NFL Player News

Peoples-Jones caught his only target for 13 yards in Sunday's 17-13 preseason win over the Giants.

Peoples-Jones' grab came on the first play of the second quarter. That followed an early touchdown reception from teammate KhaDarel Hodge, who's hoping to improve his stock. However, having reportedly worked with Cleveland's offensive starters recently, Peoples-Jones could be competing more with Rashard Higgins than Hodge heading into this season, when Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry undoubtedly will be the top two receiving options. As a rookie last year, Peoples-Jones finished with 14 catches for 304 yards and two touchdown while also serving as a kick and punt returner.

Coach Sean McDermott said Diggs (knee) won't take part in practice Sunday, but the wide receiver is "trending in the right direction," Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Sidelined since Aug. 9 due to a knee injury, Diggs has missed all on-field work, including practices and two preseason games, in the interim. McDermott hasn't made a decision on whether Josh Allen will be allowed to play in the Bills' exhibition capper Saturday against the Packers, but it could be tied to Diggs' own availability. Thus, if Diggs makes the requisite progress this week, there's a chance Allen and Diggs will get a possession or two of in-game reps prior to Week 1.

Raymond did not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

After logging as many snaps in the preseason opener as No. 1 wideout Tyrell Williams, Raymond was the lone receiver to join Williams and starting quarterback Jared Goff in getting rested Saturday. However, Breshad Perriman, the starting complement to Williams on Detroit's current depth chart, perhaps only played because he missed the opener with a hip injury. Meanwhile, the reps given to rookie standout Amon-Ra St. Brown certainly were a product of his youth rather than his need to prove anything. In any case, Raymond clearly seems to be an important part of the Lions' plans this year. His preseason may be over, but look for Raymond to take snaps on offense and as a return man when the Lions take on San Francisco in Week 1 of the regular season.

Johnson secured his lone target for 43 yards while recording one carry for no yards in Saturday's 26-20 preseason win over the Lions.

Johnson played 52 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Saturday, and he made the most of his lone target in the win. During the team's second possession, Ben Roethlisberger connected with Johnson on a 43-yard reception down the middle of the field on third down. The 2019 third-rounder has brought in all six of his targets during the preseason, and he's totaled 103 yards across the first three exhibition games.

Smith-Schuster hauled in five of his six targets for 39 yards in Saturday's 26-20 preseason win over the Lions.

Smith-Schuster and the first-team offense had a chance to work with Ben Roethlisberger on Saturday, and the 2017 second-rounder led the team in receptions. However, his 7.8 yards per catch ranked last among the Steelers' main pass catchers, and he failed to haul in a diving attempt in the second quarter that would have resulted in a 17-yard touchdown. Smith-Schuster was on the field for 64 percent of the offensive snaps in the preseason win and should see plenty of work during the regular season, but his efficiency is somewhat concerning after he had a career-low 6.5 yards per target in 2020.

Coach Vic Fangio relayed that Sutton (knee) is slated to play in Denver's preseason finale this coming Saturday against the Rams, Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post reports.

With the 25-year-old bouncing back from an ACL tear that limited him to one game on 2020, we suspect that Sutton's anticipated lone preseason appearance won't be extensive. As Week 1 approaches, the 2018 second-rounder already is locked into a starting wideout job along with Jerry Jeudy, with the duo profiling as the favorites to lead the Broncos in targets this year, regardless of who starts at QB for the team.

Claypool (ankle) didn't play in Saturday's preseason win over the Lions.

Claypool sustained a sprained ankle during Tuesday's practice, but the issue is considered minor. While Claypool was in uniform Saturday, he was held out of the contest as a precautionary measure. The 23-year-old doesn't appear to be in danger of missing the start of the regular season, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Steelers limit his workload during the final few weeks of camp to preserve his long-term health.

Dulin didn't have a reception on two targets in Saturday's preseason win at Minnesota.

Dulin and Sam Ehlinger didn't connect on a tipped pass for an interception that may have partially been Dulin's fault. Dulin was thought to have a firm grip on a roster spot heading into the preseason, but both Mike Strachan and Dezmon Patmon have had strong training camps and preseason performances. The competition for the final receiver roles will likely come down to the wire.

Pascal caught all four of his targets for 41 yards in Saturday's preseason win at Minnesota.

Pascal started opposite Michael Pittman at wide receiver with T.Y. Hilton sitting out. Pascal will remain a steady presence in the Indy passing game and fill in at several roles, but he may not have much upside for targets if both Hilton and Parris Campbell stay healthy.

Strachan had two receptions on four targets for 12 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Minnesota.

Strachan is battling Dezmon Patmon and Ashton Dulin for perhaps the final roster spot at wide receiver. Both Strachan and Patmon are seen as having strong training camps and have had strong preseason games, even though Strachan didn't overly impress Saturday.