weeks to prepare for a Week 1 home game against the Browns.

Evans (hamstring) was a full practice participant Monday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Evans seems to be back at full strength after missing two weeks of practice. He does have a history of hamstring injuries, but he's typically recovered well with rest and has missed only seven games total in eight seasons while topping 1,000 yards each year.

Marshall (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Marshall missed the Panthers' first two preseason games, while Rashard Higgins caught five of six targets for 33 yards and a touchdown. Marshall, Higgins and Brandon Zylstra seem to be competing for the No. 3 receiver job behind DJ Moore (shoulder) and Robbie Anderson (quadriceps), both of whom also have dealt with minor injuries this summer.

Austin (foot) said Monday that he's "feeling great" and is just "waiting for coach [Mike] Tomlin's word" to return to practice, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

It sounds like the rookie hopes to play in Pittsburgh's preseason finale Sunday against Detroit after missing the first two exhibitions. Austin isn't likely to get many snaps Week 1 but still could make a bid for the No. 4 receiver spot behind Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and George Pickens.