NFL Player News

Toney (hamstring) is not in line to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

The report notes that Toney appeared to tweak his leg or knee in Tuesday's practice, and the wideout thus is on track to miss the Giants' exhibition opener. His next chance to see game action will arrive Sunday, Aug. 21 against the Bengals.

Johnson (hip) was present for Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

That said, Pryor notes that Johnson was sporting shoulder pads but no leg pads Thursday, which suggests that he's still working his way back from a hip flexor. In that context, Johnson appears unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks.

Claypool (shoulder) didn't practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Claypool, who has been managing a shoulder issue, was able to practice earlier in the week, so it's possible that his Thursday absence was maintenance-related. Though the Steelers plan to play some of their starters in Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks, it's possible that Claypool could sit out the contest as a precaution.

Montgomery is a candidate for added opportunities in the Patriots offense after running back James White announced his retirement from the NFL, NESN's Zack Cox and ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

At this stage, Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson currently top the running back depth chart and are in line to handle the bulk of the team's early down work this season. With White no longer in the mix, though, there will be change-of-pace/pass-catching snaps and touches available, and both Cox and Reiss believe the versatile Montgomery has a chance to claim a share of them. Rookie fourth-rounder Pierre Strong is another player who could factor in on that front, with 2022 sixth-rounder Kevin Harris and returnee J.J. Taylor also competing for depth roles.

Jones (undisclosed) isn't expected to take the field for Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Jones has missed practice time due to an undisclosed injury and isn't expected to participate in Saturday's preseason game against Kansas City. The third-round draft choice is trying to secure a role as one of the top-three receivers on the team.

Mooney is expected to play along with the Bears' starters in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Although not listed by name in the report, coach Matt Eberflus informed reporters that Chicago's starters will play 15 to 20 snaps, though some will play just 10 to 15, in Saturday's game against Kansas City. Mooney is a near lock to start the season as the team's top receiver after surpassing 1,000 yards last year.

Pringle (quad) is unlikely play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

This was expected as coach Matt Eberflus previous stated that he hopes to see Pringle at some point this preseason after the receiver was reported to have injured his quadriceps on August 6.

Samuel will play in Saturday's preseason game against Carolina, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Samuel missed some practices at the start of training camp, reportedly due to a conditioning issue, but there hasn't been any report of a setback with the groin or hamstring injuries that ruined his first season in Washington. Coach Ron Rivera said he expects his starters to play around 15-20 snaps Saturday. The 26-year-old figures to be Washington's No. 2 or 3 wide receiver this year.

Harry underwent tightrope surgery Thursday to address a high-ankle sprain and is expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times reports.

With Harry's injury expected to keep him sidelined for at least the early portion of the season and with Byron Pringle (quadriceps) and Velus Jones (undisclosed) also day-to-day with injuries, a weak Bears receiving corps is already trending down before the team's first preseason game. Chicago acquired Harry, a 2019 first-round pick, from the Patriots in July in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round choice, hoping the change in scenery would help him unlock some of his untapped potential. Harry now looks like a candidate to begin the season on injured reserve, which would keep him out for the Bears' first four games.

Gage (leg) is not participating in Thursday's practice scrimmage against the Dolphins, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Todd Bowles said Gage suffered a leg injury during Wednesday's practice, per Laine, but he declined to offer further details about the wideout's health. Quarterback Tom Brady (personal) plans to remain away from the Buccaneers until after the team's Aug. 20 preseason matchup against the Titans, and wide receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ACL) are also dealing with injuries, so Tampa Bay's offensive personnel will be relatively limited at practice.