NFL Player News

Copeland signed a contract with the Vikings on Monday.

Copeland started the offseason with the Titans after going undrafted out of Maryland. However, the 24-year-old was waived by the team in August. He'll now work to make the most of his new opportunity in Minnesota.

McLaurin told reporters last week that he has a "nuanced connection" with QB Sam Howell, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

The report notes that Howell has been spreading the ball around in training camp rather than heavily focusing on his top receiver, but it sounds like he and McLaurin nonetheless have developed a strong working relationship. While that doesn't necessarily mean Howell will be able to elevate McLaurin beyond the WR2 range where he's lingered in fantasy throughout his career, there's at least some theoretical upside now that the team is giving a young QB a chance instead of relying on a veteran who is proven to be no better than mediocre. The WR group looks like the strength of Washington's offense, with McLaurin joined by 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson and veteran slot man Curtis Samuel. The tackle spots also appear in good hands between LT Charles Leno and RT Andrew Wylie, while potential problem areas (besides QB) include the interior line and tight ends.

Kirklin signed a contract with the Saints on Sunday.

Kirklin joined the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2022 campaign but was unable to remain with the club for the start of the regular season. He'll now attempt to compete for a roster spot with New Orleans over the next few weeks.

Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday that Young is considered day-to-day due to a hip/abdomen injury, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Young had a limited role for the Seahawks in 2022, securing both of his targets for 24 yards. It's unclear whether his injury in camp will prevent him from suiting up for Thursday's preseason opener against the Vikings.

Speaking to NFL Network on Friday, Chase encouraged teammate Joe Burrow to fully recover from his calf injury, even if it means missing Week 1, Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com reports. Chase elaborated: "I 100 percent mean that. I just want him to be 100 percent healthy to play. I don't want him rushing nothing. I don't want people in his ear telling him to play at a certain time. I just want him to be healthy."

Chase has his own experience recovering from an injury and taking the extra week after being technically cleared to play. He took one extra week to rest when the Bengals played the Titans (and they won anyway) in Week 12 last season in order to allow him to be 100 percent down the stretch.

Harry signed a contract with the Vikings on Sunday.

Harry spent last season with the Bears but was hampered by a high-ankle sprain that delayed the start of his season. He ultimately appeared in seven games, recording seven catches on nine targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. A first-round selection by the Patriots in 2019, Harry has yet to solidify his potential in the NFL. He'll now work to do so with the Vikings.

Davis signed a contract with the Lions on Saturday.

Davis went undrafted out of Notre Dame after suffering a torn ACL in each of his knees in subsequent years to close out his time in college. He'll now work to earn a depth role in Detroit's receiving corps.

Wilson (ankle) is expected to fully participate in the upcoming joint practices against the Panthers on Wednesday or Thursday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Wilson was supposed to return to practice Saturday, but it seems as if the Jets are taking a cautious approach with the stud wide receiver. The second-year target suffered a low-ankle sprain July 27 and has yet to participate in organized activities, but he's been spotted on numerous occasions doing work on the sidelines. It's unclear if the team expects Wilson to participate in the Jets' second preseason contest Aug. 12.

Smith suffered a groin injury and was forced out of Saturday's practice early, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Head coach Dennis Allen seemed to suggest the issue was minor, although he declined to give a relative timeframe of return. The sixth-year wideout is one of the elder statesmen of the group alongside oft-injured Michael Thomas, but provided the two remain healthy, the duo could be part of one of the better Saints receiving corps in recent memory, with second-year standouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed (groin) in tow, along with the athletically gifted sixth-round rookie A.T. Perry waiting in the wings. Early reports during training camp suggest the Saints offense is operating on all cylinders with new starter Derek Carr.

Shaheed did not finish Saturday's practice after suffering a groin injury, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Tre'Quan Smith also left Saturday's practice early with a groin issue, but Shaheed's is far more noteworthy given the second-year wideout missed nearly a month with a similar groin injury during OTAs. Head coach Dennis Allen didn't seem concerned and suggested the injury was likely minor. Provided Shaheed is available Week 1, the Saints could have one of the deepest receiver rooms in recent memory with star wideouts Chris Olave and Michael Thomas joined by Smith, Shaheed and intriguing rookie A.T. Perry.