NFL Player News

Coutee got starting reps in place of an injured Parris Campbell during Monday's practice and is listed as Campbell's backup on the Colts' initial preseason depth chart, 107.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Given Campbell's frequent injury history, it's worth noting who would get snaps in the slot if he were to get hurt again. Coutee appears to be the leading candidate to win that role, but he could also be getting deference early in camp as a veteran. Ashton Dulin could take over as the third receiver ahead of Coutee if a starter were to get hurt.

Proche has been one of the standouts from the first two weeks of Ravens training camp, building chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson, Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com reports.

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic agrees that Proche has been one of the team's most consistent players, catching passes in "pretty much every area of the field" while running precise routes. It's perhaps a bit of a surprise to hear the 2020 sixth-round pick is having success downfield, considering he ran a 4.63 40-yard dash coming out of SMU, where he was mostly a high-volume possession receiver. Regardless of his exact role, Proche has a nice opportunity entering Year 3 after the Ravens traded away Marquise Brown without acquiring a potential replacement. Receiver jobs are open for the taking behind 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman, with Proche and Devin Duvernay considered the favorites for starting jobs. Duvernay missed a bunch of practice time with a thigh bruise recently, giving Proche more chances, but both now seem to be healthy as the Ravens prepare to begin the preseason.

Aiyuk has made a strong impression on teammates and reporters alike, with safety Jimmie Ward saying the wideout is "taking his game to another level" and ESPN's Nick Wagoner calling him "the team's most consistent offensive performer" at training camp.

Aiyuk certainly won't be the best player in an offense with Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, but it does seem teammates -- including Ward and LB Fred Warner -- expect the 2020 first-round pick to at least approach that level. Warner and Aiyuk made headlines for a couple brawls in training camp, with the linebacker saying afterward that he'd specifically chosen to antagonize the wideout to bring out the best in him. Camp hype aside, Aiyuk is locked in as a starter and should form a three-headed monster with Samuel and Kittle as the lead pass catchers, giving 22-year-old QB Trey Lance all the help he can ask for. Camp reports on Lance have been far less optimistic than those on Aiyuk, and it remains to be seen how much coach Kyle Shanahan trusts his young passer to throw on early downs.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Tuesday that Saunders is dealing with a lower leg strain, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The extent and severity of the issue remains unclear, but any prolonged absence for the former Ohio State product will make it increasingly difficult to land a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Saunders was elevated to the Panthers' active roster for Weeks 16 and 18 last year, catching both of his targets for 11 yards.

Moore was carted off the field after suffering an apparent lower body injury during 1-on-1 drills Tuesday, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Moore reportedly had difficulty putting weight on his right leg. The timing of the injury, especially if it is ultimately deemed significant, is brutal for Chicago's already-thin wide receiver corps. N'Keal Harry is believed to be nursing a high-ankle sprain, while Velus Jones (undisclosed) and Byron Pringle (quadriceps) have also sat out recent practices. As Saturday's preseason opener against Kansas City approaches, the top healthy options behind Darnell Mooney are Equanimeous St. Brown, Dazz Newsome, Dante Pettis and Tajae Sharpe.

Coulter has shown the ability to make downfield catches, Gene Chamberlain of SI.com reports.

Coulter has played in three games in his two years with the Texans and Bears, resulting in 21 offensive snaps. He's shown the speed needed to make big plays, but he hasn't been able to do so on a consistent basis. He may need to show well in preseason games in his battle to earn a roster spot.

Moore has had many dropped passes, both in one-on-one drills as well as in full-squad snaps, Gene Chamberlain of SI.com reports.

After averaging 387 yards and and four touchdowns with the Seahawks between 2018 and 2020, Moore played in just three games (and 23 snaps) with the Broncos and Packers last year. During camp, he's struggled with drops, which will likely put him in a difficult position as he tries to earn a roster spot with the Bears.

Webster's shortcoming with catch radius has been obvious during training camp, Gene Chamberlain of SI.com reports.

Although Webster has made a number of catches in practice, when he catches the ball, he's rarely had a chance to flash the speed that makes him a viable return man. Based on camp reports, it would appear his best chance to make the team would be on special teams. In his three-year career, he's played 360 snaps on special teams, compared to just nine offensive snaps.

Pettis hasn't risen above the Bears' less experienced receivers the way a former second-round pick may be expected to, Gene Chamberlain of SI.com reports.

Pettis hasn't been getting consistent separation against defensive backs with little NFL experience during practices. He's also struggled with occasional drops. Although Pettis had a strong rookie season in 2018, when he posted 467 yards and five touchdowns, he's recorded just 172 yards and four scores in 21 games over the last three seasons. It's likely he'll remain in a battle for one of the last wide receiver spots on the roster.

Higgins is bouncing back from an offseason procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and participated in one-on-one drills for the first time in training camp during Monday's practice, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Per the report, Higgins looked sharp in doing so, but the wideout is still easing his way back into team drills. "There's no reason to rush it. You have to take time with things like this," Higgins noted. "Even if I am back before expected, that's always great, but I'm never going to rush this type of injury." With that in mind, Kelsey Conway of Cincinnati Enquirer suggests that it seems unlikely at this point that Higgins will see any game action during the preseason. On the plus side, the 2020 second-rounder did note that he thinks he will be able to log team reps in practice by the end of training camp. Barring any setbacks, Higgins is in line assume his usual key role in the Bengals offense come Week 1.