NFL Player News

Hightower (groin) has had issues with drops and route-running this preseason, Chris Franklin of NJ.com reports.

Hightower has shown the speed to make plays both in 2020 and in camp but hasn't consistently executed his routes or catching the ball so far this year. Those just happen to be two of the primary elements in the job description of a wide receiver. Add to that he's currently week-to-week with a groin injury, and it's safe to say that the 2020 fifth-round pick is currently behind Quez Watkins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside in the competition for one of the final spots on the Eagles' roster.

Watkins has been adept at getting open deep down the field and also separating on crossing routes in training camp, Chris Franklin of NJ.com reports.

Watkins has seen his stock rise in camp due to his speed and evident chemistry with Jalen Hurts. The pair has connected on a number of plays so far. The 2020 sixth-round pick currently seems to be ahead of John Hightower (groin) and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside at the bottom end of the Eagles wide-receiver depth chart.

Patrick (groin) was unable to practice Sunday, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Patrick missed practice Friday with what was deemed to be leg soreness, and after returning Saturday, he was right back on the sidelines Sunday. The wide receiver's participation, or lack thereof, in Denver's Aug. 14 preseason opener against the Vikings should provide a more definitive assessment of his health. Patrick will look to return to practice this week ahead of the preseason opener.

Hart turned his ankle during practice Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Hart was off to a strong start to camp and is believed to be in the mix for a spot on the 53-man roster. However, it's not yet clear whether the receiver will have any restrictions in the coming days or whether the injury will impact his status for Saturday's exhibition game against Las Vegas.

Jennings (undisclosed) was waived/injured by the Colts on Sunday.

Although the nature of the 24-year-old's injury isn't clear, he'll be waived to clear a roster spot for tight end Graham Adomitis, who signed with Indianapolis on Sunday. If Jennings goes unclaimed on waivers, he'll be placed on injured reserve for the Colts.

Smith has worked as the Jets' No. 5 receiver so far in camp, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smith surprisingly has been ahead of 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims, as well as fellow holdover Braxton Berrios. Couple Smith's usage so far with his versatility -- he can contribute as a return man on special teams and speedy gadget guy on offense -- and the 25-year-old receiver's building a strong case to make the Jets' regular-season roster.

In his latest 53-man roster projection, Paul Perillo of the Patriots' official site predicts that Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Bourne and Gunner Olszewski will head the team's wideout corps out of the gate.

Perillo's projection supposes that N'Keal Harry, who's had a strong training camp to date, remains a candidate to be dealt, though that's not a lock to occur if the 2019 first-rounder continues his strong play. Either way, Bourne -- who signed a three year, $15 million contract with New England this offseason -- seems destined for a key role in New England's passing attack in 2021, with his ability to line up outside or in the slot an asset in that regard. That said, steady volume may be an issue for Bourne, if the team leans heavily on the run and/or two tight-end sets, which is quite plausible.

Gallup is in the final season of his rookie contract, but the Cowboys don't plan to sign him to an extension, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Having locked Dak Prescott up to a massive deal worth $40 million a season, the team has hit the pause button on any other negotiations, including ones for Gallup and pass rusher Randy Gregory. Gallup's numbers last year took a step backward from his impressive 2019, which could be a factor in the decision not to extend him, but he still figures to earn a significant raise once he hits free agency. Knowing he's playing for a new contract also gives the 25-year-old extra incentive to add another 1,000-yard campaign to his resume. With Amari Cooper's current deal also containing an easy out after 2021, Dallas may well have to choose which one of the two they want to retain as the starter opposite CeeDee Lamb.

Meyers has "picked up where he left off last year, and been the most dependable target" for the Patriots in training camp thus far, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.

While much of the offseason attention was focused on free-agent additions Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, Meyers remains in the mix to carve out a key role in the Patriots' receiving corps in 2021. Also making a case on that front is 2019 first-rounder N'Keal Harry, but Meyers -- who led the team with 59 catches for 729 yards in 14 games last season -- is a player who could provide a degree of fantasy utility this coming season if the team's passing game picks up as hoped, either due to improvements on the part of incumbent starting QB Cam Newton, or to the potential emergence of promising rookie signal-caller Mac Jones.

Agholor (undisclosed) didn't practice Sunday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

This marks the first training camp absence for Agholor, who is projected to start for the Patriots after having signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the team this offseason. Also in the mix to be key cogs in the New England wide receiving corps in 2021 are Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and possibly N'Keal Harry, who's been impressive so far this summer.