NFL Player News

Metchie caught one of two targets for four yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over the Steelers.

Metchie dropped the first pass thrown to him and didn't appear to respond in the way head coach DeMeco Ryans wanted to see following a quiet preseason opener last week in the Hall of Fame Game. The good news for Metchie is that neither of his main competitors -- Xavier Hutchinson nor Ben Skowronek -- shined as a receiver Friday night.

Hutchinson caught one of three targets for four yards, rushed once for 19 yards and returned a kickoff for 27 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Hutchinson didn't have the impact as a receiver that he did in the Hall of Fame Game last week, but he was given snaps in the first half, putting him in the mix for one of the final spots on the wideout depth chart. He also ran the ball for the second straight preseason contest, which suggests the Texans view him as a potential multi-dimensional weapon.

Skowronek did not catch either of two targets in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Skowronek was showcased mostly in the second half and both targets were thrown by fourth-string quarterback Tim Boyle. The 27-year-old wideout is vying for one of the final spots on the depth chart. His primary competitors are Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie and Noah Brown (shoulder).

Woods caught all four targets for 42 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over Pittsburgh.

Woods made his preseason debut and led all Houston receivers in yards. If healthy, Woods is expected to be the team's fourth wideout.

Jenkins secured both of his targets for 22 yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to Houston.

Jenkins was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement by the Jaguars ahead of the 2023 season, and he didn't land with another team last year. The LSU product signed with the Steelers in June but faces an uphill battle to earn a spot on the team's active roster ahead of the 2024 campaign, even after Pittsburgh lost Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson and Miles Boykin during the offseason. However, even if Jenkins is left off the 53-man roster, he could make a case for a role with the team's practice squad.

Austin secured two of his three targets for 49 yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Austin had a limited impact on offense in 2023, securing 17 of 30 targets for 180 yards and a touchdown while rushing 11 times for 57 yards and another score. However, the Steelers lost Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson and Miles Boykin during the offseason, so there should be more targets available during the 2024 campaign. Austin impressed during OTAs and minicamp this spring and has carried that momentum into the start of training camp, showcasing his versatility by lining up on the outside as well as in the slot. While the Steelers also have several other receivers competing for targets during the preseason, Austin had a strong start Friday by leading the team in receiving yards.

Miller secured three of four targets for 47 yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Miller joined the Steelers on a one-year deal in May and is competing for a depth role at wide receiver after the team lost Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson and Miles Boykin during the offseason. Miller made a solid first impression during Friday's preseason opener, as he tied for the team lead in receptions and finished second in receiving yards, fueled by a 38-yard catch to begin the fourth quarter. The 2019 sixth-rounder appeared in all 17 regular-season games during his lone season in Atlanta last year but secured just 11 of his 16 targets for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn't topped 200 receiving yards in a season since the 2020 campaign in which he was catching passes from Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, so even if Miller lands a spot on the Steelers' 53-man roster this year, he seems unlikely to be an appealing fantasy option.

Watts secured his lone target for nine yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

After spending most of last season with the Steelers' practice squad, Watts signed a reserve/future contract with the team in January. However, he didn't make much of an impact during Friday's preseason opener, with his lone reception coming with just under a minute remaining in the matchup. It seems unlikely that he'll make the Steelers' 53-man roster for the 2024 campaign, but it's possible he winds up on the practice squad in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.

Fitzpatrick secured his lone target for 34 yards during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to Houston.

Fitzpatrick signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers in January, and he made a flashy play during Friday's preseason opener with a 34-yard reception in the second quarter, the team's second-longest play of the night. He spent the entire 2023 season on Pittsburgh's practice squad and faces an uphill battle to earn a spot on the team's 53-man roster for the 2024 campaign, even after the Steelers lost Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson and Miles Boykin during the offseason.

Washington secured three of nine targets for 27 yards in the Falcons' 20-13 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Friday night. He also recovered a fumble.

While he posted an inefficient line overall, Washington was the subject of plenty of attention from the Falcons' quarterbacks while garnering team-high reception and target totals. The rookie sixth-round pick was the beneficiary of so much opportunity thanks in large part to Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud all being held out of action, but Washington should still get an opportunity to make his case for a roster spot during the Falcons' second exhibition game against the Ravens on Aug. 17.