NFL Player News

Hodge is a strong candidate to make the Falcons' initial 53-man roster, Scott Bair and Tori McElhaney of the team's official site report.

Hodge was signed by the Falcons this offseason after catching 13 of 27 targets for 157 yards across 16 games for the Lions last season. Atlanta made numerous moves to address its wideout corps, so he was expected to have stiff competition for a roster spot. Regardless, he appears to be standing out, as Bair relays that Hodge frequently is working with the first team and has put together a solid training camp. Hodge played 10 snaps (eight offensive) during the first quarter of Atlanta's preseason opener, catching his only target for 12 yards, and hit the sidelines with the rest of the starters, another sign he's trending towards being a lock for the initial 53-man roster.

Winfree (groin) returned to practice Monday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Winfree was sidelined for Sunday's practice after reportedly picking up a groin injury during Friday's preseason opener. However, the issue doesn't appear to be serious, as the wideout has already returned to practice. Winfree caught all three of his targets for 27 yards against the 49ers and has garnered high praise from Aaron Rodgers this offseason. However, he remains firmly on the roster bubble, so expect the 2019 sixth-round pick to get plenty of work during Green Bay's remaining preseason contests.

The Colts activated Strachan from the active/PUP list Monday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Strachan began training camp on the PUP list after undergoing offseason knee surgery, but he's officially been cleared to practice for the first time this season. The 2021 seventh-round pick caught two of three targets for 26 yards across six appearances as a rookie and will look to carve out a bigger role in Year 2. At 6-foot-5, he could be another red-zone threat for Matt Ryan, but he'll likely have to compete with Dezmon Patmon and Keke Coutee for a roster spot.

Jennings (concussion) was waived by Kansas City on Monday.

While the team source didn't clarify, it's likely that Jennings was waived with an injury designation. If that's the case he'll revert to Kansas City's injured reserve once he clears waivers. The 2019 fourth-round pick has appeared in just one NFL contest since he was drafted by the Seahawks.

Smith-Marsette had three receptions for 31 yards on five targets in Sunday's preseason loss at Las Vegas. He also had three kick returns for an average of 18.3 yards and loss four yards on two punt returns.

Smith-Marsette looked sharp and is likely the leading candidate for the No. 4 receiver role that could get more usage under new head coach Kevin O'Connell. It looks like Smith-Marsette could win the punt return job as well.

Chisena, who'd been dealing with a lower leg injury during training camp, sustained a similar injury in Sunday's preseason loss at Las Vegas, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He had one reception for 22 yards on two targets before the injury.

Chisena is a key player on special teams, especially punt coverage. Chisena appeared in 11 games last year, playing all his snaps on special teams. He's a long shot to win any role on offense.

Robinson caught two of three targets for 28 yards in Sunday's 26-20 preseason win over the Vikings.

Robinson got to get some run as a starter with his new club Sunday due to all of the Raiders' resting regulars. The former Chief was able to get on the same page with fellow newcomer Jarrett Stidham on a couple of throws. Las Vegas' starting receiving unit is very top-heavy, so Robinson will have to carve out a backup role this preseason. His next opportunity will come against the Dolphins on Saturday in the second week of the NFL preseason.

Coach Sean McVay told reporters on Sunday that Atwell's absence in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers was "a credit to what (Atwell has) done, but it's also in response to Van Jefferson's availability," Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

McVay's comments, combined with neither Atwell nor Ben Skowronek seeing the field on Saturday, make it seem like Jefferson may not be ready in time for Week 1. Atwell has also seemingly locked up a spot on the final 53-man roster with his coach's insistence on keeping him out of action, and he and Skowronek could split reps as the No. 3 wide receiver until Jefferson's return.

Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic views McKenzie as "the strong favorite" to be the Bills' top slot receiver to start the coming season.

McKenzie, who has had a strong training camp, was among the team's key skill players who didn't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Colts. Though veteran newcomer Jamison Crowder still could push for an early season slot role with Buffalo, at this stage McKenzie appears poised to be a key cog in the team's Week 1 passing attack, which is line to feature top wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.

Winfree suffered a groin injury during Friday's preseason opener and didn't practice Sunday, Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

Winfree drew the start Friday alongside Romeo Doubs and caught all three of his targets for 27 yards. However, he apparently picked up a groin injury as well. Since the trade of Davante Adams, the top of the Packers' wideout corps isn't as strong, but after the team drafted a trio of pass catchers and signed Sammy Watkins, the group is as deep as ever, which will make it difficult for Winfree to land a spot on the initial 53-man roster. The 2019 sixth-round pick appeared in seven games last season and caught eight of 13 targets for 58 yards. He's entering Year 3 in Green Bay's organization and has garnered high praise from Aaron Rodgers, but any extended absence will quickly drop him down the depth chart since he isn't as adept on special teams as the Packers' other depth wideouts.