NFL Player News

Since returning from the PUP list, Hollins has logged some first-team reps, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

That said, Lazar notes that the Stefon Diggs/DeMario Douglas/Kayshon Boutte trio has been seeing a lot of reps of late, with Kyle Williams mixing in along with Hollins. At this stage, Diggs -- assuming his health -- and Douglas appear to be locked into key roles in a crowded Patriots wide receiver corps that also includes Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, with the competition for slotting beyond the aforementioned duo still wide open.

Boutte has been having a strong training camp, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site and Mike Reiss of ESPN report.

Lazar notes that based on recent practices, the Stefon Diggs/DeMario Douglas/Boutte trio has received a lot of reps, along with third-rounder Kyle Williams, with Mack Hollins also receiving some first-team reps since returning from the PUP list. While Diggs -- assuming his health -- and Douglas appear to be locked into key roles in the crowded Patriots wide receiver corps, Boutte remains in contention for a key role alongside that duo while competing with Williams and Hollins as well as Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.

Cephus signed a deal with the Texans on Wednesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Cephus spent all of last season on the Rams' practice squad but previously appeared in 22 games with the Lions, accounting for 37 receptions, 568 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons. The 27-year-old hasn't played in a game since 2022, but could be a depth piece for the Texans should he make the 53-man roster in a packed wide receiver room.

Jeudy and Cedric Tillman won't play in Friday's preseason opener against the Panthers, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said he wants to play some of his projected starters, but Jeudy, Tillman and QB Joe Flacco apparently will be kept on ice. There presumably will be others, including on the defensive side. All signs point to Flacco getting the Week 1 start at QB, which is promising for Jeudy's fantasy value relative to the alternatives.

Pearsall has impressed in recent practices and was a clear standout on offense Tuesday, connecting with quarterback Brock Purdy on five targets, Nick Wagoner of ESPN reports.

Pearsall has been nearly uncoverable in recent training camp sessions, per Wagoner, with rookie cornerback Upton Stout named as one of the few players who's managed to challenge the second-year wideout. It's encouraging to see Pearsall already building momentum given that a hamstring injury forced him to begin camp on the active/PUP list and had sidelined him during mandatory minicamp. With Jauan Jennings (calf) currently unable to practice and Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) without a clear timetable to return, Pearsall is currently operating as the 49ers' top wide receiver, with Demarcus Robinson and rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins behind him.

Hill is absent from Wednesday's practice with an undisclosed injury, Alain Poupart of SI.com reports.

It's the first report of any health trouble since Hill declared himself fully recovered from offseason wrist surgery at the start of training camp. He's played 15 or more regular-season games in eight of his nine professional seasons, including either 16 or 17 appearances each of the past four years.

Thomas will miss Wednesday's practice due to an illness and is considered day-to-day, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

The illness is likely a non-concern for the regular season but could impact Thomas' availability Saturday if the Jaguars decide to use key players in their preseason opener against Pittsburgh. This is the first report of Thomas missing any time during training camp.

Felton and Lucky Jackson are the leading candidates to work as the No. 3 receiver to begin the season with Jordan Addison suspended the first three games for violating the league's Substances of Abuse Policy, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Felton has been getting some work with the first-team offense in camp with Justin Jefferson sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Jalen Nailor will move up to the No. 2 receiver role while Addison is out, but the No. 3 spot is still unsettled. Jackson is a surprising co-leader for the role since he played only three games last year and was primarily used on special teams. As a third-round pick in the 2025 Draft, Felton would appear to have more upside in the role, but he could be eased into action as a rookie.

Jackson and Tai Felton are the leading candidates to work as the No. 3 receiver to begin the season with Jordan Addison suspended the first three games for violating the league's Substances of Abuse Policy, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Jackson has been getting work with the first-team offense in camp with Justin Jefferson sidelined by a hamstring injury. Jalen Nailor will move up to the No. 2 spot while Addison is out, but the No. 3 spot is still unsettled. It's surprising that Jackson looks like the early leader for the role since he played only three games last year and got most of his snaps on special teams.

Nailor should have a significant role in the passing game as the No. 2 receiver to begin the season with Jordan Addison suspended the first three games for violating the league's Substances of Abuse Policy, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Addison's suspension relates to a 2024 DUI citation. Nailor worked as the No. 2 receiver last season when Addison missed two games with an ankle injury. Nailor entered camp in competition for the No. 3 WR role, but by all accounts has won the job. Lucky Jackson and Tai Felton are the leading candidates for the No. 3 role while Addison is unavailable.