NFL Player News

Nick Kosmider of The Athletic calls Sutton the "best player on the Broncos offense right now."

Kosmider mentions this in the context of the attention being paid to promising first-rounder Jerry Jeudy, whose presence should help open things up for Sutton, who was targeted an average of 9.3 times over the course of his final three games in 2019. With an offseason that won't include any preseason action, Sutton's pre-existing chemistry with Drew Lock "figures to be something (the second-year signal-caller) will lean on heavily at the start of the season." Sutton logged a 72/1,112/6 stat line last year, numbers he appears poised to match or exceed, with an improved team context (in terms of QB play and added offensive weapons) in mind.

Patrick (undisclosed) returned to practice Friday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Patrick was absent Monday through Thursday but will suit up to close out the week. He's competing for the No. 3 receiver job, with DaeSean Hamilton and KJ Hamler (hamstring) being the other candidates. Hamler hasn't been able to practice for the past week and a half, and it isn't clear if he'll be available for Week 1.

Peoples-Jones left Thursday's practice early accompanied by trainers, Mary Kay Cabot and Joshua Gunter of the Cleveland Plain Dealer report.

Peoples-Jones had flashed earlier in practice when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum. He somersaulted into the end zone when shoved from behind by cornerback Robert Jackson and left the field shortly thereafter. The Browns did not list an injury to the receiver on their post-practice media notes, and he is believed to be fine.

Davis had a day of good work in Thursday's live scrimmage, accounting for six receptions, three of which went for first downs, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The fourth-rounder out of Central Florida has the size (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) that the Bills have been looking for. He's also had an excellent camp and is starting to look like a lock to make the team. Davis is probably considered fourth in the current wideout pecking order at the present time behind Stefon Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley.

Coulter (neck) has displayed standout speed and fluidity at training camp, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

The rookie fifth-round pick has been managing a strained neck throughout training camp and the Texans have taken a cautious approach to his recovery, but Coulter has flashed when on the field. The Rhode Island product will likely require patience to polish his route-running abilities, but he'll have the benefit of time to develop behind Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb and Kenny Stills.

San Francisco signed Cracraft to a contract Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Cracraft will get a shot to earn a depth role for the 49ers, with Deebo Samuel (foot) and Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) both nursing injuries and not guaranteed to be available Week 1. The 25-year-old contributed as a return man for the Broncos back in 2018, so his versatility could come into play in San Francisco.

Powell (undisclosed) was a non-participant during Thursday's practice session, Jason Butt of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The former Lion is in competition with rookie Chris Rowland for the role of Falcons return man, but his bid for that spot has been paused by a minor injury suffered during Wednesday's practice. Coach Dan Quinn described the issue as being nothing of great concern, so the hope is that Powell can return to the field in short order and resume his push for a roster spot. Though Atlanta remains deep at his offensive position of wide receiver, Powell is very much in the mix to reserve a roster slot by way of his returning abilities.

The Giants waived Brown on Thursday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Brown spent time with the Browns earlier this offseason, and he'll now look for a chance to latch on with a third franchise. The undrafted rookie had 56 catches for 707 yards and five touchdowns for Colorado in 2019.

Pringle is in the lead for a starting gunner spot on special teams, Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest reports.

Pringle's contributions on special teams could be a key factor in landing him a roster spot for the Chiefs yet again as wide receiver depth. Based on his positioning as a starting gunner, he looks to be in a good spot to keep a job on the 53-man roster.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been throwing to Arcega-Whiteside on a regular basis during training camp, Mike Kaye of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Arcega-Whiteside apparently had another busy practice Thursday, after making a strong impression in the red zone the day prior. Eagles beat reporters seem to be in agreement that the second-year pro has taken a step forward since his brutal rookie season, but it sounds like Jalen Reagor, DeSean Jackson and some of the wideouts further down the depth chart also have been playing well. Meanwhile, Alshon Jeffery (foot) figures to miss at least the first few games of the season, potentially leaving JJAW as the only big-bodied wideout on the team. That won't necessarily equate to a top-three role, but it's at least looking like a possibility.