NFL Player News

Covey caught both of his targets for 31 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason win versus the Cowboys.

The former Eagles wideout notched a nifty 26-yard gain on a deep pass from Stetson Bennett, but he didn't get an opportunity to showcase his skills as a return man, which was his primary role back in Philadelphia. Xavier Smith is his main competition for that role with the Rams, and his incumbent status likely has the edge over Covey so far to retain the role. The most likely outcome for Covey is a spot on the practice squad and a role if injuries befall the wide receiver corps.

Smith caught all three of his targets for 55 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory against the Cowboys.

The Rams' primary return man from last season showcased his skills as a receiver Saturday, making a contested catch on a long pass from Stetson Bennett on fourth-and-6 that led to a Blake Corum rushing touchdown. With the Rams likely to roster six wide receivers, as has been the trend in recent years, the final roster spot is likely to come down to either Smith, Britain Covey, Mario Williams or Brennan Presley. Smith already has an upper hand on the role as the incumbent return man, so consider him the early favorite to earn the final roster spot at wide receiver for the Rams.

Presley caught both of his targets for 11 yards and a touchdown and rushed once for 15 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason win against the Cowboys. He also returned one kick for 38 yards and fumbled once.

Versatility was the name of the game for the UDFA from Oklahoma State, as he contributed on three facets on the stat sheet. Presley snagged a five-yard touchdown pass from Stetson Bennett late in the fourth quarter, which he helped set up with an impressive 38-yard kickoff return. The top five wideouts on the roster are near locks to make the team, leaving the sixth spot as a battle between incumbent Xavier Smith, Britain Covey, Mario Williams, Tru Edwards (undisclosed) and Drake Stoops. If Presley is able to continue showing his abilities as a return man, he may press Smith for one of the final roster spots in a talented wide receiver room.

Mims reeled in his lone target for three yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

Mims started opposite teammate Courtland Sutton in Saturday's exhibition opener. The 23-year-old currently holds the No. 2 spot on what is a crowded wide receiver depth chart littered with young talent. Although Mims was unable to get much of anything going Saturday, the third-year wideout has proven to be a versatile and talented weapon since being drafted in 2023. If Mims continues to see more playing time than he did in his first two seasons, his explosive skill set is one that could lead to more sustained production on an offense that is trending upward under head coach Sean Payton. With that said, fellow receivers Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant will certainly challenge for snaps each week as they continue to develop. Mims will look to get more involved when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Denver's second preseason game next Saturday night.

Sutton caught one of three targets for two yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

Sutton had a quiet game with limited opportunities in Denver's first game of the preseason. Firmly entrenched as the Broncos' No. 1 wide receiver, the veteran was on the field with the starters during the first quarter of the contest. Though quarterback Bo Nix and Sutton were unable to connect much Saturday, they will look to improve upon a solid 2024 season as the chemistry continues to grow heading into the 2025 campaign. The 29-year-old wideout will have his next opportunity to lead the team's receiving corps when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Denver's second preseason game on Saturday night.

McConkey (undisclosed) is not in uniform and is unlikely to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Saints, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

McConkey is working through an undisclosed injury, which has limited his practice participation over the last two weeks. Also joining McConkey on the sidelines include quarterback Justin Herbert, running backs Najee Harris (eye) and Jaret Patterson, wideouts Keenan Allen, Dez Fitzpatrick and Jalen Reagor (lower body) and tight end Will Dissly. McConkey's next chance to play will be Saturday against the Rams.

Shaheed is in uniform and participating in pregame warmups ahead of Sunday's preseason contest against the Chargers, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

It looked like Shaheed would join Chris Olave (ankle) in street clothes for Sunday's preseason opener, but the former has suited up and working with the wide receiver and punt return groups. It remains to be seen whether Shaheed indeed plays, but if he does, he'll likely be limited to one or two series on offense. With Olave out, Shaheed is slated to serve as the Saints' WR1 and Spencer Rattler's top target.

McCaffrey (illness) participated in Sunday's training camp practice, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

McCaffrey played just one snap in Friday's preseason loss to the Patriots due to an illness, but he has recovered enough to return to the field two days later. He's battling for a larger role in the Commanders offense, and he should continue to see an uptick in reps with the first-team offense for as long as Terry McLaurin (ankle/contract) is sidelined.

Shaheed is not participating in pregame warmups and is not expected to play against the Chargers on Sunday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

The Saints will be without their top wideouts in Shaheed and Chris Olave (ankle), which leaves Brandin Cooks, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson and Mason Tipton as the top wide receivers for QB Spencer Rattler, who will start in Sunday's preseason opener. Shaheed doesn't appear to be nursing an injury, and his next chance to play will be next Sunday against the Jaguars.

Based on pregame warmups, Olave (ankle) is not in line to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Chargers, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Neither Olave nor Rashid Shaheed were spotted warming up with the other Saints wideouts, though the latter was later spotted in uniform warming up with the punt return group, per Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana. Olave is working through a minor ankle injury, and his next opportunity to suit up will be against the Jaguars on Sunday, Aug. 17.