NFL Player News

Bourne caught one of his two targets for 23 yards in Thursday's 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles.

Per NESN's Zack Cox, Bourne logged 31 snaps in the contest, while Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor "got the starting wideout treatment, playing 15 and 14 snaps, respectively." Cox also noted that the trio look "like sure bets to be the Patriots' top receivers this season." In that context, Bourne could emerge as a fantasy factor in deeper formats, though it must be noted that New England's attack could well feature a run-heavy approach and plenty of two-TE sets, a scenario that could make steady volume hard to come by for any of the team's key wide receivers.

Samuel left Friday's practice early, returning to the sideline as an observer after meeting with a member of the training staff, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

It doesn't sound serious and could be nothing more than cramps. Still, there's a chance Samuel is held out of Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers, especially given his injury struggles last year.

Agholor "got the starting wideout treatment" while logging 14 snaps in Thursday's 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles, NESN's Zack Cox reports.

Meanwhile, Jakobi Meyers was out there for 15 snaps and Kendrick Bourne logged 31. Per Cox, "those three look like sure bets to be the Patriots' top receivers this season." In his projected role as a starter in the team's offense, Agholor is in a good position to earn steady snaps and a share of targets this coming season. While the team's attack could well feature a run-heavy approach and plenty of two-TE sets, Agholor's utility as a deep threat gives him a degree of weekly fantasy upside to accompany a modest floor, given that steady volume could be an issue for the team's key wide receivers.

Cooper will suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the Texans but handle limited reps, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Cooper is only expected to handle 10-12 snaps during his 2021 preseason debut, per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. The Cowboys activated Cooper from the PUP list Aug. 10 and he resumed participating in padded practice during Monday's session. All signs are that his recovery from January ankle surgery continues to progress as planned.

Bowden suffered a hamstring strain during Thursday's practice, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Bowden underwent an MRI to diagnose the full severity of his injury, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, but the tests did not reveal a full tear. While that's good news for Bowden's recovery timetable, it puts the Dolphins in position to make a difficult roster decision. The second-year pro boasts versatility and elusiveness, but there aren't enough depth spots to go around at wide receiver, and hamstring injuries can be tricky to fully shake.

Watkins failed to bring in his only target in the Eagles' 35-0 preseason loss to the Patriots on Thursday night.

Watkins recorded a 79-yard touchdown grab in the Eagles' preseason opener against the Steelers, but he couldn't replicate that success Thursday. The second-year wideout is fighting to move up the Eagles' crowded receiver depth chart, but he'll likely need a strong showing in the preseason finale against the Jets on Friday, Aug. 27 to have a shot at the No. 5 receiver role he's vying for.

Reagor secured one of three targets for five yards in the Eagles' 35-0 preseason loss to the Patriots on Thursday night. He also returned two kickoffs for 37 yards.

Reagor has been drawing rave reviews of late for his work in training camp practices, but he was unable to translate much of that strong play to the field Thursday despite playing a solid chunk of the first half. However, it's worth noting Reagor didn't get a chance to play with Jalen Hurts, who was a late scratch due to an illness Thursday night. Meanwhile, Reagor made more of a contribution in the return game, although it remains to be seen how much work he'll get in that area once the regular season begins.

Harry (undisclosed) was seen leaving Lincoln Financial Field in a sling following Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Harry left the contest late in the first half after laying out in an attempt to make a catch deep down the field. He landed hard on his left shoulder, though the team has yet to provide any information on his status. That Harry was wearing a sling confirms that the injury was to his upper body, though more information should emerge in the coming days.

Smith (knee) secured two of four targets for 19 yards in the Eagles' 35-0 preseason loss to the Patriots on Thursday night.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner just returned to team drills Tuesday after dealing with an MCL sprain and jumped into his first taste of NFL game action just 48 hours later. Smith didn't get an opportunity to work with Jalen Hurts, who was a late scratch due to an illness, but he was still able to benefit from playing with a very experienced signal-caller in Joe Flacco. Given he was able to suit up Thursday, Smith should have a chance to get some playing time with Hurts during the Eagles' preseason finale against the Jets a week from Friday.

Meyers brought in all three targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles on Thursday night.

Half of Meyers' yardage came on a 28-yard first-quarter touchdown grab in conjunction with Cam Newton. Meyers has been impressing throughout camp, and the NC State product appears set for another prominent role in the air attack again this season despite the offseason additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.