NFL Player News

Rodgers was targeted four times and caught three passes for 15 yards in the Packers' preseason opener against the Texans. He also returned one punt for 14 yards.

Rodgers did not do a lot in his first appearance as a pro, but he did get a chance to show what he could do on both offense and special teams. With Randall Cobb back in the fold and three other receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems unlikely Rodgers will play anything more than a situational role on offense early on. However, his spot on the roster is secure, and he is in line to be the Packers' primary punt returner.

Samuel (groin) went through individual drills Sunday, but he worked on a side field at Monday's rainy practice, Sam Fortier of The Washington Post reports.

Coach Ron Rivera was clear about bad weather being the reason for Samuel's reduced involvement. Washington activated the 25-year-old from the PUP list Sunday, potentially allowing for an appearance in the preseason finale Aug. 28 against Baltimore. With Samuel out for the exhibition opener last week, Cam Sims reprised his role from the second half of last season as the No. 2 receiver. It figures to be a much-higher-volume role now that Samuel and his three-year, $34.5 million contract are filling it.

St. Brown did not suit up for the Packers' preseason opener against the Texans.

St. Brown is not guaranteed a place on the Packers' 53-man roster, but for whatever reason, he did not see action in the team's first exhibition contest. He will continue competing with a number of other receivers for anywhere between one to three roster spots up for grabs at his position.

Smith (knee) is returning to practice Monday as a limited participant, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Smith is in pads and on the field, but he may be held out of 11-on-11s and/or contact work. He sprained the MCL in his left knee July 31, and a return to practice Monday puts him right in the middle of the timeline estimate (2-to-3 weeks). While an appearance in Thursday's preseason game against New England may be too ambitious, Smith has another shot to suit up when the Eagles face the Jets on Aug. 27 in their preseason finale. The 10th overall pick in this year's draft consistently was working with the first-string offense at training camp before his knee injury.

Smith caught his only target for 26 yards in Sunday's 21-18 preseason loss to the Colts.

Smith, Carolina's sixth-round pick this year, impressed by holding onto his lone target while taking a big hit from the opposing safety along the sideline. That play not only gave Smith a highlight from his exhibition debut, but also set the Panthers up in the red zone ahead of their only touchdown of the game. That contribution should help Smith's chances of earning the team's fifth wideout job ahead of this season.

Moore caught two of four targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 21-18 preseason loss to the Colts.

Moore hauled in a couple of passes in his Panthers debut, but rookie Terrace Marshall's team-high three grabs for 88 yards evidenced why he's currently leading Moore to become the team's third wideout. Given his veteran status, however, Moore would represent a reliable fourth receiver behind DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and Marshall in that scenario.

Johnson caught one of two targets for zero yards during Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.

Johnson played 48 offensive snaps to lead Jacksonville's wideouts, but he didn't have much involvement in the offense during the preseason opener. The 23-year-old is attempting to secure the No. 4 spot on the depth chart and is dealing with a revamped group of wide receivers. Josh Hammond and Tavon Austin were the only depth receivers for the Jaguars to eclipse 20 receiving yards in the contest.

Campbell had a 37-yard reception on his only target in Sunday's preseason win over Carolina.

Campbell played 10 snaps and showed his outstanding speed when Jacob Eason hit him in stride on a deep ball. He showed he's back to full strength after coming back from October 2020 surgery to address MCL and PCL injuries in his left knee.

Strachan had three receptions for 57 yards on five targets in Sunday's preseason win over Carolina.

Strachan was seen having an impressive training camp and backed it up with a strong showing Sunday. He's in the mix to win the fifth receiver role.

Patmon had five receptions on six targets for 49 yards in Sunday's preseason win over Carolina.

Patmon is battling Mike Strachan and Ashton Dulin for perhaps the final roster spot at wide receiver. Strachan was seen having a strong camp, but Patmon was impressive Sunday and showed it will be a close battle.