NFL Player News

Tolbert was more consistent this week during joint practices with the Chargers after a rough performance in the Cowboys' preseason opener, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The rookie receiver caught only two of his seven targets and got flagged for a false start against the Broncos last Saturday, but Tolbert appears to have put it behind him. "I'm learning more and more about each [wide receiver] position as I go," he said after Thursday's practice. "And so, me just being able to move around and understand more - in the game Saturday, it was kind of flying around on me. Overall, I'm picking it up. I'm good. Now, I'm just working on being consistent. My main goal was to come out here, be consistent and compete hard, and I think I did a very good job of that." With Michael Gallup (knee) and James Washington (foot) both set to miss the beginning of the regular season, there will be a lot of pressure on Tolbert to handle a big role from the jump despite being a third-round pick from a smaller conference. If he continues to show progress and can maybe add better preseason numbers to his resume before Week 1, his status as a fantasy sleeper will be a lot more secure.

Miller (wrist) won't play in Sunday's preseason matchup against the Bengals, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Miller sustained a broken wrist during practice in early August and has been in a cast recently. He hasn't been placed on IR, but he'll unsurprisingly be held out for a second consecutive matchup to begin the preseason.

Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald relays that over the past two weeks, Bourne logged the fewest catches in team drills during practice.

Bourne finished the 2021 season with 55 catches (on 70 targets) for 800 yards and five touchdowns to go along with 12 carries for 125 yards in 17 games, and as training camp approached he looked to reestablish his key role in a WR corps that also includes DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor and second-round draft pick Tyquan Thornton. Though Callahan suggests that Bourne's roster spot appears secure, the 27-year-old does face added competition for targets this season and a rebound at practice in the coming weeks would no doubt help solidify his role. With the Patriots expected to play their key healthy skill players some in Friday night's game against the Panthers, Bourne appears poised to make his preseason debut.

Doss was waived by the Giants on Friday.

After joining the team in early June, Doss failed to make a large enough impression at camp to make the Giants' roster ahead of the 2022 season. The wide receiver last appeared in an NFL game in 2020, and his last regular-season catch came in 2019 when he reeled in 11 passes for 133 yards over eight games with the Raiders.

Gallup (knee) caught passes while running routes Thursday for the first time since tearing his left ACL and MCL on Jan. 2, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Gallup was excited about the step forward and noted that he feels like he's making progress every day. He said in late July that he didn't expect to be ready for Week 1, but that doesn't automatically mean he'll start the season on the reserve/PUP list with a minimum four-game absence.

Slayton (undisclosed) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Bengals, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Slayton was removed from Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots after he "tightened up," and he'll be kept off the field for the Giants' second preseason matchup. While it seems like the 25-year-old's removal against the Patriots was precautionary, it's not yet clear whether he'll be available for the preseason finale against the Jets on Aug. 28.

Melton caught four of 11 targets for 18 yards in Thursday's 27-11 preseason loss to the Bears.

Melton led all Seahawks wide receivers in targets and offensive snaps (47). He didn't prove much with the opportunity, though the quarterbacks completed just 51 percent of their passes in the exhibition game. Melton led the team with 47 receiving yards in the preseason opener, so he's set up well to secure a final spot on the 53-man roster if he can finish training camp strong.

Hart caught two of three targets for 46 yards in Thursday's 27-11 preseason loss to the Bears.

Hart was quiet in the preseason opener but led all Seahawks wide receivers in receiving yards during Thursday's contest. He'll be on the roster bubble heading into the 2022 season because of the influx of young depth that the Seahawks brought in this offseason.

Toney (leg) is "moving well" at practice Friday but won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Bengals, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic.

Toney ran routes at full speed Friday and might be healthy enough to play if the Giants had a regular-season game this weekend. He's thus on track for Week 1 at Tennessee, despite being in and out of practice throughout training camp after having minor surgery in the offseason. His recent limitation in practice doesn't appear related to the knee, with reports suggesting it's likely a hamstring or groin injury.

Coulter caught three passes for 39 yards in the Bears' 27-11 preseason win over the Seahawks on Thursday.

Coulter's biggest play was a 23-yard connection with Nathan Peterman while playing with the third-team offense. His six targets placed him behind team leader Nsimba Webster. Coulter is competing for a roster spot this preseason.