NFL Player News

Mitchell caught two of six targets for 37 yards in Thursday's preseason game at Baltimore.

The Colts used QBs Anthony Richardson (finger) and Daniel Jones but rested most of their other projected starters, including WRs Michael Pittman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce. That left Mitchell, Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould with heavy workloads throughout the first half, drawing at least four targets apiece. For Mitchell, it was much the same as what we saw last season, with his ability to get open and draw targets not translating to production -- both because of shaky QB play and his own struggles finishing catches. Reports out of Indy training camp have been positive, however, suggesting the 2024 second-round pick looks stronger and more consistent than he did last year.

Iosivas wasn't targeted during Thursday's preseason game at Philadelphia, but he played 11 of 15 snaps with the first-team offense, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Ja'Marr Chase took all 15 snaps, with Higgins and Iosivas getting 11 apiece and Charlie Jones chipping in for three. Noticeably absent was 2024 third-round pick Jermaine Burton, who is said to be doing much better this summer after making a poor impression last year. In any case, Iosivas picked up where he left off last year, having finished 2024 with 61 targets despite ranking 11th among wideouts in routes run (551). The Bengals could still give Burton, Jones or someone else a shot in the No. 3 WR role at some point.

Higgins saw one incomplete target on two drives in Thursday's preseason opener at Philadelphia.

Joe Burrow misfired to an open Higgins on his first pass attempt, before locking in and leading two TD drives with the help of WR Ja'Marr Chase and TE Tanner Hudson. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he wants to use his starters in the preseason more than he ever has before, which means Higgins may got another tune-up before Week 1.

Chase caught each of his four targets for 71 yards in Thursday's preseason game at Philadelphia.

Chase caught three passes on the opening drive, with a fourth (in the end zone) wiped out by a blocking penalty. He made it back to the end zone on the following drive, taking a short pass the distance from 36 yards out. The Bengals then pulled most of their starters, including Chase and QB Burrow. They may give their key players more run in the second week of the preseason, Aug. 18 against Washington, although there's not much reason to risk Chase's health when he already appears in mid-season form.

Brown (hamstring) isn't suited up for Thursday's preseason game versus the Bengals, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Brown was held out the Eagles' three practices in advance of their exhibition opener due to a hamstring injury, so it comes as no surprise that he'll sit out Thursday. He'll have two more chances for preseason action ahead of Week 1, which Philadelphia will open on Thursday, Sept. 4 against the Cowboys.

Pittman is not in line to play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

After missing time with a groin injury, Pittman returned to practice Tuesday, but per Holder, the wideout is among a number of the Colts' key players who won't see action Thursday. Pittman's next chance to see game action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 16 against Green Bay.

Wilson (concussion) practiced Thursday without a yellow non-contact jersey, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.

For a second consecutive day, Wilson ran routes on air while hauling in passes, only this time he ditched the yellow jersey. He entered the concussion protocol after getting kneed in the helmet at last Friday's session, but he's clearly progressed enough to get back on the field and be eligible for contact. Considering QB Kyler Murray is in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, Wilson figures to do so as well, assuming all symptoms of his head injury are behind him.

Johnson (arm) reverted to the Texans' injured reserve list Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson was waived with an injury designation Wednesday. He wasn't claimed off waivers by another team, and by reverting to the Texans' IR, Johnson will be forced to miss the entire 2025 season unless an injury settlement is reached. He spent the entire 2024 season on the Texans' practice squad and has appeared in two regular-season games since his rookie campaign in 2022.

Hill (undisclosed) suited up for Thursday's practice Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

After being absent from Wednesday's session, Hill was on the field one day later, though Schad notes that the wideout mostly worked on lower-body stretching and sprinting with trainers in the process. While his presence Thursday is encouraging, it's unclear if Hill will play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Bears.

Robinson (leg) has participated in training camp practices this week, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Robinson missed time earlier in training camp due to a minor leg injury, but he's resumed taking part in 11-on-11 drills as Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills approaches. It remains to be seen, however, whether New York's starters will be given the green light to suit up for action Saturday. Robinson's average depth of target in 2024 was a shocking 4.8 yards, which would be a low margin even for a tight end, but having Russell Wilson locked in under center to kick off the 2025 campaign will provide him an opportunity to improve his efficiency. That said, the 5-foot-8 slot specialist will be a candidate to see his target volume decline after drawing 140 looks across his 17 regular-season appearances last season.