NFL Player News

Tolbert didn't suit up for any of Dallas' preseason contests this year.

Dak Prescott and the rest of the team's first-string players were kept out of the preseason entirely, with Tolbert counting among that group. The 2022 third-round pick could be poised for a big role to begin the season with CeeDee Lamb still holding out and Brandin Cooks (knee) not 100 percent, as Tolbert looks to build on the 22-268-2 line on 36 targets he compiled over 17 regular-season games last year.

Turpin didn't see action in any of Dallas' three preseason games this year.

That's good news for the TCU product, as Turpin is locked in as the Cowboys' top kick returner and had nothing to prove during the exhibition schedule. Teams avoided putting the ball in Turpin's hands last year, and his total return yards dropped from 811 in his rookie campaign to 371 in 2023, but the NFL's new kickoff rules should give the 28-year-old more opportunities to break away for his first career kick return touchdown. With CeeDee Lamb still holding out and Brandin Cooks (knee) not 100 percent at the end of training camp, Turpin could also see more snaps on offense early in the season after he scored four TDs on only 23 offensive touches last year.

Flournoy caught all three of his targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason loss to the Chargers.

The 2024 sixth-round pick hauled in a TD in both of the last two preseason games, which may have been enough to lock him into a spot on the 53-man roster. Flournoy isn't likely to see much volume in the regular season, but with CeeDee Lamb still holding out and Brandin Cooks (knee) banged up, Dallas' depth at wideout could be tested early in the year.

Coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that he's not sure if Beckham (undisclosed) will start the regular season on the reserve/PUP list or active roster, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Week 1 availability may be an uphill battle, but Beckham apparently still has some chance to avoid the automatic four-game absence that comes with a PUP stint to start the year. He's been on active/PUP since the start of training camp, yet to practice with his new teammates this summer. Braxton Berrios is the favorite for the No. 3 receiver role in Beckham's absence, with rookie Malik Washington and third-year pro Erik Ezukanma (foot) also candidates to take some WR snaps behind Tyreek Hill (hand) and Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed). The Dolphins have dealt with a glut of injuries at the position this summer, but there hasn't been any indication of Hill or Waddle being in serious danger of missing Week 1 against Jacksonville.

Smith-Schuster is signing with the Chiefs, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Kansas City was his first stop after a five-year stint in Pittsburgh, with Smith-Schuster catching 78 of 101 targets for 933 yards and three TDs in 16 regular-season games for the Chiefs in 2022. He had only 89 yards in three playoff appearances in that year and then managed only 260 yards in 11 games last season after signing a three-year contract with the Patriots. Released by New England after a couple weeks of training camp, the 27-year-old now will try to reestablish himself in Kansas City, where he'll likely start off in a depth role and may even have to prove he's worthy of a spot on the 53-man roster.

Osborn recorded two receptions (on four targets) for 17 yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.

Osborn was a starting outside receiver alongside Tyquan Thornton and was second on the team with 21 snaps on the first 31 offensive plays. He was targeted deep regularly, and he did connect with Drake Maye on a 48-yard catch -- only for it to be nullified by a penalty. The Patriots appear set to rotate their wide receiver corps early in the season, and Osborn is in the group that should see the field plenty Week 1 against Cincinnati.

Thornton recorded one catch (on three targets) for four yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.

Thornton paired with K.J. Osborn as a starting outside receiver, and he entered the game ahead of the likes of Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. That may not remain the case in Week 1 against Cincinnati, but New England looks poised to rotate its receiving corps, so Thornton should see the field plenty even if he isn't the first on the field.

Johnson brought in three of five targets for 12 yards and rushed twice for 13 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-14 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday night.

The Barton College product overcame a multi-week rib injury just in time to participate in the final preseason game, and while he didn't do anything spectacular with his touches, Johnson was kept busy during his time in the game. The undrafted rookie had impressed throughout the offseason and early in training camp, so he may have a good shot at sticking on the practice squad come final cutdowns.

Polk recorded two receptions (on three targets) for 29 yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.

Polk wasn't on the field for the Patriots' first drive, instead getting usurped by K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton as the starting outside wide receivers. However, Polk was on the field for the team's second possession paired with Drake Maye, and the former hauled in a strike across the middle that he turned upfield for a 29-yard gain. Polk also had a nice catch on an out route that would have gone for another first down, though the gain was offset by a penalty. Polk had been working with the starting unit in practice leading up to the game, so even if he isn't formally listed as a starter, he should still see the field plenty Week 1 against Cincinnati.

Douglas recorded three receptions (on four targets) for 14 yards in Sunday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Commanders.

Douglas played exclusively in three-receiver sets, but he was still among the snap leaders for the Patriots in their first several offensive possessions as he worked primarily alongside Tyquan Thornton and K.J. Osborn. His longest catch of the day came on a third down midway through the first quarter that went for 16 yards and was delivered by Drake Maye. More importantly, Douglas looks to be the starting slot receiver for the Patriots heading into a Week 1 matchup against the Bengals.