Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Malik Willis drew positive reviews from head coach Jeff Hafley and teammate De'Von Achane following the Dolphins' preseason opener. Willis successfully engineered a 14-play touchdown drive, marking a promising start for the team as they begin their post-Tua existence.
Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley clarified that his previous suggestion of 40 touches per game for De'Von Achane was intended as a joke, easing concerns regarding the running back's usage. Additionally, Achane was part of a productive Dolphins offense in the preseason opener, which featured a successful 14-play touchdown drive engineered by quarterback Malik Willis, signaling a positive start to the team's post-Tua era.
Adonai Mitchell solidified his role in the Jets' starting offense during the preseason opener. Mitchell played all 11 snaps and ran seven routes, working in tandem with Garrett Wilson as the team's top wide receiver options.
Garrett Wilson maintained his status as a primary target in the Jets' offense during the team's preseason opener. Wilson played all 11 snaps with the starting unit and ran seven routes, demonstrating his continued importance to the team's passing attack alongside Adonai Mitchell.
Isaiah Williams saw increased usage during the Jets' preseason opener, playing seven of 11 snaps with the starting offense and running five routes. This performance indicates he is moving ahead of Omar Cooper Jr. on the depth chart and is currently positioned narrowly behind top-two receivers Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, who each played all 11 snaps.
Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr. has seen his standing on the depth chart decline following the team's preseason opener. Cooper played zero snaps with the starting offense, while teammate Isaiah Williams saw significant action, playing seven of 11 snaps and running five routes. This shift suggests that Cooper is falling behind in the competition for a roster spot among the team's wide receiver corps.
There is positive news regarding Robbie Ouzts, as it appears likely that he will be seen in a Seahawks uniform once again.
Pat Bryant appears to be establishing himself as a top option in the Broncos' receiving corps. During Friday's preseason opener, he operated alongside Courtland Sutton as one of the team's top two receivers, notably running ahead of Troy Franklin on the depth chart. His increased usage comes as the team manages injuries to Jaylen Waddle and Marvin Mims.
In the Broncos' preseason opener, Pat Bryant appeared to be operating ahead of Troy Franklin on the wide receiver depth chart. The team's rotation was impacted by the absences of Jaylen Waddle and Marvin Mims, providing a clearer look at the current pecking order among the receivers.
Marvin Mims was unavailable for the Broncos' preseason opener on Friday night after leaving practice earlier in the day with an apparent injury. His absence, along with Jaylen Waddle's calf strain, impacted the team's wide receiver rotation.
Jaylen Waddle missed the Broncos' preseason opener on Friday night due to a calf strain. His absence, combined with an injury to Marvin Mims, forced the team to adjust their wide receiver depth chart during the game.
During Friday's preseason opener, Courtland Sutton operated as one of the top two wide receivers for the Broncos. With teammates Jaylen Waddle sidelined by a calf strain and Marvin Mims exiting practice with an apparent injury, Sutton's role as a primary target in the offense remains solidified.
Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played two possessions in Friday's preseason opener against the Broncos, recording eight snaps while focusing on tight end Kyle Pitts. Despite the opportunity, Tagovailoa expressed frustration with his performance following his unceremonious exit from the Dolphins. The Falcons utilized a starting receiver duo of Drake London and Jahan Dotson during his time on the field.
Rookie running back Kaytron Allen played a key role in Washington's preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Alongside teammate Robert Henry, Allen helped the Commanders' backfield generate 160 total yards and two touchdowns. The performance highlights the growing competition among the team's running back corps as they look to establish depth during the preseason.
Commanders rookie running back Robert Henry made a major impact in his NFL debut during Washington's victory over the Dolphins. Henry combined with fellow rookie Kaytron Allen to rack up 160 total yards and two touchdowns in the win. His explosive performance provided a much-needed bright spot for the Commanders as the team navigates uncertainty at the quarterback position following an injury to starter Marcus Mariota.
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is being pushed in camp by rookie Ty Simpson. The young quarterback's competitive presence has been noted as a positive factor for the Rams' roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. Stafford continues to lead the team while the coaching staff evaluates the development of their younger signal-callers.
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Justin Fields will start at quarterback for today's preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. This decision marks a significant opportunity for Fields as he continues to integrate into the Chiefs' offensive system during the preseason evaluation period.
Following a lost quarterback battle, Minnesota Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy is the subject of increasing trade speculation. Opposing NFL teams have reportedly been researching the young quarterback's background and development throughout the summer in the event he becomes available. There is lingering skepticism among some league circles regarding his ability to mature and improve at the professional level.
Drake London started at wide receiver for the Falcons in Friday night's preseason opener against the Broncos. His night was short-lived, as he played only two snaps before exiting the game. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played a total of eight snaps, primarily looking toward tight end Kyle Pitts during his time on the field.
Jahan Dotson earned a prominent role in the Falcons' offense, starting alongside Drake London in Friday night's preseason opener against the Broncos. Dotson played all eight of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's snaps before the starters were pulled. While the passing game was heavily focused on tight end Kyle Pitts, Dotson's inclusion in the starting rotation marks a key development for the Falcons' receiving corps.
