Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Frankie Luvu has been identified as one of the players to watch as the Washington Commanders prepare for their upcoming preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that a significant portion of the team's starters will see action during the contest, providing an opportunity for key contributors like Luvu to continue their preparation for the regular season.
Despite the recent addition of Najee Harris to the New York Giants roster, Cam Skattebo continues to be viewed as a primary option in the team's backfield. The influx of talent has created a competitive environment, making it difficult to project the distribution of carries among the running backs at this stage of the preseason.
Charlie Kolar saw early action with the Chargers' first-team offense during Thursday's preseason game against the 49ers. Kolar played two snaps with the starters and an additional six snaps before his night ended, appearing alongside David Njoku in two-tight-end formations. His involvement with the primary unit suggests he is currently prioritized in the team's offensive rotation over other depth options.
Oronde Gadsden II saw limited usage in Thursday's preseason game, not entering the rotation until the second quarter on the team's third possession. While he managed to record 2 catches for 24 yards on 3 targets, he was notably absent from the first-team sets that featured Charlie Kolar and David Njoku. His usage suggests he is currently behind in the depth chart competition for the Chargers' tight end unit.
David Njoku saw significant work with the first-team offense during Thursday night's preseason appearance against the 49ers. Njoku played alongside Charlie Kolar as the Chargers experimented with two-tight-end sets, logging three snaps with the starters and an additional three snaps before his night concluded. His usage indicates he is currently ahead of Oronde Gadsden II in the team's tight end rotation.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has yet to name a primary backup for Justin Herbert, with Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei competing for the role. In recent preseason action, Herbert saw limited snaps, with the team utilizing tight ends Charlie Kolar and David Njoku with the first unit. Herbert remains the undisputed leader of the offense as the team evaluates depth options and personnel groupings ahead of the regular season.
The New York Jets are currently evaluating wide receiver and return specialist prospect Junior Bergen. The team is conducting a thorough scouting process to determine how his skill set fits into their offensive and special teams schemes as they finalize their roster plans.
With Micah Parsons currently on the mend, Brenton Cox Jr. is facing a prime opportunity to make his mark on the Packers' defense. The 2023 undrafted free agent is looking to capitalize on increased reps and prove his worth to the coaching staff, aiming to solidify his position as a reliable edge rusher while the team manages its defensive personnel during the preseason.
Tyler Warren is recognized as a top-five tight end in PFF’s 2026 fantasy football rankings, highlighting his high ceiling for the upcoming season. However, the Colts expect to be without Warren for a brief period, prompting the team to sign tight end JJ Galbreath for roster depth. Fantasy analyst Ray Garvin identifies Warren as a key figure in ADP battles alongside Colston Loveland, making him a high-stakes target for managers navigating early-round tight end decisions.
Colston Loveland has secured a top-five spot in PFF’s 2026 fantasy football tight end rankings, marking him as a premier target for the upcoming season. Identified as a key player to watch among 64 ranked options, Loveland is currently embroiled in a significant ADP battle with Tyler Warren. Fantasy analyst Ray Garvin emphasizes that managers will need to make critical draft-day decisions between these two high-tier tight ends to maximize their roster's scoring potential.
Expectations for Jaydon Blue may need to be tempered as Cowboys running backs Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda have been receiving more first-team opportunities. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted that Davis and Abanikanda have earned their recent reps, creating a challenging environment for Blue to secure a meaningful role in the team's backfield rotation.
Israel Abanikanda is seeing an uptick in first-team opportunities during Cowboys training camp. According to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Abanikanda and Malik Davis have both earned their recent chances with the starters. This development suggests that Abanikanda is making a strong push for a significant role in the team's backfield rotation as the preseason progresses.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was the subject of verbal jabs from the opposing sideline during joint practices on Thursday. A Bills agitator reportedly directed 'brutal' digs at Sanders while he was participating in drills. Despite the external noise and the ongoing competition for the starting quarterback role in Cleveland, Sanders continued to work through the practice session.
The Atlanta Falcons have officially added defensive tackle Eric Johnson to their roster to strengthen the defensive line. Johnson, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, joins the Falcons as they look to finalize their defensive rotation ahead of the 2026 season. While the specific terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed, the move provides Atlanta with additional veteran depth in the trenches as they prepare for the rigors of the upcoming NFL schedule.
Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is slated to resume practicing next week after being sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Washington has missed the majority of this week's practice sessions, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports a return is imminent. While specific details regarding the nature of the injury remain unavailable, fantasy managers are advised to continue drafting Washington as planned while monitoring his status for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Defensive tackle Greg Gaines is set to be a more cost-effective asset for the Buffalo Bills than his base salary suggests. A detailed look into Gaines’ contract reveals that his impact on the team's books is slightly lower than his actual pay, providing the front office with valuable financial flexibility. This nuance in his deal is a key factor for the Bills as they manage their roster construction and salary cap health heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is reportedly "light years ahead" of where he was during his rookie campaign. Media members and team observers have been gushing about the young signal-caller's development and command of the offense during the 2026 preseason. This significant jump in progress positions Williams as a potential breakout candidate, with his improved performance generating substantial buzz around the Bears' prospects for the upcoming regular season.
Myles Gaskin has officially retired from professional football after a career that included a stint with his hometown Seattle Seahawks. Gaskin was a member of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run, contributing to the team's success during one of the most prominent eras in franchise history. His retirement marks the end of a journey that saw him transition from a local standout to a championship-caliber roster member, leaving a legacy of service to his hometown organization.
DJ Uiagalelei is competing for the backup quarterback spot on the Los Angeles Chargers' roster, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. Uiagalelei is currently neck-and-neck with Trey Lance in a race to determine who will back up starter Justin Herbert for the 2026 season. With the coaching staff remaining undecided, the final weeks of the preseason will be pivotal for Uiagalelei to prove his value and secure his place on the depth chart behind the franchise quarterback.
Trey Lance is currently locked in a heated battle for the backup quarterback position with the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that Lance and fellow quarterback DJ Uiagalelei are in a "tight race" to serve as the primary reserve behind starter Justin Herbert. As the regular season nears, Lance will need to distinguish himself in practice and preseason play to secure the No. 2 role and ensure he is the first option should Herbert miss any time.
