NFL Player News

Johnson caught both his targets for 83 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-12 preseason win over the Cardinals.

The third-year wideout showed some good chemistry with Zach Wilson, hauling in a 37-yard pass late in the third quarter to set up one TD before snagging a 46-yard touchdown pass of his own in the fourth. Johnson is fighting with 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin and others for a spot at the bottom of the Broncos' wide receiver depth chart, so Sunday's performance may not have been enough to secure a place on the 53-man roster.

Shaheed (toe/foot) did not play in Sunday's 30-27 preseason loss to the Titans.

Shaheed's absence did not come as a surprise after he missed the team's previous exhibition with an unspecified toe/foot injury. Even if he were healthy, it's likely that the 6-foot speedster would not have played Sunday, as the vast majority of New Orleans' starters also sat out. Saints coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Shaheed to be out long with this injury. The soon-to-be 26-year-old logged career highs with 46 catches for 719 yards and five scores across 15 regular-season games last year. He'll have two weeks to return in time for the regular-season opener against Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday that Pearsall (shoulder) will return to practice Monday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Pearsall has been sidelined since Aug. 6 due to a pre-existing shoulder sublaxation that he sustained in college, and he did not suit up for San Francisco's 24-24 tie in the preseason finale against Las Vegas. Shanahan appears to be doubling down on his comments following Friday's exhibition when he said that he was hopeful for Pearsall to return to practice this coming week. The rookie first-rounder's level of participation Monday should shed some light on his availability for the regular-season opener versus the Jets on Monday, Sept. 9. If he's healthy, Pearsall could be in line to play a meaningful role for the 49ers, as there's still lingering uncertainty around fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation with the team.

Dorsett (leg) has returned to Sunday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Dorsett briefly left Sunday's game due to a leg injury, but the 2015 first-round pick is back on the field.

Dorsett is questionable to return to Sunday's preseason game against Arizona due to a leg injury, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Dorsett injured his leg in the second half of Sunday's contest. The 2015 first-round pick is competing for a depth wide receiver spot on the Broncos' 53-man roster.

Jones was waived by the Buccaneers on Sunday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Jones signed with the Bucs in May as an undrafted free agent. He had been competing for a depth wide receiver spot, but he was unable to record a catch across his three preseason outings. Jones will explore his next options assuming he clears waivers.

The Buccaneers waived Johnson on Sunday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Johnson signed a reserve/future contract with the Bucs in January after spending all of 2023 on Tampa Bay's practice squad. He wasn't able to record a catch over his three preseason outings, and he wasn't able to make the Buccaneers' 53-man roster. Johnson could opt to stick around on the Bucs' taxi squad for a second straight season or look to catch on elsewhere.

Knue was waived by the Buccaneers on Sunday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Knue joined the Bucs in April as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan. He accumulated nine catches on 13 targets for 86 yards and one touchdown across Tampa Bay's three preseason games, but he will not make the team's 53-man roster. Assuming he clears waivers, Knue may stick around and sign with the Bucs on the practice squad or look for opportunities elsewhere.

Boyd caught his only target for 22 yards in Sunday's 30-27 preseason win over the Saints.

Boyd and the first-team offense played two drives, and the veteran slot receiver got the chance to record his first catch on a Will Levis pass in a game situation. Both Boyd and fellow offseason addition Calvin Ridley are expected to play key roles in Tennessee's passing game, and Boyd could see some extra attention from Levis in the Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Bears if wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is unavailable or limited.

The Bills released Byrd on Sunday.

After spending most of the 2023 season on the Falcons' practice squad, Byrd signed with the Commanders in May before being released in late July. He managed to catch on with the Bills on Aug. 12, and he caught his lone pass for 20 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Panthers. The 31-year-old wide receiver will now look to catch on with a team in need of veteran wide receiver depth.