NFL Player News

Atwell missed Monday's practice with a back injury, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

After spending the first week of training camp on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Atwell has been practicing since Aug. 4 and even caught two passes for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chargers. The rookie second-round pick may be only fourth or fifth on the depth chart to start his career, but his 4.35 speed could be useful off the bench for occasional deep shots. It doesn't sound like Atwell's back injury is too serious.

Mickens secured one of three targets for 10 yards, returned one kickoff for 33 yards and ran back one punt for six yards in the Buccaneers' 19-14 preseason loss to the Bengals on Saturday night.

Mickens is fighting for a roster spot on the back end of the receiver depth chart, and his work on special teams could once again be his surest path to making the team. The young veteran put in some solid work with his three touches Saturday night, outshining rookie Jaelon Darden on kickoff returns specifically. Mickens will look to continue making a strong case for himself in Saturday's second exhibition contest against the Titans.

Darden secured two of six targets for 19 yards and returned one kickoff for 12 yards in the Buccaneers' 19-14 preseason loss to the Bengals on Saturday night.

The speedy rookie wasn't exactly efficient with his opportunities in the passing game, but he got on the stat sheet in his first action as a pro and also was given a chance to make an impression on special teams. Darden caught the eye of head coach Bruce Arians with both his natural ability and on-field growing pains, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. "He looked like a rookie. He's hand-fighting too much instead of just using his speed," Arians said. "It's just things he's got to learn. But he's doing alright. He looked real fast when we got that little quick screen out to him. He's dangerous with his hands on the ball."

Arcega-Whiteside could make the roster as the team's sixth receiver, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

The argument for Arcega-Whiteside is simple: he was a second-round pick just two years ago, and the Eagles are going to be loath to cut such a large investment. While he hasn't necessarily earned a spot with an outstanding camp, he has seen time working in the slot, where he is a big target. He's also added special teams to his resume, which usually is a requirement for receivers at the bottom of the depth chart. With DeVonta Smith, Travis Fulgham, Greg Ward and Jalen Reagor all virtual locks to make the club and Quez Watkins excelling consistently, Philadelphia will almost definitely need to keep six receivers on the roster for Arcga-Whiteside to make the team, however.

Godwin isn't in line to play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Godwin suited up for the Bucs' exhibition opener this past Saturday, playing only six offensive snaps on the first possession of the game. The same can be said for Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski. Bruce Arians mentioned Monday that the starters won't play this weekend, but Brady was the sole name uttered by the coach. As a result, it's safe to say Godwin will join his QB on the sideline Saturday.

Evan is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Bruce Arians doesn't anticipate any of the starters taking part, but Tom Brady was the only player named by the coach. In any case, we can assume that includes the likes of Evans, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski, who all, like Brady, played only six offensive snaps on the first drive of the Bucs' exhibition opener this past Saturday.

The 49ers are placing Watkins (foot) on injured reserve, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Watkins is expected to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks with a broken foot. He will now either spend the remainder of the season on IR or come to terms on an injury settlement with the team once his health is up to par.

Proehl (leg) was waived/injured by the Vikings on Monday.

Proehl was carted off the practice field last week with a leg injury, and he's now lost his spot on Minnesota's roster. The 22-year-old will revert to the team's injured reserve if he goes through waivers unclaimed.

Williams (hip) won't participate in practice this week, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Williams had an early exit from practice last Wednesday and hasn't seen any drills in the meantime, with what coach Brandon Staley has termed a hip flexor. With no on-field reps imminent for Williams, he seems poised to miss a second straight exhibition game Sunday against the 49ers. In fact, it may be tough for him to see any preseason action at all until he gets back on the practice field.

Cooper (ankle) is in pads during Monday's Cowboys Night practice, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Cooper opened training camp on the PUP list, the result of residual irritation from January ankle surgery. The Cowboys activated him last Tuesday, but Monday's session marked the first time he donned pads this summer. Per Jon Machota of The Athletic, Cooper proceeded to take part in individual drills, but it's very likely that he's easing into action to avoid any sort of setback.