NFL Player News

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said after Wednesday's practice that he's unsure of the severity of Downs' ankle injury, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Downs reportedly didn't put much weight on his injured leg when he was helped off the field earlier Wednesday. Initial reports were pessimistic, potentially creating a hurdle for a young wide receiver to overcome heading into his second season. Downs recorded a 68-771-2 receiving line on 98 targets last season, mostly working out of the slot after Indianapolis took him 79th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Patriots are no longer exploring a trade for Aiyuk, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the Patriots met the 49ers' trade demands and had a large contract offer on the table, but a deal didn't work out because Aiyuk wasn't willing to sign with New England. The Steelers and Browns are now thought to be the main teams pursuing the 26-year-old wideout, with earlier reports suggesting Cleveland might offer wideout Amari Cooper as part of a trade. Pittsburgh wouldn't be able to offer a comparable wide receiver -- assuming George Pickens is off the table -- but might be able to make up the difference with additional draft capital and/or players at other positions. It's also still possible Aiyuk and the 49ers come to an agreement on an extension, although there's certainly some awkwardness involved after months of tense negotiations and now open trade talks.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that Waddle is missing practice this week due to a minor, unspecified injury, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

McDaniel made it clear he doesn't consider the injury serious, noting that Waddle and Braxton Berrios are dealing with "minor stuff" and nothing more. The Dolphins are four and a half weeks out from their season opener Sept. 8 against Jacksonville, at which point Waddle should make his first regular-season appearance since signing a three-year, $84.75 million extension in May.

Head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday that there's "no threat" of Nacua (knee) missing the Rams' Week 1 game at Detroit, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com repors. "Really just had a little bit of a bursa sac, kind of burst it," McVay said of Nacua's knee injury. "And it's just going to be week-to-week with him. Nothing serious, nothing structurally. He'll be in good shape, and he'll recover and we'll be ready to go; no threat of anything for Detroit."

Nacua made an early exit from Sunday's joint practice with the Chargers -- exactly five weeks before the Rams' season opener -- after his knee got "banged up" on a touchdown reception, per McVay. The 23-year-old will be sidelined for practice for at least a couple weeks but apparently is expected back in time for Week 1 prep.

Downs left Wednesday's practice with an apparent lower leg or ankle injury, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

Downs reportedly wasn't putting any weight on his injured leg when he was helped off the field to the medical tent. He'll likely miss the rest of practice, potentially freeing up more reps for Adonai Mitchell, Alec Pierce and/or Ashton Dulin.

Nailor and Brandon Powell are both listed as the No. 3 receiver for the Vikings on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. In 11 personnel groupings this summer, Nailor has been the primary No. 3 receiver, The Athletic reports.

Nailor has had a strong camp and is seen by most observers as having the job to lose at this point. However, it's still early in camp as preseason games begin. Whoever wins the role could have significant fantasy value early in the season with the Vikings possibly utilizing a third receiver more than in the recent past with tight end T.J. Hockenson likely to miss several games in coming back from January surgery for a torn ACL. Also, No. 2 wideout Jordan Addison is facing a potential suspension.

Jalen Nailor and Powell are both listed as the No. 3 receiver for the Vikings on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.

Powell was seen as the leader for the No. 3 role heading into training camp, but Nailor has drawn raves this summer and is seen by most observers as leading the competition. Whoever wins the role could have significant fantasy value early in the season with the Vikings possibly utilizing third-receiver sets more often, as tight end T.J. Hockenson is likely to miss several games as he recovers from January surgery on a torn ACL.

Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell are listed as co-starters at the third wide receiver spot on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart.

Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout. Pierce has underwhelmed in his two seasons with the Colts, averaging just 554 yards and two touchdowns a year, so there's some risk he could quickly lose playing time to Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick.

Mitchell and Alec Pierce are listed as co-starters at the third wide receiver spot on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart.

Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout.

Jeudy, who participated in a full practice Sunday, was limited to individual drills Monday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Jeudy made a splash Sunday, catching a 40-yard sideline route from quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he appears to be on a practice pitch count. That's likely in deference to the minor knee issue that caused him to miss the beginning of camp. The Browns immediately extended Jeudy's contract after he was acquired in March, and the team is expected to use his top-end speed on both downfield passes and quick throws out of the slot. The belief is that Jeudy and Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku can line up all over the formation, allowing Watson to pick out mismatches on short, safe throws that could turn into big plays.