NFL Player News

Lewis caught one pass for 23 yards in Thursday's preseason game.

Lewis did not record any statistics in the Packers' preseason opener, but he was able to haul in his lone target Thursday and notch his first reception since signing with Green Bay. Lewis had his most productive season since 2013 a year ago, but it will be tough for him to match that production while serving as a backup behind top tight end Jimmy Graham.

Graham (knee) brought in his only target for an eight-yard touchdown in the Packers' 51-34 preseason win over the Steelers on Thursday.

Graham's official Packers debut was brief but rewarding. He gave the Lambeau faithful ample reason for preseason celebration courtesy of an eight-yard scoring connection with Aaron Rodgers in the first quarter, extending the Packers' early lead to 13-0 at the time. The multi-time Pro Bowler projects as one of Rodgers' top targets in the coming season, and he'll look to continue building chemistry with the quarterback against the Raiders a week from Friday in Green Bay's "dress rehearsal" game.

James brought in one of two targets for 21 yards in the Steelers' 51-34 preseason loss to the Packers on Thursday.

James took advantage of the ongoing absence of Vance McDonald (foot), making his 21-yard grab on the Steelers' fourth possession to set up a four-yard touchdown reception by JuJu Smith-Schuster. Unlike McDonald -- his primary competition for the starting job -- the 24-year-old James has proven highly durable thus far in his career, playing all 16 games in each of his last two seasons. While he isn't utilized much downfield (8.5 career YPC), James 6-foot-7 stature affords him plenty of red-zone upside. He'll look to keep making his case for the No. 1 role against the Titans on Aug. 25 in the Steelers' third exhibition.

Graham (knee) is in uniform for Thursday's preseason game against the Steelers, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Graham was among a group of skill-position players to sit out last Thursday's exhibition versus the Titans, but he'll join Aaron Rodgers and (likely) Randall Cobb (ankle) for approximately one possession this time around. The Packers' big offseason splash, Graham (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) provides Rodgers with a red-zone weapon the likes he hasn't had in his incredibly efficient career.

Allen (undisclosed) isn't expected to play in Thursday's tilt against the Eagles, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Allen was injured in practice Tuesday and he'll likely sit this one out. With Rob Gronkowski slated to be rested Thursday, fellow TE Jacob Hollister should see added opportunities in the Patriots offense versus Philadelphia.

Kelce is scheduled to play the entire first half of Friday's preseason contest against the Falcons.

The contest marks Kelce's first extended run working with Patrick Mahomes in a live game setting since the strong-armed QB took over the starting job this offseason, so it will be a good test of their rapport. Coming off consecutive 80-catch and 1,000-yard campaigns, Kelce is set to retain his role atop the depth chart and should be a big target for Mahomes in his first full season under center.

Bell (leg) didn't participate in Thursday's walkthrough, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bell was spotted with a wrap on his right leg. The fourth-year pro's spot on Minnesota's roster is in jeopardy after the Vikings selected TE Tyler Conklin in the fifth round of April's draft. Bell posted just three receptions for 19 yards in 2017, so he'll have an uphill battle.

Hunt (knee) didn't practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

The undrafted rookie is seeking a depth tight end role, and his chances were slightly improved when Hunter Henry (knee) was lost for the year. The only way to the 53-man roster would be shining during the preseason, so getting healthy for Saturday's game against the Seahawks is crucial.

Allen left Tuesday's practice with an unspecified injury, Jeff Howe of The Athletic Boston reports.

Given the timing of Allen's injury along with the fact Rob Gronkowski hasn't played in the preseason for years, Jacob Hollister seems to be in line for regular work with the first-team offense during Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. Allen only caught 10 passes last season, but he was useful to the Patriots as a blocker while logging 42 percent of offensive snaps. The Patriots probably would've brought in more competition during the offseason if they were ready to move on from Allen and his scheduled $5 million cap hit.

Higbee has been one of the Rams' standout performers at training camp, Rich Hammond of The Orange County Register reports.

A 16-game starter last year, Higbee was limited to 25 catches and 45 targets on 735 offensive snaps, as all the playing time didn't actually translate to running a high number of routes. He was sometimes used as an extra blocker on pass plays and at other times came off the field in favor of Gerald Everett (shoulder) on passing downs. Higbee reportedly is making a case for a bigger pass-catching role this season, but he still seems likely to share targets with Everett in an offense based around RB Todd Gurley and a trio of impressive wide receivers (Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp). Any potential for a breakout depends on Higbee converting an unusually high percentage of his targets into touchdowns.