NFL Player News

Walker failed to bring in his only target in Friday's 16-13 preseason loss to the Eagles.

The Ravens sat out most of their top offensive personnel, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and wideouts Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman (undisclosed), but Walker still didn't see his only target until the third quarter and couldn't connect with No. 3 QB Devin Leary on the pass. Walker, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will look for a chance to make a bigger impact in a Saturday, Aug. 17 exhibition against the Falcons, but his usage in the Ravens' preseason opener doesn't suggest he'll have a big role when the regular season begins.

Washington rushed once for 21 yards, hauled in one of four targets for five yards, returned two kickoffs for 46 yards and ran back four punts for 21 yards in the Dolphins' 20-13 preseason win over the Falcons on Friday night. He also fumbled once but recovered.

The rookie sixth-round pick had impressed during joint practices with the Falcons this week, and he was able to carry some of that momentum into Friday night's preseason opener. Washington wasn't able to maximize his opportunities through the air, but he flashed with his work as a rusher and on returns. The night was a positive initial step overall in Washington's quest for a roster spot, and he should see his fair share of touches again in the Dolphins' second exhibition game versus the Commanders on Aug. 17.

Collins wasn't targeted in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over the Steelers.

Collins played the first two drives along with the rest of Houston's starters, but neither he nor new teammate Stefon Diggs saw a target while Tank Dell scored a 34-yard touchdown. Even with numerous mouths to feed in the passing game, Collins figures to play a prominent role in 2024 after breaking out with 1,297 receiving yards during the 2023 regular season. Collins and the Texans will host the Giants a week from Saturday in the third of Houston's four preseason games.

Diggs wasn't targeted in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over the Steelers.

Diggs made his Texans debut as Houston's top offensive starters mixed in for two drives after sitting out the Hall of Fame Game last week. Neither Diggs nor Nico Collins were targeted in this game, while QB C.J. Stroud linked up with Tank Dell for a 34-yard touchdown. All three of Diggs, Collins and Dell figure to play significant roles in Houston's receiving corps come the regular season, but they may continue to be eased in during Houston's next preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 17.

Dell scored a 34-yard touchdown on his only target in Friday's 20-12 preseason win over the Steelers. He also returned one punt for 22 yards.

Dell found a seam down the field then broke away from a pack of Pittsburgh defenders to get into the end zone on his only reception. It was encouraging to see the second-year wide receiver suit up after a fractured fibula cut his rookie season short in Week 13, and even more encouraging that Dell looked like his usual explosive self on his touchdown catch. Houston's starters played only two drives Friday, but he may see more run in a preseason matchup with the Giants a week from Saturday.

Pickens caught both of his targets for 25 yards in Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.

Pittsburgh's starters played only one quarter, but Pickens showed a nice rapport with Justin Fields, who started at quarterback with Russell Wilson getting the night off. Regardless of who is under center for the Steelers come Week 1, Pickens is primed to lead Pittsburgh's receiving corps. The Steelers have two more preseason games left before then, including a Saturday, Aug. 17 matchup versus the Bills.

Gould has been used with the first-team offense in the slot at times during training camp and has made a strong impression, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

The 2024 fifth-round draft pick was seen mostly as a candidate for special teams, as he's also competing for the punt-return job (he was an elite punt returner at Oregon State). However, it looks like he could be in the receiver mix, which may have openings for playing time if Josh Downs misses regular-season games with a high-ankle sprain.

Dulin didn't practice Friday due to a hamstring injury, Kevin Bowen of 93.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.

The severity of the injury isn't clear, but Dulin may not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Broncos as a result. Dulin suffered a season-ending torn ACL back in August 2023, but had returned to practice at full speed at the start of training camp.

Mitchell worked in the slot with the first-team offense in Friday's practice with Josh Downs sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, Kevin Bowen of 92.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Mitchell and Alex Pierce have been in competition for the No. 3 receiver role, but both could begin the campaign in three-receiver sets if Downs misses regular-season games. It's notable that Mitchell got work in the slot, as he had mostly been seen as a perimeter receiver and deep threat. The 2024 second-round draft pick could find an additional path to playing time as a result.

Diggs, who missed practice Wednesday with an unspecified issue, is in uniform for Friday's preseason game against the Steelers, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Diggs was shook up in practice Tuesday, and his absence from Wednesday's session hinted at the wideout possibly being held out of Friday's contest. However, it looks like Diggs may see some snaps versus Pittsburgh after all, and if that's the case, he'll have an opportunity to catch passes from starting QB C.J. Stroud, who's expected to play a series or two, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.