NFL Player News

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.

Coach Arthur Smith noted Sunday that the knee injury London suffered during Friday's preseason game against the Lions isn't something the Falcons are "concerned about long term," Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

That said, it doesn't look like the No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft will be back at practice this coming week. Per Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site, whether London sees any preseason action is something that will be assessed week-to-week, but on the plus side the wideout's Week 1 status doesn't appear to be in jeopardy.

Higgins (shoulder) participated in 11-on-11 drills during Sunday's practice, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Higgins, who is bouncing back from an offseason procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, continues to progress in his recovery from the injury, and while it wouldn't surprise us if the Bengals erred on the side of caution with the wideout during the preseason, the 2020 second-rounder remains on track for Week 1.

Coach Matt LaFleur relayed that Watson (knee) is slated to return to practice Sunday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

While that is step in the right direction for Watson, who is bouncing back from a knee procedure, LaFleur indicated that the 2022 second-rounder figures to be eased into the mix, beginning by participating in individual drills and walkthroughs before moving on to team drills. Once he's up to speed, Watson will look to secure a key early season role in a Green Bay wide receiver corps that also includes Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb, among others.

Jefferson is not in line to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Raiders.

Other key Minnesota skill players who also aren't slated to play in Sunday's contest include quarterback Kirk Cousins (illness), running back Dalvin Cook, fellow wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Irv Smith (thumb). In that context, look for the focus of the team's coaching staff to be on evaluating those battling for battling for depth chart slotting ahead of Week 1.

Thielen isn't in line to play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Raiders.

Thielen, along with Justin Jefferson, will be held out of Sunday's exhibition game. In their absences, expect K.J. Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette to operate as Minnesota's starting wideouts.

Johnson caught his lone target for 21 yards in Saturday's 32-25 preseason loss to the Steelers. He also returned one kick for 24 yards and one punt for eight yards.

Johnson played 19 offensive snaps, which ranked third among Seahawks receivers behind Dareke Young (43) and Bo Melton (30). There are plenty of question marks in Seattle's receiver room. However, it's encouraging that Johnson is getting chances as a returner.

Thompson left Saturday's 32-25 preseason loss to the Steelers with a shoulder injury, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Thompson suffered a shoulder injury early in Saturday's game and only played seven offensive snaps. The 26-year-old receiver spent most of the 2021 season on the practice squad, so he'll need a quick recovery to have a chance at the 53-man roster.

Miller (wrist) has still not been put on IR and was watching practice Sunday from the sidelines with a cast on, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Miller joined the Giants as an undrafted free agent out of Maine, and he quickly asserted himself as a force to make the roster. However, the rookie broke his wrist during practice Monday, derailing his progress. The fact that he hasn't been put on IR, and consequently forced to miss the rest of the season, shows Miller may have already done enough to prove he deserves a spot on the Giants' roster.

Hart caught both of his targets for three yards in Saturday's 32-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.

Hart played 16 offensive snaps and wasn't effective as a pass catcher. Despite Freddie Swain (hamstring) being out, Hart didn't handle any return work, either. The 26-year-old will need a strong ending to the preseason to lock up a roster spot.