NFL Player News

Fannin failed to haul in his only target in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

With Deshaun Watson getting the start under center for the Browns, Fannin's only target came on a 3rd-and-5 in Chicago territory, but he couldn't bring in it. Fannin had an impressive rookie season in 2025 after being a third-round pick despite the team's QB woes, but he missed most of the offseason program while recovering from groin surgery and only got cleared in mud-July, costing him valuable time to develop chemistry with Watson. If Watson does win the Week 1 starting job ahead of Shedeur Sanders, who showed a strong rapport with the tight end last year, it could impact Fannin's numbers in the early part of the schedule.

Rattler went 8-for-11 on pass attempts for 42 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a preseason loss to the Jaguars on Saturday.

Rattler's completion percentage was fine, but he averaged only 3.8 yards per attempt, and his longest completion went for just nine yards. He also was sacked twice, with one sack resulting in a lost fumble, and all of his completions came on his final drive of the game during the second quarter. Tyler Shough, who is projected to start behind center for New Orleans this season, didn't play, and Zach Wilson had arguably the most impressive QB performance for the Saints on Saturday by completing 11 of 16 pass attempts for 145 yards and a touchdown. Per Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, New Orleans is expected to play mostly backups again next Saturday versus the Rams in the team's second preseason contest, so Rattler may have another chance to start and potentially make a positive impression.

Shough didn't log any action in the Saints' preseason opener versus Jacksonville on Saturday.

Shough, who is slated to be New Orleans' starting QB this season, was among a number of the team's projected starters who didn't suit up. Spencer Rattler, Hunter Dekkers and Zach Wilson all got a chance to lead the team's offense Saturday, and Wilson was arguably the most impressive by completing 11 of 16 pass attempts for 145 yards and the Saints' only passing touchdown. According to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, the Saints are expected to again play mostly backups next Saturday in their second preseason contest against the Rams, so Shough may not suit up then either. However, Shough should still get meaningful reps since the Saints have joint practices against both the Cowboys and Rams next week.

Concepcion caught three of four targets for 27 yards and took his only carry 14 yards for a touchdown in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

The rookie speedster just managed to stay in bounds and squeak into the end zone on an end-around in the second quarter. Concepcion, the 24th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, dealt with a minor shoulder issue last week, but it didn't seem to bother him in the first preseason action of his career. He's expected to be a key part of the passing game alongside veteran Jerry Jeudy and fellow rookie Denzel Boston, but Concepcion's usage Saturday is a good sign that he could see extra touches on the ground as well.

Higgins has been ruled out from Saturday's preseason contest against Philadelphia due to a concussion, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Higgins logged three tackles prior to his exit. He'll need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol before retuning to full-contact practice or playing in games. If healthy, Higgins is expected to provide depth at linebacker and contribute on special teams during the upcoming campaign.

Sampson carried the ball four times for six yards and caught both his targets for 43 yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

The second-year running back ended up leading Cleveland in receiving yards on the day, with his 43-yard reception from Deshaun Watson in the second quarter setting up the team's only TD. Sampson is firmly behind Quinshon Judkins on the backfield depth chart, but the 2025 fourth-round pick should still have a role on passing downs after posting a 33-271-2 line on 40 targets over 15 regular-season games as a rookie.

Judkins carried the ball four times for nine yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

The second-year back got the start for the Browns but played only the first quarter before calling it a day. Judkins is the clear top dog in the backfield, and after gaining 998 scrimmage yards on 256 touches over 14 regular-season games as a rookie, the 2025 second-round pick is expected to take on a larger workload in 2026 under new head coach Todd Monken.

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears. He added four rushing yards on three carries and lost a fumble.

The veteran QB may have gotten a leg up on Shedeur Sanders in the battle for the Browns' starting job. Watson played the entire first half and led his team on its only two scoring drives of the day, including one capped by a 14-yard TD run by rookie wideout KC Concepcion early in the second quarter. Watson did cost Cleveland a potential third score, however, coughing up the ball on a sack in Chicago territory. Sanders and Watson will continue their competition in next week preseason's contest against the Bills, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports, with Sanders starting and Watson playing the second half this time around. Another solid effort from Watson could be enough for coach Todd Monken to name him the Week 1 starter.

Godrick suffered an ankle sprain during Saturday's preseason opener versus the Rams, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Godrick was hurt in the second half and was unable to return. Coach Andy Reid said after the contest that the 25-year-old is dealing with an ankle sprain. Godrick is battling to make the 53-man roster as a depth option on the offensive line.

Miller took part in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville but exited due to a shoulder injury, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Miller had been dealing with a toe issue, but he's presumably past that problem given his ability to suit up Saturday. However, the rookie defensive tackle headed to the locker room during the contest and was evaluated for a shoulder injury. Miller is expected to have a key rotational role on the defensive line if healthy after New Orleans selected him in the second round of April's NFL Draft.