NFL Player News

McCaffrey caught each of his five targets for 23 yards in Saturday's preseason loss to Baltimore.

Deebo Samuel and rookie fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane were among the many players rested, while Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (undisclosed injury) remain unavailable for other reasons. There may be an opening for someone unexpected to step up early in the season, but McCaffrey's presence on the field Saturday (and unimpressive preseason overall) suggest it's unlikely to be him. The Commanders have a slew of WRs competing for the final few spots, including veterans Chris Moore, Michael Gallup and K.J. Osborn. McCaffrey, a 2024 third-round pick, has been disappointing so far, but he at least seems to be toward the front of the group, though perhaps not quite a roster lock.

Vele isn't dressed for Saturday's preseason game against Denver, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

He won't face his former team, presumably needing more time to learn a new playbook and otherwise get acclimated after the Saints traded for him Wednesday. Vele presumably is expected to be the team's No. 3 wide receiver at some point, considering the Saints traded a 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round selection to acquire him.

Wade is questionable to return to Saturday's preseason game against the Commanders due to a shoulder injury, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Wade appeared to favor his right shoulder after taking a hit from Antonio Hamilton during the former's 15-yard catch on the first play of the second quarter. Wade will be monitored by trainers on the sidelines to determine the severity of the injury and whether he can return to Saturday's exhibition contest.

McLaurin (contract) won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

McLaurin would be rested for the game even if he'd been active in training camp (rather than sitting out due to an ankle injury and contract dispute). The Commanders cleared him from a health standpoint Aug. 16, removing McLaurin from the PUP list, but it's unclear if he'll start practicing soon and where he stands with his prior trade request. He was present at practice Thursday, but merely as an observer in a hoodie. While he'll presumably need time to ramp up before playing, the larger concern right now is that McLaurin might consider skipping games due to displeasure with his contract. His trade request was widely seen as a sign of frustration, or a negotiating tactic, with reports suggesting the Commanders have no desire to trade him and McLaurin still prefers to stay in Washington (if he can get a contract he's happy with). It's incredibly rare nowadays for a player under contract to skip games, but that's something that needs to be considered at this point, if only as a fringe possibility.

Lane won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

With no injury reported, it's a sign that the Commanders are more interested in keeping Lane healthy than evaluating him further. The rookie fourth-round pick caught three of seven targets for 42 yards this preseason, and while he probably won't be an immediate starter, the uncertainty surrounding Terry McLaurin (contract) and Noah Brown (undisclosed) could free up snaps for Lane in Week 1 against the Giants. Lane may also get work on special teams, considering he had two return TDs in college and then ran a 4.34 40 at the 2025 NFL Combine.

Head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters that Gipson did not play in Friday's preseason game against the Eagles due to a lingering shoulder injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Gipson suffered a shoulder injury during the Jets' second preseason game against the Giants, and that injury lingered throughout the week enough for him to miss the preseason finale. Gipson's path to the 53-man roster is as a returner, but the severity of the injury could factor into whether he's on the Jets' roster for Week 1 against the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Samuel and most other starters won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Samuel made one appearance this preseason, taking a carry for 19 yards. By all accounts, he's been a favorite target of Jayden Daniels this summer, displaying strong chemistry with the young QB throughout training camp. Samuel's volume projection for Week 1 against the Giants is nonetheless partially dependent on the availability of fellow wideout Terry McLaurin, who missed all of camp due to some combination of an ankle injury and contract negotiations.

Boykin recorded an eight-yard reception in the Bears' 29-27 preseason win over the Chiefs on Friday.

Boykin has had a strong camp for the Bears, placing him on the roster bubble as the team looks to set its 53-man roster. Despite his solid play in August, Boykin will likely settle in as the No. 6 receiver if he makes the team.

Brooks caught two of three targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 31-13 preseason win over the Falcons.

The 2023 seventh-round pick was on the other end of Joe Milton's only TD pass of the night, a 29-yard toss in the third quarter that saw Brooks get late separation from his defender in the end zone. With Jonathan Mingo (knee) likely to begin the season on IR, Brooks is competing for the Cowboys' No. 5 wideout spot against Ryan Flournoy and rookie UDFA Traeshon Holden.

Flournoy caught four of five targets for 45 yards in Friday's 31-13 preseason win over Atlanta.

The 2024 sixth-round pick led the Cowboys in catches and receiving yards on the night, making one last positive impression before the team's initial 53-man roster gets set. With Jonathan Mingo (knee) likely to begin the season on IR, Flournoy is competing for the team's No. 5 wideout spot against Jalen Brooks and rookie UDFA Traeshon Holden.