NFL Player News

Tillman (lower leg) returned to practice Saturday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Tillman left practice early Friday but was quickly cleared of a serious injury, and his return to the practice field confirms this was only a scare. The 2023 third-round pick is in line for the No. 2 wideout role in Cleveland behind Jerry Jeudy. Last season, Tillman recorded 29 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns across 11 games.

Pickens hasn't quite been on the same page as quarterback Dak Prescott on deeper routes during the early part of training camp, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The duo has looked good on short or intermediate routes, but the timing hasn't quite been there further downfield. "I think that's all to come," Prescott said after Thursday's practice. "I don't think that's necessarily something we've got to grow into... For [Pickens], it's just about continuing to master the offense, the routes and the adjustments on certain routes. When he does that, the rest of it is going to come." With CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson as established targets for Prescott nearer the line of scrimmage, Pickens' best chance to make a big impact in the Dallas offense will come as a deep threat, something he's shown he can provide in the past -- the 24-year-old wideout led the NFL with 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 for a Steelers team that featured the uninspiring trio of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky under center.

The Chargers signed Jackson to a contract Friday.

Jackson had a solid chance to make the Patriots' 53-man roster in 2024 before suffering a season-ending, non-contact knee injury during New England's second preseason game last August. He was let go by the Patriots in April, and while he wasn't able to catch on with a team during the offseason, he'll now have the opportunity to audition his talents with the Chargers. He faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but a strong showing in practices and preseason games could earn Jackson a spot on the practice squad.

Hyatt did not participate in Friday's practice due to cramping and tightness in his lower body, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

Hyatt appears to be past a leg injury that he suffered during mandatory minicamp in June. The 2023 third-rounder is working through some lingering issues early in training camp, but that shouldn't impact his availability for preseason games. Hyatt needs all the reps he can get during training camp, as he's competing for the WR4 job against Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Zach Pascal, among others.

Mooney is dealing with a shoulder injury and will be out "a few weeks," Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Mooney had to leave the field with a trainer Thursday after hurting his shoulder while trying to make a diving catch during practice. The injury certainly puts the veteran wideout's status in doubt for the Falcons' first preseason game, which will take place Aug. 8 versus Detroit, and could also impact his availability for the remainder of the preseason slate and even potentially for Week 1 of the campaign. Atlanta signed veteran receiver DJ Chark on Friday to add depth to its wideout corps in the wake of Mooney's injury.

Tillman is believed to be okay after leaving practice early Friday due to a lower left leg injury, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

Tillman had to leave the field Friday after appearing to hurt his left leg during practice. The specifics of the injury aren't yet clear, but Schultz's report suggests that the 25-year-old wideout isn't dealing with a major issue. That's a sigh of relief for Cleveland and Tillman, who's in line to work as the Browns' No. 2 wideout this season behind Jerry Jeudy.

The Titans waived Dowell on Friday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Dowell was sidelined for the entire 2024 season after rupturing his ACL against the Texans in late December of 2023. He was cleared to participate in OTAs and minicamp, but he will not be a part of the Titans' roster in training camp and will explore his next opportunity if he clears waivers. The 2023 seventh-rounder appeared in 10 regular-season games in his rookie year and caught one pass on two targets for three yards while mostly serving on special teams.

The Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Chark on Friday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Chark had a tryout with the Bears on Monday and then met with the Falcons to cap the week before finding his next home. In his only season with the Chargers in 2024, he was beset by injuries and made just eight appearances, including a wild-card loss at Houston, en route to five catches (on 14 targets) for 41 yards and one touchdown. The 28-year-old likely will be vying with Casey Washington, Jamal Agnew and Chris Blair, among others, for one of Atlanta's final WR spots as training camp and the preseason proceed.

Tillman left Friday's practice early, walking to the locker room with a member of the medical staff, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

ESPN Cleveland reports that Tillman was holding his lower leg after going down in the back of the end zone at the end of a play. It could just be cramping or a bruise, but he ended up missing the rest of practice. The Browns have shaky WR depth even when everyone is healthy, and they already opened camp with David Bell (hip) and Michael Woods (hand) unavailable. Tillman is expected to start after he seemingly broke through in the middle of last season, only to then miss the final month in concussion protocol.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday that Jefferson is dealing with a mild left hamstring strain, and the Vikings will evaluate the wide receiver again next week, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Jefferson didn't participate in the last handful of drills at Thursday's practice due what initially was called tightness in his legs. With a diagnosis now honed in on, Minnesota will take a cautious approach with its top offensive weapon, and there's no worry at this time regarding his potential to play Week 1 at Chicago, which is more than six weeks in the future.