NFL Player News

Smith caught three of his four targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Bills.

Smith started over Rashard Higgins and alongside DJ Moore and Terrace Marshall. Robbie Anderson (quadriceps) was out, so Smith is still likely the team's third receiver at best, but he made a strong case for a role in the regular season with his performance Friday. Most notable was his 19-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter, when he split Buffalo's defense down the seam.

Marshall did not catch his only target in Friday's preseason win over the Bills.

Marshall started alongside DJ Moore and Shi Smith, leaving Rashard Higgins as the odd man out. Marshall's only target came in the third quarter from Sam Darnold (ankle), qualifying as the receiver's only appearance on the stat sheet. Though it came with little production, Marshall's presence on the field was encouraging after he suffered a hamstring injury Aug. 19 and was forced to miss Carolina's second preseason game.

Shakir returned two punts for 27 yards and also had a fair catch in Friday's preseason loss to the Panthers.

Shakir had been one of Buffalo's top pass catchers from a statistical perspective through two preseason games. While he didn't make an impact offensively in the final exhibition, he showed playmaking ability on special teams. Though it may come later in the season -- or in future years -- Shakir has showcased promise as a potential producer throughout his first training camp as a pro.

Johnson converted his only target into a 45-yard reception during the Raiders' 23-6 preseason win over the Patriots on Friday night.

The 26-year-old, who's competing for a spot on the latter portion of the Raiders' receiver depth chart, made an impact on his one grab. Johnson notably logged a target before one of his primary competitors for a roster spot, Keenan Cole, although the latter put together a team-best 3-48 line on the night. It remains to be seen if Johnson has done enough to survive final cutdowns, but the speedster at least put something positive on film in his final chance to do so this preseason.

Meyers brought in his lone target for five yards in the Patriots' 23-6 preseason loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Meyers' only target came on the Patriots' second drive, and Zack Cox of NESN reports the receiver spent some time in the blue medical tent midway through the first half with an issue that was never identified. Phil Perry of NBCS Boston subsequently noted Meyers was seen riding the stationary bike on the sideline while other members of the first-team offense were still on the field, but whatever he was dealing with isn't likely to endanger his availability for the Week 1 AFC East clash against the Dolphins.

Agholor brought in his only target for 13 yards in the Patriots' 23-6 preseason loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Agholor didn't draw his one target until the fourth drive of the contest, but at least he won't head into the regular season coming off a blanking. The veteran speedster put together a 37-473-3 line across 15 games in his 2021 debut campaign in New England, and with Tyquan Thornton (collarbone) potentially set to miss the first half of the season, Agholor will likely operate as the No. 4 receiver and key downfield threat when the Patriots open the regular season against the Dolphins on the road Sept. 11.

Bourne brought in two of three targets for 16 yards in the Patriots' 23-6 preseason loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Bourne logged his first target of the game on the Patriots' second possession and tied with a slew of other pass catchers for second on the team in receptions. The veteran logged career highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (800) in his first Patriots campaign in 2021 while also tying his high-water mark in touchdowns (five), and he's set to open the season as the No. 3 wideout against the Dolphins in a Week 1 road divisional matchup Sept. 11.

Moore played in the Panthers' final preseason game against Buffalo on Friday, but he did not record any stats.

Moore didn't have any involvement in the offense, but most importantly, he was cleared of a shoulder issue that had been lingering since Aug. 13. Barring a setback, Moore will be in line to serve as Baker Mayfield's top target in a Week 1 matchup against the Browns.

Parker brought in two of four targets for nine yards in the Patriots' 23-6 preseason loss to the Raiders on Friday night.

Parker naturally opened the game with several of his first-unit teammates and drew the first target from Mac Jones as well. The veteran has reportedly acclimated effectively overall to the Patriots' offense following his offseason trade from the Dolphins, and Parker will now turn his attention to a Week 1 AFC East showdown against his old Miami teammates in South Florida on Sept. 11.

Coach Dennis Allen confirmed after Friday's preseason win against the Chargers that Smith is dealing with a shoulder injury, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Smith paid a visit to the sideline tent in the second quarter, after which it appeared his arm was hanging looser than normal, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. He was unable to return, and Allen said Smith will undergo further evaluation to discover the extent of the health concern.