NFL Player News

Watson could see more opportunities early on during the season while fellow wideout Marquise Brown tends to a shoulder injury, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

With Brown unable to practice and his availability for Week 1 unclear, Watson has been taking many of the snaps in training camp that would have otherwise gone to Brown. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy would likely rank as greater priorities for targets if Brown's absence bleeds into the regular season, but Watson could be the top choice to join the two in three-receiver sets sans Brown. During the 2023 season, Watson suited up in 16 contests on his way to finishing with a 27-460-3 receiving line on 53 targets over 513 offensive snaps.

The 49ers are trying to work out a contract with Aiyuk but also have agreed to parameters of a trade with the Steelers, ESPN.com reports.

It's the latest turn in a lengthy, ongoing drama, with Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reporting that a trade to Pittsburgh is "one phone call away." The 49ers previously discussed Aiyuk trades with the Browns and Patriots, but reports suggested negotiations fell through due to the receiver's hesitance about signing a long-term deal with either team. He's apparently willing to go to Pittsburgh, which essentially leaves everyone waiting on the 49ers to either complete a trade or meet Aiyuk's contract demands. It's possible the Steelers eventually rescind their offer if San Francisco's front office continues to drag negotiations out with the effort to convince Aiyuk to take less than what Pittsburgh is offering.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that he's "not necessarily concerned" that Beckham (undisclosed), who remains on the active/PUP list, still isn't running routes, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Beckham still has yet to practice three weeks into training camp, and the Dolphins seem to be considering him week-to-week due to an undisclosed issue. There's hope that Beckham will provide a boost in the passing game and finally give Miami a reliable No. 3 receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed), but the veteran will first need to get healthy and up to speed in a new offense.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Johnson missed Wednesday's practice with a "mild groin strain," Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Aside from Wednesday, Johnson hasn't missed any notable practice time since the Panthers traded for him in March, with most reports from training camp noting that the 28-year-old receiver has seen a steady flow of targets from quarterback Bryce Young. Canales downplayed the severity of the groin strain, but it's probably safe to assume Johnson will miss Saturday's preseason game against the Jets.

Johnson (ribs) participated in limited fashion in Monday's practice, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The undrafted rookie did not play in Saturday's preseason-opening win over the Bengals and is not yet able to participate in practices without restriction. Johnson had impressed teammates and coaches since arriving in May, but unless he can get on the field for at least one of the final two preseason games, it may be difficult for the Barton College product to even garner a practice-squad spot.

McMillan was dealing with what head coach Todd Bowles labeled "general soreness" Monday, leading to the rookie wearing a red non-contact jersey in practice, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

McMillan continued to make a strong case for the No. 3 receiver job in Saturday's preseason win over the Bengals, recording two receptions for 23 yards. However, it appears his first taste of professional on-field action also left him a bit worse for wear, and it remains to be seen if if the rookie will be able to participate in the first day of joint practices with the Jaguars on Wednesday.

Shepard, who did not play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bengals, is dealing with an unspecified injury and didn't practice Monday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Smith notes the wideout actually began missing practice time in the days leading up to the game versus Cincinnati. Shepard, who was a college teammate of Baker Mayfield, was brought in to offer veteran depth, although he may realistically serve as no more than a No. 5 receiver given the promising play of both rookie Jalen McMillan and second-year wideout Trey Palmer.

Jarrett did not practice Monday due to an undisclosed injury, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The second-year wideout was able to log 31 snaps in a preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday night, but head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Jarrett was a non-participant in the first practice following that contest. Bowles added that Jarrett was "nursing an injury" without offering any more specifics, and it remains to be seen if the receiver will be able to participate in the first day of joint practices with the Jaguars on Wednesday.

Luther and the Steelers agreed on a contract Tuesday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Luther worked out for the Steelers on Aug. 4 and he'll now officially join the team at practice. The wide receiver could be a viable option as return specialist with Pittsburgh in 2024.

The Bills signed Cain to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Cain attempted to catch onto the Eagles' 53-man roster during last year's training camp, but he was cut at the end of August and did not catch on with a practice squad. His last NFL action was in 2020, when he appeared in two regular-season games for the Steelers and played 10 snaps on offense across the two contests. The 2018 sixth-round pick is unlikely to make the Bills' final roster, but he could be invited to stick around on the practice squad if he's able to impress in training camp.