NFL Player News

Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said Wednesday that Washington has impressed throughout training camp and been "a guy who can win consistently against man coverage and match coverage," John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Udinski praised the versatility Washington has displayed entering Year 3, saying he "can plug and play at different spots and go and execute a wide route tree." Washington himself expressed excitement about his possible utilization in new head coach Liam Coen's scheme, saying "I know I can be more than just a slot and it's exciting to be out on the outside and make plays and be just as effective on the outside as I am in the slot." Consistent targets could be difficult for the 2023 sixth-round pick to earn behind Brian Thomas and WR/CB Travis Hunter, and especially given that new No. 3 receiver Dyami Brown has also reportedly put together a strong camp, per John Shipley of SI.com. That makes it difficult to project much room for Washington's production to grow, even if he does take a step forward as a playmaker, but Washington could still climb onto the fantasy radar in deeper formats.

Wicks (calf) is not participating in practice Thursday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Wicks has been managing a calf injury since late July, so it seems unlikely that he'll be in consideration to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets. The third-year wideout appears to simply be managing a minor injury, though, as the Packers haven't expressed any concerns about his long-term availability. Jayden Reed (foot) is also sitting out practice Thursday.

McConkey (undisclosed) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

McConkey continues to miss practice due to an unspecified injury, with Rhim having previously reported that coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that the second-year wide receiver is "working through something minor." It seems safe to assume, however, that McConkey won't see action in Sunday's preseason contest against the Saints.

Brown (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Given that Brown hasn't practiced since making an early exit from last Tuesday's session, it seems safe to assume that he'll sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals. The same applies to fellow WR Rashee Rice, who has missed the Chiefs' last two practices due to a groin injury.

Rice (groin) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice also didn't practice Wednesday, but per Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, coach Andy Reid believes that the wideout's groin injury is minor and noted that Rice's continued absence is precautionary. That said, neither Rice nor Hollywood Brown (ankle) seem likely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Austin (undisclosed) is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin has been dealing with an unspecified injury, so look for him to sit out the contest, especially with the Steelers planning to rest their key skill players, in any case. In that scenario, Austin's next chance to see game action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 16 against Tampa Bay.

Reed (foot) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Reed logged brief stints away from the practice field due to a toe issue earlier in training camp, so it remains to be seen whether the foot injury he's dealing with Thursday is a related matter. By all appearances, though, the third-year wideout hasn't been dealing with any serious injuries. It remains to be seen whether Reed will be cleared to participate in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets.

Thomas (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas missed Wednesday's session due to an illness but was back one day later, giving him an opportunity to log some practice reps ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Steelers. Per Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville, coach Liam Coen indicated Thursday that he has no plans for any of his healthy players to sit out the contest, but it remains to be seen how much action key players such as Thomas will see this weekend.

San Francisco GM John Lynch said Thursday he "doesn't think" Aiyuk (ACL), who remains on the active/PUP list, will be cleared to play Week 1, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Lynch reiterated that there's still no official timetable set for Aiyuk's recovery from right ACL and MCL tears suffered last October, but it's no surprise to hear a lack of optimism regarding his Week 1 availability. Aiyuk has yet to practice in any capacity since undergoing right knee surgery mid-November of 2024, though the 49ers have expressed optimism in his rehab progress and he's remained active in meetings and as an 'unofficial coach' on the sidelines for teammates. Realistic expectations for Aiyuk should probably involve a slow start early in the 2025 regular season, with TE George Kittle, RB Christian McCaffrey, and wide receivers Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall opening the year as QB Brock Purdy's top playmakers.

Vele and Troy Franklin are listed as the second-string wideouts on Denver's initial preseason depth chart.

Third-round pick Pat Bryant, like all of Denver's other rookies, is listed at the end of the depth chart with fourth/fifth-stringers. Competition for playing time nonetheless appears open behind No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton, with Marvin Mims (listed as a starter) arguably the favorite for the No. 2 role after his strong finish to last season. There's also been a lot of buzz about 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin this summer, even though Vele outproduced him last season after being drafted three rounds later. Vele largely worked as a slot specialist last year, so he might be able to carve out a similar role even if he's not really in the mix for a large number of targets.