NFL Player News

Palmer appears to have earned the Buccaneers' No. 3 receiver spot, according to Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times.

The sixth-round rookie scored a pair of touchdowns this preseason, making the most of his opportunity after projected No. 3 receiver Russell Gage suffered a season-ending knee injury. Palmer could still share snaps with fellow rookie Rakim Jarrett or second-year pro Deven Thompkins, with roles partially depending on how much time the Bucs want Chris Godwin (and to a lesser extent Mike Evans) spending in the slot. Palmer is more likely to get snaps outside, sporting 4.33 speed at 6-foot, whereas the 5-foot-8 Thompkins would figure to get most of his work from the slot and push Godwin outside in three-wide formations. Given Godwin's track record of success working the middle of the field, it's no surprise the Bucs are leaning toward Palmer -- a perimeter deep threat -- as the No. 3 receiver. It probably won't be a high-volume role in terms of targets so long as Godwin and Evans (groin) both are available, which should be the case Week 1 at Minnesota.

Jenkins (undisclosed) reverted to injured reserve Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Jenkins was waived/injured by the Jaguars on Tuesday, so his reverting to IR was an anticipated outcome. Unless he and Jacksonville can agree on an injury settlement, Jenkins will miss the entire 2023 season.

Evans (groin) is practicing Thursday and expected to play Week 1 at Minnesota, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Evans was scheduled to play in the preseason finale but ended up being scratched with a groin injury that coach Todd Bowles described as minor. The wideout is now back practicing 10 days before the season opener, putting him on track to serve as one of QB Baker Mayfield's top two options along with long-time running mate Chris Godwin. The Bucs otherwise are counting on relatively inexperienced players at the skill positions, including RB Rachaad White and TE Cade Otton, with candidates for the No. 3 WR job being Trey Palmer, Deven Thompkins and Rakim Jarrett (all 23 or younger). Assuming no setbacks with the groin, Evans should be tasked with large target and route shares from the jump.

McLaurin (toe) isn't practicing Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

McLaurin is 10 days removed from injuring his toe in a preseason win over the Ravens, with his status for Week 1 against Arizona in serious question. He was diagnosed with turf toe and hasn't practiced since, but McLaurin still has some time to get on the field before Washington's season opener Sun., Sept. 10.

The Cowboys signed Johnson to the practice squad Wednesday after having released him Tuesday, Patrik Walker of the team's official site reports.

Johnson couldn't make Dallas' initial 53-man roster, but he did show enough in training camp to earn a practice squad spot. He logged four total appearances between the Texans and Raiders last season, bringing in his only target for a gain of eight yards.

The Cowboys signed Moreno-Cropper to the practice squad Wednesday, Patrik Walker of the team's official site reports.

Moreno-Cropper put together a solid offseason with Dallas, so it's not surprising to see the team keep him around as a practice-squad member. The undrafted rookie out of Fresno State showcased 4.40 speed at the combine.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach suggested Wednesday that Rice will start the season as a part-time player, Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Veach used the term "package player" to describe Rice and Justyn Ross, while 2022 second-round pick Skyy Moore was said to have earned an "every-down" role. Rice, a 2023 second-round selection, had the fifth-most receiving yards (155) in the NFL this preseason, but he spent significant time playing with backups and dropped two or three passes in the Chiefs' final exhibition. His role for Week 1 against the Lions partially depends on the health of Kadarius Toney's knee, with Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling being the safe bets to take on the majority of Kansas City's wideout snaps in the opener.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach suggested Wednesday that Moore will start the season in an every-down role, Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Veach said fellow young receivers Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross will start the year as "package" players but could eventually progress to every-down roles. Moore apparently has already reached that level, earning a top-three spot at receiver heading into Week 1 after spending most of his rookie season fourth or fifth on the depth chart. He and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are the favorites to lead Kansas City's receivers in snaps Week 1 against Detroit, though Kadarius Toney (knee) could also be a big part of the passing game if he's healthy enough to play.

Thompkins secured a spot on the Buccaneers' 53-man roster as a reserve receiver and as the team's top kick returner, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The speedy Thompkins enjoyed a busy preseason during which he recorded four receptions for 22 yards, returned three kickoffs for 73 yards and ran back four punts for 12 yards. The second-year player could have a fairly meaningful role on offense in addition to his return duties, considering he's projected to open the campaign as the No. 4 receiver and could usurp rookie Trey Palmer for the No. 3 role at some point.

Wesley was signed to the Raiders' practice squad Wednesday.

Wesley was most recently a member of the Cardinals, but he spent all of the 2022 campaign on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury. The veteran wideout will now look to develop as a member of the Raiders' practice squad in hopes to carve out a depth role on the team's roster.