NFL Player News

Watson, who relayed that he took a hit to the knee on the last play of practice Wednesday, downplayed the issue afterward, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports. "It's a little sore, but it's just a bruise, so nothing that's going to stop me from doing anything," Watson said. "Right now, it's died down a lot, so if we had a practice right now, then I think I would be good to go."

While the wideout evidently avoided a concerning injury, he's not a sure bet to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Browns. Head coach Matt LaFleur has previously said that the Packers will be cautious with banged-up players in the preseason opener, even those who are dealing with minor injuries.

El-Zayat (undisclosed) was waived by the Jets with an injury designation Wednesday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

El-Zayat was attempting to make the team as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Michigan. Instead, he will revert to injured reserve, assuming he goes unclaimed on waivers, and potentially miss the 2024 campaign.

The Eagles waived Davis on Wednesday.

Davis was sent to waivers by Philadelphia to make room for tight end Armani Rogers on the roster. The second-year pro spent the 2023 season, his rookie campaign, on New Orleans' practice squad and inked with the Eagles back in January.

Tipton left practice early Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, according to head coach Dennis Allen, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The injury is a tough blow for Tipton, who was receiving rave reviews early in training camp. The Yale product went undrafted in 2024 but has posted a 4.33-second 40-yard dash time, which he's put on display in practices, proving to be a potential downfield threat. It's not yet clear how long the 23-year-old could be sidelined with the injury.

Harty (lower leg) was spotted participating in Wednesday's practice, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Harty missed a little time due to a soft tissue injury in his lower leg, but it appears he's moved past the issue. Now that Harty has returned to full health, he's expected to serve as the Ravens' top kick and punt returner and compete for a depth role in the team's wide receiver room.

Washington has stood out in back-to-back joint practices with the Falcons, and he connected on a deep target from quarterback Skylar Thompson for a highlight-reel play Wednesday, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Washington is listed as a fifth-string wide receiver on Miami's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, but he still has plenty of time remaining to make his case for a spot on the 53-man roster. The rookie sixth-round pick has impressed in recent practice while Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) and Braxton Berrios (undisclosed) have missed time, and he took advantage of Tyreek Hill logging limited work Wednesday. Head coach Mike McDaniel praised Washington's early development during Wednesday's presser, noting that the receiver is "operating as a pro in terms of how he's studying, his ownership of the playbook, and how reliable he is with assignments for his teammates." The rookie could further help his stock if he's able to flash in Friday's preseason opener against Atlanta.

The 49ers signed Kirklin on Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kirklin most recently spent time on the Saints' practice squad and has yet to appear in an NFL game. The 25-year-old wide receiver out of LSU is expected to compete for a depth role in the 49ers' wide receiver room as the preseason progresses.

An MRI confirmed that Downs suffered a left high-ankle sprain during Wednesday's practice, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Downs' recovery time could fall in the 4-to-6-week range, though the Colts are hopeful that the wideout will be ready to go around the shorter end of the estimate. In any case, Downs' status for the Colts' Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Texans could be affected. if so, added opportunities would be available early on for fellow wideouts Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce behind No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman.

The Jets removed Williams (knee) from the active/PUP list Wednesday.

Williams' activation from the PUP list sets him up to practice for the first time in training camp, a notable step in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in his left knee back in Week 3 last season. The timing of Williams' activation perfectly aligns with the timetable provided by head coach Robert Saleh earlier this offseason, indicating that his recovery from knee surgery is continuing on schedule. The 29-year-old is in position to operate as one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets this season, behind No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson, with running back Breece Hall and tight end Tyler Conklin also in the mix as pass catchers. If he can quickly get back on the field without losing a step, Williams' upside in the Jets offense could entail a 1,000-yard receiving campaign and notable usage in the red zone. There's real risk, on the other hand, that Williams gets out to a slow start to the season even if he is cleared for action Week 1 against the 49ers.

Harley signed a contract with the Dolphins on Wednesday, Omar Kelly of The Miami Herald reports.

Harley has spent time with the Browns since going undrafted in 2022, but he has yet to find his way to the active roster on gameday other than in the preseason. The 26-year-old will now work to earn a depth role in Miami.