Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling delivered a standout performance against the Chargers, recording 4 catches for 46 yards on 5 targets. Stribling was the team's most productive receiver in the opening half, securing receptions from both Brock Purdy and Mac Jones. His consistent play has generated significant fantasy football hype, with analysts identifying him as a compelling target in middle-round drafts.
Geno Smith reaffirmed his status as the Jets' QB1 with a flawless outing in a 17-0 preseason win over the Steelers. After missing the previous game with a sore ankle, Smith looked 100 percent healthy, completing all seven pass attempts for 65 yards and a touchdown. This efficient performance effectively silenced recent training camp concerns and demonstrated his command of the offense as the team prepares for the regular season.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that the starting quarterback competition between rookie Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins will continue through the final week of the preseason. Despite scrutiny following a pick-six in his second preseason game and recent struggles, Mendoza remains in the mix for the Week 1 job. Additionally, Mendoza recently made headlines for a high-value rookie card purchase by Tom Brady.
Steelers quarterback Will Howard faced a difficult test in Friday's 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Howard struggled against the Jets' defense, throwing two interceptions and taking multiple sacks during the contest. Competing for a role behind veteran Mason Rudolph, Howard is currently under evaluation as the team assesses its quarterback depth. The Steelers' offense failed to put points on the board throughout the game.
Steelers quarterback Drew Allar faced intense scrutiny during Friday's 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Allar and fellow quarterback Will Howard combined to throw two interceptions, take four sacks, and score zero points. Competing for a spot on the depth chart behind veteran Mason Rudolph, Allar is under evaluation as the team assesses its offensive rotation and quarterback depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has publicly voiced his confidence in veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph. As the team prepares for the regular season, Rudolph’s standing appears secure, especially following the struggles of younger quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar in the 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Rudolph continues to be the primary focus of the team's quarterback evaluation.
Running back Nick Chubb has officially retired from the NFL at age 30 following an eight-season career. A four-time Pro Bowler who played for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans, Chubb concludes his playing days due to multiple lower-body injuries. The veteran back announced his decision via Instagram with the sign-off 'Batman out,' leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dynamic and impactful running backs of the 2020s.
Tetairoa McMillan contributed to the Panthers' 34-17 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. The receiver was active in the passing game, hauling in both of his targets for a total of 25 yards. McMillan continues to compete for a role within the Carolina offense as the team evaluates its depth chart during the final stretch of the preseason.
Jonathon Brooks made an impact in Friday's 34-17 preseason win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The running back carried the ball five times, totaling 18 yards and finding the end zone for a touchdown. Brooks is looking to secure his standing in the Panthers' backfield rotation as the team moves toward final roster decisions.
Bryce Young remains a focal point for the Panthers as the preseason concludes. In Friday's 34-17 win over the Jaguars, Young completed five of six passes for 49 yards and orchestrated a scoring drive. Beyond his 11 snaps in the game, Young continues to be a central topic in team roster discussions. His development and role are being closely monitored by the coaching staff as the organization moves toward final roster cuts.
Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is developing a strong professional connection with head coach Shane Steichen. Recent reports highlight an interesting anecdote regarding the 'football brain bond' between the two, noting that the quarterback and head coach have shown great initial rapport as they work together in the Indianapolis system.
Rico Dowdle saw significant work in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets on Friday, rushing five times for 18 yards and adding a two-yard reception on his only target. Dowdle, who was in uniform and available for the contest, split carries with Jaylen Warren throughout the first half. The performance serves as a key opportunity for the running back to showcase his readiness during the ongoing training camp period.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton is set to be out of action for a period of time due to an injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the absence on Friday but did not disclose the specific nature of the issue or a return timeline. Horton's status remains uncertain as the Seahawks continue their preseason preparations, leaving a gap in the receiving corps as the team evaluates its depth.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren started in Friday's 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets, rushing five times for 17 yards. His participation was part of the team's ongoing roster evaluation during the final stages of the preseason. Warren split backfield duties with Rico Dowdle throughout the first half, providing a key look for the coaching staff as they determine the rotation for the upcoming regular season.
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught his only target for 10 yards during Friday's 17-0 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game marked Wilson's first action of the preseason alongside quarterback Geno Smith. The performance was part of a productive first-half showing for the Jets' starters, who gained valuable confidence as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed that 32-year-old wide receiver Tyreek Hill is not expected to sign with an NFL team before the regular season begins. Hill is currently sidelined while recovering from a knee injury, and his return to play remains on hold. Teams continue to monitor his status, but no immediate contract or return to the field is anticipated in the coming days.
Public sentiment regarding a contract extension for Puka Nacua is mixed among Los Angeles Rams fans. Recent polling indicates that nearly 40% of the fanbase supports signing the receiver to an extension before the start of the upcoming season, while a significant portion of the fanbase prefers that the organization wait until next year to finalize a new deal.
Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald showcased his leg strength by successfully converting a 61-yard field goal during the team's recent preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The impressive kick was a highlight of the matchup, which also featured 11 snaps from starting quarterback Bryce Young as the team continues its late-preseason roster evaluations.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed did not suit up for Friday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos. The decision was confirmed by Mike Spofford of the Packers' official team site. Reed's absence is part of the team's broader strategy for managing player health and evaluation during the preseason schedule.
Jordan van den Berg has emerged as a fan favorite for the Chicago Bears this preseason. For the second consecutive week, he has been identified by the fanbase as the player they are most excited to watch during the team's preseason games. The growing interest in van den Berg highlights his performance during training camp and early exhibition play.
