NFL Player News

Thomas did not play in Saturday's 17-13 preseason loss to the Texans.

Thomas and fellow veteran wide receiver Jarvis Landry were given the night off Saturday, while rookie Chris Olave caught just one pass on as many targets for four yards. Nonetheless, Thomas impressed in practice this past week while his fantasy stock continued to rise, and he could make his preseason debut this coming Friday in Green Bay.

Olave caught his only target for four yards in Saturday's preseason opener against the Texans.

Olave drew the start and logged 15 offensive snaps in his preseason debut, but the rookie first-rounder saw just one target on a short dump-off from reserve quarterback Ian Book. Despite the absences of fellow receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, Olave's lack of volume in the Saints' first preseason contest shouldn't be a concern.

Crowder was targeted once but did not record a reception in Saturday's 27-24 preseason win over the Colts.

Crowder had a relatively prominent role in the game with Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Isaiah McKenzie all held out of the game. Crowder's lone target was picked off, an inauspicious start to his tenure with Buffalo. It also appears that Crowder is buried on the depth chart, so he may not be on the field regularly in Week 1, and we suppose he has an outside chance of getting cut.

Johnson (hip) didn't play during the Steelers' 32-25 preseason win over the Seahawks on Saturday.

Johnson and Chase Claypool (shoulder) warmed up in full uniform prior to Saturday's matchup, but both receivers were held out. Johnson landed a two-year extension with the Steelers in early August but has dealt with a hip flexor injury this week. It's not yet clear whether Johnson will take the field for the Steelers' final two preseason matchups, but he'll serve as the team's top receiving option if he's healthy to begin the regular season.

Miller failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Miller notably came up empty on a night where several of his fellow competitors for a depth receiver role put some strong play on film. The Bowling Green product does have a respectable body of work from prior seasons to rely on to an extent, but he'll certainly need to show a lot more in his ongoing bid for a roster spot during next Saturday night's road preseason battle against the Titans.

Claypool (shoulder) didn't play during the Steelers' 32-25 preseason win over the Seahawks on Saturday.

Both Claypool and Diontae Johnson (hip) were in full uniform prior to Saturday's preseason opener, but they were ultimately held out. Claypool has dealt with his shoulder injury over the last few weeks, but coach Mike Tomlin has downplayed the severity of the issue. It's not yet clear whether Claypool's absence Saturday was due to his injury or whether he'll take the field during the Steelers' final two preseason matchups.

Darden brought in his only target for a 23-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Darden wasn't as productive in terms of catches as several other wideouts vying for a roster spot on the latter half of the depth chart, yet the second-year speedster did make his mark with his impressive first-quarter scoring connection with Blaine Gabbert. Darden didn't see any opportunities as a returner, but he could be involved in that aspect of things as well in next Saturday night's road exhibition battle against the Titans.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Austin didn't play in Saturday's preseason win versus the Seahawks due to a foot injury, Adam H. Beasley of Pro Football Network reports.

The Steelers' top wide receiver duo of Diontae Johnson (hip) and Chase Claypool (shoulder) didn't suit up due to their injuries, and Austin and Anthony Miller (shoulder) joined them on the sideline. Tomlin told Teresa Varley of the team's official site that Austin picked up his issue at practice Friday, but he expects to have the rookie fourth-round pick "get back to us sooner rather than later." Whether or not Austin progresses enough to play next Sunday in Jacksonville remains to be seen.

Johnson brought in six of seven targets for 73 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-24 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night.

Johnson led the Buccaneers in receptions, receiving yards and targets on a night when none of Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (knee), Julio Jones (coach's decision) and Russell Gage (leg) saw the field. The third-year wideout made a notable statement in his bid to lock down a spot in the latter half of the Buccaneers' wide receiver depth chart and should continue to log plenty of snaps again in next Saturday night's road exhibition matchup versus the Titans.

Pittman recorded two receptions on three targets for 30 yards in Saturday's 27-24 preseason loss to the Bills.

Pittman got some run early in the game, likely in an effort to help him develop rapport with new quarterback Matt Ryan. His first reception came on a short throw over the middle of the field, though Pittman was able to turn upfield for a 17-yard gain. Per Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star, Pittman was also used out of the slot, a role he is expected to fill regularly in meaningful games this season. Pittman enters the campaign as the Colts' top pass catcher.