NFL Player News

Thompkins secured two of three targets for 13 yards, returned one kickoff for 16 yards and ran back two punts for four yards in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night.

Thompkins had a solid night overall while logging 20 snaps from scrimmage. The Utah State product is in a battle with several other young wideouts for a spot on the latter portion of the Buccaneers' depth chart, and he was outperformed by one of them, Rakim Jarrett, in Saturday's contest. Nevertheless, Thompkins' ability to also contribute as a returner ups his odds, and he should have another solid opportunity to make his case in Saturday night's home preseason finale versus the Ravens.

Moore secured two of four targets for 18 yards and fumbled once but recovered in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night. He also returned one punt for no gain.

Moore had a relatively quiet night overall while the player who might well be his primary competition for the No. 3 receiver job, Trey Palmer, flashed again with a 33-yard touchdown grab. However, the veteran, who led the team in targets, was reasonably productive overall, and given his experience edge over Palmer, Moore could potentially emerge as the victor in the job battle if he puts together an impressive enough effort in Saturday night's home preseason finale against the Ravens.

Jarrett secured all three targets for 84 yards in the Buccaneers' 13-6 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday night. He also rushed once for minus-3 yards.

Jarrett had been turning heads frequently in training camp, and his 33 snaps were second only to David Moore among Buccaneers receivers. The Maryland product also recorded a game-long, 36-yard grab, making quite the case in his ongoing bid for a reserve receiver role. His chances of snagging a spot have likely been at least slightly boosted by Russell Gage's season-ending knee injury, and Jarrett should have another extended opportunity to convince the coaching staff in Saturday night's home preseason finale against the Ravens.

Brown (head) was cleared to return to Monday night's preseason game against the Ravens.

Brown took a shot to the back of the head in the third quarter and had to be checked for a concussion. He evidently passed the sideline tests.

Brown exited Monday night's preseason game against the Ravens early to be checked for a concussion, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Prior to leaving in the third quarter, Brown was targeted six times and caught two passes for 27 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown from Sam Howell just before halftime. Brown is expected to open the season as the Commanders' fourth wideout.

Samuel caught his lone target for 11 yards in Monday's preseason matchup with Baltimore.

It wasn't the most encouraging performance given that Washington's starters played the entire first half and Sam Howell attempted 25 passes. Of course, it's a small sample against backup defenders in a preseason game, and by most measures Samuel looks like one of the better No. 3 receivers in the league. Fellow wideouts Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin combined for eight catches and 115 yards on 10 targets, though McLaurin did exit early with a toe injury that doesn't initially appear to be too serious. It's also worth noting that Dyami Brown got a decent amount of run with the first-team offense, including a 16-yard TD, though that doesn't necessarily mean he'll chip into Samuel's playing time come Week 1 against Arizona.

Bowden caught two of his three targets for 37 yards during Sunday's 22-17 preseason victory over the Chargers.

Bowden caught back-to-back passes on the Saints' third offensive series, including a 32-yard catch-and-run on a screen pass from quarterback Jameis Winston. Additionally, the 25-year-old wideout handled return duties for the Saints, totaling two kickoff returns for 41 yards while also fielding four punts for 13 yards and a fair catch. Bowden's ability to create yards after catch combined with his value as a potential returner could go a long way toward carving out a role with New Orleans heading into the regular season.

Dotson caught five of seven targets for 76 yards in Monday's preseason game against Baltimore.

Washington's first-team offense played the entire first half, putting up 17 points on four drives with QB Sam Howell throwing for 188 yards and two TDs. Dotson was the only player to see more than four targets in the half, and he accounted for 40 percent of Howell's yardage while doing his damage on short and intermediate throws. The 2022 first-round pick was more of a big-play threat than a volume guy as a rookie, though that changed somewhat over the final month of the season, portending a possible Year 2 breakout. The extended playing time Monday likely means Dotson will be held out of the final preseason game in preparation for a Week 1 home matchup with Arizona.

The Broncos signed Hammond on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Hammond was in the XFL earlier this year, catching 34 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown for the DC Defenders. The 25-year-old last appeared in an NFL game back in 2021 with the Jaguars when he saw action on 13 offensive snaps across two games. He's yet to catch a regular-season pass.

McLaurin exited Monday night's preseason game against the Ravens with a right toe injury.

X-rays on McLaurin's toe were negative, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. McLaurin had his right foot trapped underneath him a bit late in the first half, limped to the sideline and eventually was taken to the locker room. It sounds like McLaurin avoided a serious injury. Prior to leaving, he caught all three of his targets for 39 yards. With just one game to go during exhibition season, McLaurin likely will make it his goal to be ready for Week 1.