NFL Player News

Edwards is positioned to secure a starting role opposite fellow receiver Henry Ruggs after the Raiders granted John Brown's request to be released Tuesday, as NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Edwards appears to have won the starting spot without much legitimate competition from the aforementioned Brown, as the former was never asked to play a preseason snap while Raiders coach Jon Gruden kept much of the first-team offense sidelined. Edwards profiles as the team's primary "X" receiver across from Ruggs, which should allow the South Carolina product to compete with tight end Darren Waller for red-zone targets as well.

The Eagles signed Hightower to the practice squad Wednesday, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hightower, a 2020 fifth-round pick, appeared in 13 games for Philadelphia as a rookie but wasn't very effective in his opportunities. He will turn his attention toward progressing in his development with the team, with the potential to secure a depth role in the future.

The Dolphins signed Merritt to the practice squad Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Merritt never had a realistic chance to secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster given Miami's considerable depth at wide receiver, but the second-year pro will get to continue his development with the team. As a rookie in 2020, Merritt appeared in one game for the Dolphins.

Kinsey agreed to terms to join the Titans' practice squad Wednesday, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Kinsey originally signed with the Titans after the 2020 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Since, he also landed on the Patriots' practice squad for parts of his first professional season. Kinsey signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans this offseason, and he will now look for a chance to make his NFL debut with the team at some point this season.

Fitzpatrick re-joined the Titans and is now a member of the team's practice squad, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Fitzpatrick was something of a surprise cut given that the team used a fourth-round pick to select him in the 2021 NFL Draft. He didn't do a ton to impress the team in the preseason, though he did manage a 23-yard touchdown catch in the team's second exhibition. Fitzpatrick will now stick with the team as a member of the practice squad, and he could be promoted if the team faces injury among its wide receiver corps.

McKenzie was back at practice Wednesday in a non-contact capacity after missing time with a shoulder injury, Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News reports.

McKenzie enters the season as the team's clear top return man. With fellow speedster Marquez Stevenson on injured reserve with a head injury, McKenzie's ability to suit up for at least the first three weeks of the season takes on added importance for the Bills.

Johnson was signed to the Eagles' practice squad Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

The 2019 sixth-round pick spent camp with the Cardinals but was let go Monday, and he'll now receive a look with the Eagles. Johnson appeared in 18 games for Arizona over the past two seasons and caught 36 passes for 360 yards and one touchdown.

Pettis was waived by the Giants on Wednesday, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Pettis finished last season on New York's active roster but was unable to retain his spot for 2021. The 2018 second-round pick could end up on the practice squad if he's unable to latch on elsewhere.

Irwin was waived by the Bengals on Wednesday.

Irwin has appeared in one game for Cincinnati in each of the past two seasons and was unable to nab a spot on the initial 53-man roster.

Nixon was signed to the Patriots' practice squad Wednesday, Andrew Callahan of Boston Herald reports.

Nixon was cut Wednesday by New England but will remain with the organization on the practice squad. The rookie seventh-round pick will hope to make his way to the 53-man roster at some point for his NFL debut.