NFL Player News

Renfrow did not play in Saturday's 17-16 preseason win over the Rams as the Raiders also were without fellow wide receivers Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards and John Brown.

Renfrow's role is essentially solidified as the Raiders' primary slot receiver ahead of Week 1, so the team hasn't risked his health while a majority of the first stringers have been kept to the sideline through two preseason contests. The Clemson product impressed in a joint practice with the Rams last Wednesday, however, reportedly torching All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey on multiple occasions as The Athletic's Vic Tafur noted.

Johnson (foot/ankle) caught four of his six targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 15-10 preseason loss to the 49ers.

The appalling yards-per-catch figure has more to do with the dreadful combo of Easton Stick and Chase Daniel, who combined to complete 24 passes for a measly 109 yards throughout Sunday's contest. Johnson is locked in a heated battle with Josh Palmer for the No. 3 WR gig, and while the latter has looked impressive at times in the team's two preseason games, Johnson seemingly has flashed more as a consistent target at practice. The undrafted third-year player also has a level of speed that nominal starters Keenan Allen and Mike Williams simply do not possess, providing a different dimension to the pass-catching corps that otherwise would be absent with the slower Palmer. Whoever does end up winning this competition will be in prime position to receive a healthy amount of leftover targets behind the aforementioned starting duo and pass-catching back Austin Ekeler.

Palmer caught his lone target for a three-yard touchdown in Sunday's 15-10 preseason loss to the 49ers.

Palmer is locked in a heated battle with Tyron Johnson for the No. 3 wide receiver role. While the former did net the Chargers' only touchdown Sunday, it came on a broken play in which quarterback Easton Stick escaped out of the pocket and drew three defenders in, only to flip it over the top to an uncovered Palmer. Conversely, Johnson caught four of his six targets, but most were short dump offs from the lackluster combo of Stick and Chase Daniel. Daniel Popper of The Athletic relayed in a report earlier this week Palmer was the clear-cut third wide receiver as of now, but the rookie also was spotted as a special teams gunner in Friday's practice, suggesting the team might not be fully convinced with that assessment. In either case, Palmer has made a positive impression throughout training camp and remains an intriguing name to monitor in deeper formats.

Guyton caught his lone target for 39 yards in Sunday's 15-10 preseason loss to the Chargers.

Guyton ended up leading the Chargers in receiving yards despite making just one catch, as he was the only receiver able to break through the 49ers' tight coverage in this exhibition. The third-year wideout currently is battling for the vacant No. 3 WR job, so Sunday's big play should help his bid. Expect things to remain competitive between Guyton, Tyron Johnson and rookie Josh Palmer heading into the Chargers' third preseason tilt against the Seahawks on Saturday.

Samuel (glute) started and caught one of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 15-10 preseason win over the Chargers.

Samuel was dealing with glute tightness following Friday's joint practice with these same Chargers, but his prompt return to the field should alleviate any concern regarding the injury. Health should be the main focus for the 25-year-old after suffering through multiple lower-body injuries that diminished his 2020 campaign. Expect Samuel to get one more appearance this preseason when the 49ers take on their regional rival in the Raiders on Sunday.

Aiyuk caught one of three targets for three yards in Sunday's 15-10 preseason win over the Chargers.

Aiyuk made his 2021 preseason debut after sitting out last week's contest with most of the other starters. Both of his missed targets were the result of inaccurate passes from both of his quarterbacks. The 49ers' first-round pick from a year ago hasn't had a ton of on-field experience with either Jimmy Garoppolo or rookie Trey Lance, so any reps they accrue together this preseason will be beneficial. Expect Aiyuk and the rest of the starters to get a little more run in next Sunday's "dress rehearsal" against the Raiders.

Johnson secured two of three targets for 21 yards in the Buccaneers' 34-3 preseason loss to the Titans on Saturday night.

The second-year wideout is fighting to carve out a bigger role in 2021 after seeing action in 14 games last season, and he's currently in position to potentially eat into some of Scotty Miller's No. 4 receiver snaps as the season unfolds. Johnson also brought in one of two targets for 11 yards in the exhibition opener against the Bengals and has done more with his three catches than Miller has with his trio of grabs over the first two preseason games. Johnson may have an extended opportunity to showcase his skills in Saturday's preseason finale against the Texans.

Darden secured two of four targets for 18 yards and returned three punts for 34 yards in the Buccaneers' 34-3 preseason loss to the Titans on Saturday night. He also fumbled once but recovered.

Darden continued to enjoy a solid role by preseason standards Saturday, upping his involvement after logging three total touches in the exhibition opener against the Bengals. He's brought in just four of 10 targets over the first two preseason games, but he looked good as a punt returner Saturday, with the highlight of his night in that department a 19-yard return. If the rookie enjoys another strong night on special teams in the preseason finale against the Texans on Saturday, Darden could conceivably push Jaydon Mickens off the roster at final cuts.

Ausbon was waived by the Eagles on Sunday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

Ausbon joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in May, but he played just four snaps across the first two preseason games. The 21-year-old recorded 147 catches for 1,818 yards and eight touchdowns in his three seasons at Texas A&M.

Johnson caught three of seven targets for 34 yards in Saturday's 30-3 preseason loss to the Broncos.

Johnson now has 12 targets through the first two preseason games, and he has recorded seven receptions for 59 yards (4.9 YPT). With news that John Ursua is out for the year with a torn ACL, Johnson has a path to a spot on the 53-man roster if the Seahawks choose to keep six wide receivers.