NFL Player News

Harry (leg) hasn't practiced fully since getting banged up in the Patriots' Aug. 8 preseason opener, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

The first-rounder is obviously part of the Patriots' long-term plans, but he'll need to step up the pace in practice in a hurry to earn much of an early season role, especially with Julian Edelman back from a thumb injury and Josh Gordon having been reinstated from his suspension.

Shepard (thumb) is in line to be ready for the Giants' Week 1 visit to Dallas, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

After fracturing the tip of his left thumb in the Giants' second practice of training camp, Shepard missed the entire preseason, as expected. By the time preparation for the regular-season opener starts after Labor Day weekend, he'll have more than two weeks of contact reps under his belt, backing up Raanan's contention that Shepard will be one of Eli Manning's primary weapons in the passing attack Week 1.

Coach Sean McDermott said Foster has been tending to a toe injury that he suffered during the offseason program, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

The issue hasn't kept Foster off the field in training camp or preseason games. That said, he's been relegated to reserve units, totaling one catch (on four targets) for 14 yards in the first exhibition before being blanked on just 13 snaps on offense and 17 on special teams in the next two games. His inability to regain full health has taken a toll on his standing in the receiving corps, which is headed by John Brown, Cole Beasley and Zay Jones. On the other hand, perhaps biding his time will help Foster emerge as a viable option in the second half of 2019, like he did last season.

Lazard was placed in the league's concussion protocol Sunday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Lazard suffered the injury during Thursday's preseason game against the Raiders, and it was originally diagnosed as a shoulder injury. The second-year receiver will have to clear protocol before he's allowed to rejoin the team for practice and games.

The Cardinals placed Butler (hand) on injured reserve Sunday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Butler was in a precarious spot before being diagnosed with an avulsion fracture early last week. Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk are locked into the top two spots at wide receiver for the Cardinals; fellow rookies Andy Isabella and KeeSean Johnson looked far more comfortable in the offense; and holdover Trent Sherfield picked up where he left off from the second half of last season. The final nail in Butler's coffin was the injury, which was followed by the signing of veteran wideout Michael Crabtree. Because Butler landed on IR before Week 1, he'll remain there for the entirety of his rookie campaign.

Dortch caught his lone target for seven yards and returned three punts for 28 yards in Saturday's 28-13 preseason loss to the Saints.

Dortch is still clinging to the top punt returner job, which would be the undrafted wide receiver's ticket to a roster spot.

Smith has been targeted three times while featuring in two of the Panthers' three preseason contests so far.

Smith sat out Carolina's opening exhibition tilt, but featured sparingly both of the team's past two outings. Although he wasn't targeted in Thursday night's game against the Patriots, he drew three looks against the Bills the week prior. Now, the veteran couldn't haul in any of those looks, but he's at least seen some action ahead of the regular season, when he should serve as either the Panthers' fourth or fifth receiver, depending on how pegging between he and Chris Hogan shakes out behind D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel and Jarius Wright.

Crowder caught one of two targets for eight yards in Saturday's 28-13 preseason loss to the Saints.

The starting offense played almost the entire first half, but Crowder didn't get much attention from quarterback Sam Darnold. Crowder and Darnold have by all accounts shown excellent chemistry in practice and connected for a touchdown earlier in the preseason, so the slot receiver's role should expand once the regular season rolls around.

Montgomery rushed eight times for 21 yards and caught all four of his targets for 24 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 28-13 preseason loss to the Saints. He also lost a fumble.

Montgomery fumbled on his first touch but made up for it later with a two-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Ball security has always been an issue for the the converted wide receiver, but Montgomery's versatility should allow him to get some snaps behind starter Le'Veon Bell.

McCloud caught two of four targets for 29 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Lions.

McCloud was the fringe wide receiver making some noise during training camp and the early portion of the preseason, but lately we've been hearing more about Isaiah McKenzie and Duke Williams, each of whom scored Friday. If the Bills keep six receivers, it's probably going to come down to those three guys for one spot, though it'd be two spots if the Bills go the surprise route and don't choose Robert Foster, who's had a a poor summer and might be slightly banged up. Assuming the Bills stick with Foster, it looks like a true toss-up between McCloud, McKenzie and Williams.