NFL Player News

Miller, who failed to bring in his only target in the Buccaneers' 23-16 preseason win over the Texans on Saturday night, also suffered a minor injury to his elbow, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Miller ended up with another empty stat line Saturday to wrap up preseason, but his elbow issue played a part by briefly knocking him out of the contest. While it doesn't seem like the injury is anything other than minor considering the third-year wideout returned to the game, a healthy Miller still is facing the very real possibility of losing snaps and targets this season to Tyler Johnson and even rookie Jaelon Darden if he doesn't perform any better than he showed this preseason. Miller's first opportunity to reverse this summer's downward trend comes in the Week 1 showdown against the Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Erickson caught two of three targets for 25 yards in Saturday's 23-16 loss to the Buccaneers in preseason Week 3.

Erickson, primarily a slot receiver, had a pair of grabs in each of the final two preseason games. The former Bengal played a significant amount of snaps with projected starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor during camp and in preseason games. That was largely possible due to Anthony Miller, also primarily a slot receiver, missing time the last two weeks due to a shoulder injury. Erickson currently sits outside most 53-man roster projections, but he could be brought back if Houston rosters Miller then places him on injured reserve.

Moore caught two of five targets for a team-high 40 yards in Saturday's 23-16 loss to Tampa Bay in preseason Week 3.

Moore's one of several depth guys that aren't expected to make the team; however, the Texans do have a couple of injured wideouts that could be rostered then placed on injured reserve. That would allow the Texans to bring Moore and/or Alex Erickson back to the fold, while reserving the right to bring back the injured wideouts later in the season. Moore, who spent the last five seasons with the Ravens, has history with head coach David Culley.

Coach Joe Judge said Slayton (ankle/foot) will be evaluated by the Giants' medical staff Monday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Slayton limped to the sideline and had his left ankle taped during the first half of Sunday's preseason loss to the Patriots. Eventually, he was deemed questionable to return and then ruled out entirely, finishing the contest with one catch (on two targets) for six yards and a seven-yard carry. Judge relayed Slayton is "optimistic" about his injury, but Monday's checkup may provide more clarity about the wide receiver's health.

Meyers caught one of three targets for six yards in Sunday's 22-20 preseason win over the Giants.

Meyers' three looks all came from Cam Newton, including one that was intercepted due to Meyers' inability to make a tightly contested grab down the seam. While it remains unclear who will be his starting quarterback for Week 1's matchup against the Dolphins, Meyers' role with New England's first-team offense should give him decent value whether Newton or rookie Mac Jones is under center.

Shepard caught five of six targets for 42 yards in Sunday's 22-20 preseason loss to the Patriots.

Shepard's only exhibition appearance saw him finish with a team-high tally in receptions. Now prepped for the regular season, Shepard will turn his focus to Week 1's matchup versus the Broncos, which will kick off his sixth year as a starter for the Giants.

Metcalf didn't play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

The Seahawks kept Metcalf -- along with Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett (groin) and Chris Carson -- on the sidelines for all three preseason games. Nothing's more important for Metcalf than getting to the regular season healthy after the 23-year-old posted 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns on 129 targets last season. As long as he's healthy, he'll be an elite fantasy option and should be drafted as such.

Lockett (groin) didn't play in Saturday's final preseason game against the Chargers.

Lockett likely wouldn't have played even if he was 100 percent, as Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf and Chris Carson all watched the entire preseason from the sidelines. There's no indication that Lockett is in danger of missing the season opener against the Colts on Sept. 12, as he's been participating in team drills for over a week now. With back-to-back, 1,000-yard campaigns under his belt, Lockett is set up well for another big campaign along with Metcalf. The duo is one of the most lethal receiving tandems in the league.

Higgins didn't dress for Sunday's 29-26 preseason loss to the Dolphins, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins was a healthy scratch despite the fact Joe Burrow suited up for his only taste of preseason action, albeit for just one series. The second-year wideout will look to begin the process of building on an impressive rookie season when he and the Bengals face the Vikings in a Week 1 matchup on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Chase failed to bring in his only target during the Bengals' 29-26 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports Chase couldn't secure a bubble screen from Joe Burrow on the team's first drive, with the ball bouncing right off his hands. It was an extension of a troublesome trend for the rookie first-round pick, who was charged with three drops in preseason Week 2 against Washington and then put in extra pass-catching reps during the practice week. Baby separately reports Burrow publicly proclaims to be unconcerned about Chase's exhibition struggles, adding, "He'll be ready to go Week 1," when asked about his old college teammate. Chase will have a chance to prove his quarterback right when he and the Bengals face the Vikings in the regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 12.