NFL Player News

Mickens could have an inside track to the Buccaneers' currently vacant returner jobs, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. "We've got Mickens here," said special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong. "I like Mickens because he has some gameday experience. I think again, going into this season, the more vets on the field the better. But, I like what I'm seeing with Mickens right now."

The 26-year-old wideout would undoubtedly have a difficult time cracking the active roster solely as a receiver, but his past experience returning both kickoffs and punts could certainly pave a path for surviving final cuts. Mickens compiled 169 kick-return yards and a touchdown while adding 346 yards on punt runbacks over the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Jaguars, particularly standing out in the latter category with an outstanding average of 8.9 yards per return. Mickens also does have six career receptions -- two which went for touchdowns -- on his resume, with all coming during his 2017 rookie campaign. Based on prior comments from the coaching staff, Mickens' primary competition for return duties could include 2020 draft picks Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Antoine Winfield, with the latter having recorded a return touchdown during his college days at the University of Minnesota.

Wilson spent extra time working out with Dak Prescott in the offseason and has put together an impressive camp to date, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

A sixth-round pick in 2018, Wilson has good size and athleticism but hasn't yet been consistently healthy enough to make any kind of impact for the Cowboys. Even if he avoids further injuries, there aren't likely to be a lot of targets available in an offense that already needs to account for Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, 2020 first-round pick CeeDee Lamb and Ezekiel Elliott, but Wilson at least seems to be locking down the No. 4 spot on the wide receiver depth chart.

Lamb has lined up both outside and in the slot during camp and has looked comfortable in all formations, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore seems intent on finding ways to get the ball into the rookie's hands, as Lamb has been used on jet sweeps and reverses as well. It remains to be seen how big a workload Lamb can carve out working behind established options Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup this season, but he has the talent to make an impact on a per-touch basis even if he doesn't get a lot of volume.

Diggs will miss Thursday's practice while tending to soreness in his lower back, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News reports.

Based on the initial reports, this sounds like a day-to-day injury. We'll start to have cause for concern if Diggs doesn't return to practice at some point next week. He's the clear favorite to lead his new team in targets, playing in a Bills offense that finished last season t-24th in pass attempts (513) and 20th in yards per attempt (6.8). The hope in Buffalo is that Diggs' presence, along with continued growth from third-year QB Josh Allen, can elevate the passing game to league-average or better.

Reagor appears ready for a "significant role" in the Eagles offense, according to Les Bowen of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The first-round pick has made a strong impression on local beat reporters, with Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia and Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer both supporting Bowen's assessment of Reagor emerging as a Day 1 contributor. That doesn't necessarily mean the rookie will have an every-down role in September, but it's at least within his range of possibilities, as there's no other obvious candidate for the starting job across from DeSean Jackson. Reports do suggest that J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and a few other wide receivers have looked good in camp, so it's possible the Eagles try to find playing time for four or five guys Week 1 at Washington. Most of the fantasy appeal lies with Jackson and Reagor.

Houston offensive coordinator Tim Kelly attributed the chemistry Cooks has with quarterback Deshaun Watson to their offseason work together.

"First of all, I think they got some work together this offseason by themselves. That just goes to show the type of pros both those two. In their quote-unquote off time they made sure they were able to link up and get some work throwing," said Kelly. The offensive coordinator also mentioned Cooks' active participation in meetings. Cooks is expected to start opposite Will Fuller when the Texans open the season against the Chiefs.

Godwin returned to practice Thursday morning, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Godwin was held out the previous two days, albeit with no report of an injury. Absent any further updates, he should be ready for his usual every-down role and steady target volume Week 1 in New Orleans.

Wims has repeatedly beaten defensive backs for long receptions during training camp, Adam Jahns of The Athletic reports.

With Allen Robinson (ankle) missing practice time, both Wims and Riley Ridley have been competing for a regular role in the receiver rotation. Although Ridley has also made a number of impressive plays, Wims has done so more frequently this month. Even though Ted Ginn is currently penciled in as the No. 3 receiver, if Wims keeps showing signs of a third-year breakout, he could begin to push for that job. For fantasy managers, he's a player to monitor as a potential waiver-wire add.

The Panthers signed Stewart to a contract Wednesday, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.

Stewart was let go by the Packers in mid-August after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State. In his career with the Spartans, the 24-year-old racked up 150 receptions for 1,640 yards with seven touchdowns. He'll look to earn a depth or a practice squad roster spot for the 2020 season.

Zaccheaus (undisclosed) missed Wednesday's practice, Tori McElhaney of The Athletic reports.

The specifics of the absence remains unclear, however, it's serious enough for the wideout to miss valuable practice reps. Zaccheaus made a slight impact coming into the league last season as an undrafted free agent, catching three of five targets for 115 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. As for the injury, it's unclear when Zaccheaus will return to the practice field.