NFL Player News

Pierce failed to corral a catchable ball on his only target in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo.

Pierce started at wide receiver and failed to bring in a nice 34-yard pass from Anthony Richardson near the goal line despite it hitting his hands. While the drop was a negative, it also shows he may be building a rapport with Richardson on deep passes. Pierce started 12 of his 16 games as a second-round rookie last year and accounted for nearly as many deep targets (15) as every other Colts wideout combined (18). He's set to return as the No. 2 wide receiver opposite Michael Pittman.

Downs had two receptions for 29 yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo. He also had four kickoff returns for an 18.3 yard average.

Downs worked with the second-team offense as Isaiah McKenzie got the start as the slot receiver. Downs showed a spark in the passing game, however. Downs had missed some practice time early in training camp with a sore knee, but it didn't look like an issue Saturday. Downs and McKenzie are battling for the starting slot receiver role, and a decision likely won't be made until late in the preseason.

McKenzie drew the start as the No. 3 receiver in Saturday's preseason loss at Buffalo and had three receptions for 20 yards on four targets.

McKenzie did draw criticism from his receivers coach for a miscommunication on a route that led to an opening-drive interception, but he was otherwise productive. He's battling rookie Josh Downs for the slot receiver role. The job battle may not be decided until late in the preseason.

Nacua secured three of five targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 34-17 preseason loss to the Chargers on Saturday night.

The highlight of the rookie fifth-round pick's night was an 11-yard scoring grab from the arm of fellow first-year player Stetson Bennett with 1:48 remaining in the first half. Nacua's target tally was also the third highest of the night for the Rams, making it a solid debut all around. Nacua's competition for a depth receiver role, Tutu Atwell, didn't see any action Saturday, but he put some encouraging play on film last season and could jump into the fray during the Rams' second preseason game next Saturday night against the Raiders.

Davis brought in both targets for 21 yards, returned one kickoff for 17 yards and ran back two punts for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 34-17 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday night.

The blazing-fast rookie made his mark with an 81-yard punt return touchdown at just under the 10-minute mark of the second quarter to snap a 7-7 tie. Davis was also efficient on his pair of receptions, and the fact that both Joshua Palmer (undisclosed) and Jalen Guyton (PUP-knee) were sidelined in addition to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams being idle certainly helped up open opportunities for him on offense. Davis' next chance to make a case for a roster spot comes in a home preseason matchup against the Saints on Sunday night, Aug. 20.

Johnson brought in three of six targets for 10 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 34-17 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday night.

The rookie first-round pick paced the Chargers in targets while tying for the team lead in receptions. Johnson's first score as a professional came on an eight-yard grab from Easton Stick with 17 seconds remaining in the first half, and he was the target on Los Angeles' first play from scrimmage, which resulted in a catch for a two-yard loss. All of Johnson's targets came in the first half, and with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams ticketed for sparse preseason run, he should have a chance to once again log a healthy amount of snaps during the Bolts' second preseason game against the Saints on Sunday night, Aug. 20.

Wilson gathered in two of three targets for eight yards during Friday's 18-17 preseason win against the Broncos.

Wilson got the start at wide receiver alongside Rondale Moore and Zach Pascal, with top option Marquise Brown unavailable due to an undisclosed injury. The 2023 third-round pick didn't do much with his three looks, but Wilson was on the receiving end of a deep pass from rookie quarterback Clayton Tune that fell incomplete. Such usage may be where Wilson will be able to make an impact in the Cardinals offense in his first year as a pro, specifically as a boundary option. His next chance for exhibition action arrives Saturday, Aug. 19 versus the Chiefs.

Geiger brought in four of five targets for 50 yards, rushed once for two yards and returned one punt for four yards in the Buccaneers' 27-17 preseason loss to the Steelers on Friday night. He also lost a fumble.

The second-year pro was brought back on a reserve/future contract in January after logging eight offensive snaps alongside 17 special-teams plays across three games in 2022. Geiger is now fighting to earn a roster spot on the latter portion of the Buccaneers' wideout depth chart, which is crowded with solid talents like veteran David Moore, the promising Deven Thompkins and rookie Trey Palmer. While his turnover Saturday is undeniably a blemish, Geiger's overall body of work Friday certainly has to be considered a positive.

Covey was out with a hamstring injury during Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Ravens, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Covey was on the sidelines Saturday, and after the game head coach Nick Sirianni explained that it was due to a hamstring issue. More information on his status will likely be provided later this week. Once healthy, the wide receiver is expected to be a top option to return kickoffs and punts this season.

Flowers didn't officially draw a target and rushed once for one yard in the Ravens' 20-19 preseason win over the Eagles on Saturday night.

Flowers' quiet stat line is a bit deceiving, as the rookie first-round pick helped draw illegal use of hands and defensive holding penalties over a three-play sequence that straddled the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second. Flowers was also guilty of a flag in his own right, getting whistled for a false start on the Ravens' first offensive play. A mixed bag of a debut now behind him, Flowers will aim to get on the stat sheet as a receiver for the first time when Baltimore tangles with the Commanders on Monday night, Aug. 21 in its second preseason game.