NFL Player News

Johnston caught both of his targets for 15 yards in Friday's 23-12 preseason win over San Francisco.

Johnston played into the second quarter and technically was the Chargers' leading receiver on a night that saw them rest all their other key players and throw for only 53 yards on 20 pass attempts. The rookie first-round pick closes out his preseason with eight caches for 62 yards and a TD on 11 targets, and he'll either be the Chargers' third or fourth wide receiver when they host the Dolphins in Week 1.

Shenault (concussion) said after Friday's preseason loss to the Lions that he expects to return to practice next week, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Under the NFL's concussion protocol, players aren't able to speak to the media until they gain clearance for all activity. Shenault didn't practice this week and also didn't suit up for preseason Week 3, but his words to Gantt indicate he may be out of the protocol, meaning his absence Friday may have been precautionary. Shenault is competing for one of the final WR spots on the Panthers roster, so getting in some drills sooner than later should help his cause.

Conley has been ruled out of Friday's preseason game after suffering a shoulder injury, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Conley is fighting for a spot on the active roster after signing with San Francisco this offseason. The veteran wideout has also had stints in Kansas City, Jacksonville, Houston and Tennessee throughout his career. If the 30-year-old does make the 49ers' active roster, he'll most likely serve as a depth piece in their wide receiver room. The extent of his injury is currently unknown.

Green caught three of four targets for 97 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 26-17 preseason win over Carolina.

The rookie seventh-round pick made his case for a roster spot at the last second, catching a 70-yard TD in the second quarter while working with Teddy Bridgewater and the second-string offense. Green also got some snaps with the third unit after halftime and finished the 2023 preseason with seven catches for 151 yards and a TD on eight targets (playing all three games). That'll probably be enough to get him a spot on the Week 1 roster, especially with fellow deep threat Jameson Williams (hamstring) set to go on the suspended list early next week.

Boutte played just one drive at the start of Friday's preseason loss to Tennessee, suggesting he's in good position for a roster spot, according to ESPN's Zack Cox.

Fellow sixth-round pick Demario Douglas appears to be in even better position, as he was one of the many players the Patriots rested Friday night. Boutte ran only one route, so his lack of statistics in the preseason finale isn't a bad sign. He won't necessarily have a role Week 1 against the Eagles but at least seems headed for a spot on the roster.

Samuel caught two of three targets for 18 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Chargers.

Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk each saw three of the nine targets from starting QB Brock Purdy, who engineered two long drives on two series against the Chargers' second-string defense. Samuel caught four passes for 57 yards on six targets in his two preseason appearances alongside Purdy, setting the tone for what should be a relatively busy regular season starting with a Week 1 road game against Pittsburgh.

Aiyuk caught one of three targets for 35 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Chargers.

Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel each accounted for three of Brock Purdy's nine pass attempts as the 49ers' starters easily made their way down the field against the Chargers' backups. Things might not look so easy Week 1 at Pittsburgh, though the cornerbacks are probably the relative weak point of an otherwise stellar Steelers defense.

Douglas isn't in uniform for Friday's preseason game against the Titans and may have already earned a role in the New England offense, Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

Chad Graff of The Athletic reports that the rookie sixth-round pick has been New England's "most pleasant training camp surprise" and could finish the season as the team's No. 3 receiver. Douglas may start off only fourth or fifth on the depth chart, but his roster spot at least appears safe as the Patriots begin preparations for Week 1 against Philadelphia.

Mingo caught one of two targets for 14 yards in Friday's preseason game against Detroit.

Adam Thielen went for 4-48-1 on five targets, with Mingo being the only other player to see more than one look from QB Bryce Young on the first-team offense's two drives. The rookie wideout appeared to play nearly all the snaps with the starters, which perhaps isn't surprising given the absences of DJ Chark (hamstring), Terrace Marshall (back) and Laviska Shenault (concussion). The previous preseason usage suggests Mingo would have a top-three role even with everyone healthy, though perhaps as the No. 3 behind Thielen and Chark. Expect Mingo to get plenty of playing time Week 1 at Atlanta, even if Chark is back in the lineup.

Thielen caught four of five targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason game against the Lions.

Despite missing a few snaps after he took a big hit, Thielen accounted for five of the 10 targets and 66 percent of Carolina's receiving yards while QB Bryce Young was in the game. The Panthers' first-team offense scored 10 points on two drives against Detroit's second-team defense, with the final play being a 21-yard touchdown reception by Thielen on a corner route. The 33-year-old has a chance to lead the Panthers in targets this season and should see his share of looks Week 1 at Atlanta, especially if DJ Chark (hamstring) is sidelined.