NFL Player News

Szmyt converted all three of his field-goal attempts and went 4-for-4 on PATs in Thursday's 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots.

Szmyt is the only kicker on Cleveland's roster, and the Syracuse product rewarded the Browns' faith in him with a perfect performance Thursday. He served as the Browns' kicker for the entire 2025 regular season, connecting on 24 of 27 field-goal attempts. The Browns are expected to have one of the league's worst offenses again in 2026 after scoring the second-fewest points in the 2025 regular season, so Szmyt's opportunities are likely to remain limited, Thursday's busy exhibition outing notwithstanding.

Black rushed four times for 28 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the 49ers' 18-12 preseason win over the Raiders on Thursday.

Black didn't log a touch on the 49ers' opening three-and-out possession, but he gained 11 yards on back-to-back carries to start San Francisco's second drive. The rookie third-round pick then recorded his game-high 14 yard run on the last play of the first quarter, rounding out his relatively brief night in encouraging fashion. Black put together a solid two-game preseason during which he rushed 12 times for 61 yards, but his primary competition for the No. 2 running back role, Jordan James, had a productive night himself Thursday with 55 yards from scrimmage on nine touches. Consequently, it's possible the two backs share complementary work behind Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) to open the regular season.

Mendoza remains in the mix for the Raiders' starting quarterback job along with veteran Kirk Cousins, Vinny Bonsignore of the California Post reports.

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Mendoza opened training camp as the No. 2 QB and has remained there through the preseason, but he has earned some reps with the first-team offense along the way in both practices and exhibitions. He wrapped up his three preseason contests having completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Until coach Klint Kubiak makes a decision, ther potential exists for Mendoza to be under center for Las Vegas in Week 1 versus the Dolphins

Washington rushed eight times for 49 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

Washington operated as the starting running back due to Ashton Jeanty (ankle) being sidelined and turned in an efficient performance. The rookie fourth-round pick set the tone for his night by quickly churning out 12 yards on the first two plays from scrimmage, and he added 13- and 11-yard gains on Las Vegas' second possession. Washington appears firmly entrenched as the No. 2 back to open the season, but he'd be teed up for a likely Week 1 starting assignment against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 13 if Jeanty is unable to suit up.

Larison (undisclosed) rushed twice for five yards and didn't catch either of his two targets in Thursday's 37-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Larison suited up for the preseason finale after missing practice time earlier in the week due to an undisclosed injury. The 24-year-old running back is competing for a depth role in New England's backfield. Larison didn't help his chances of making the team with Thursday's quiet performance, but he showcased some promising receiving capabilities with a six-catch performance in the preseason opener against the Colts. Jam Miller, Hassan Haskins and JaMycal Hasty are also in contention for the third spot on New England's running back depth chart.

Coach Klint Kubiak said after Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers that he hasn't made a decision between Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza regarding who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback, Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reports.

Cousins opened training camp as the Raiders' starting QB and has been listed as No. 1 on the depth chart throughout camp and exhibition season. On Thursday, he started and completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, which seemingly wasn't enough to lock down the job over Mendoza. As a result, this situation remains the top lingering job battle in advance of Week 1.

Cousins completed eight of 11 passes for 51 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

The Raiders' presumptive starting quarterback to open the 2026 season drew the start and led the Raiders to field goals on each of his two drives. Cousins' longest completion was a relatively modest 14-yard connection with Tre Tucker, and he also hit top target Brock Bowers for the first time in a game setting for a six-yard gain on the opening possession. Cousins was also efficient in his other preseason appearance against the Cardinals two games ago, seemingly leaving him ready to face off with the Dolphins at home in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Schooler (undisclosed) could be activated off the active/non-football injury list before Sunday's cutdown day, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Schooler was placed on the non-football injury list in late July and has not yet participated in team activities. If the free safety is not ready to be activated by Sunday, he will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season on injured reserve.

Landry (undisclosed) could be activated off the active/PUP list before Sunday's roster cutdowns, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

Landry opened training camp on the active/PUP list in late July. The starting linebacker has a chance to be activated before Sunday's cutdown, but if he isn't, he will be forced to sit out at least the first four games of the regular season on injured reserve. If Landry is unavailable Week 1 against the Seahawks, Gabe Jacas or Bradyn Swinson will likely start opposite Dre'Mont Jones on the edge.

Bowers secured one of two targets for six yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

The talented tight end logged only one snap in the preseason opener against the Cardinals on Aug. 13 and then was rested for last Thursday's game against the Texans, so Bowers' catch goes down as his first and only stat from exhibition season. After an injury-impacted 2025, Bowers is back to full health and will serve as the top target in the Raiders offense to begin the campaign. Bowers next takes the field in a Week 1 home matchup against the Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 13.