NFL Player News

Peoples-Jones practiced Friday after leaving Thursday's practice early with an undisclosed issue, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The Browns downplayed Peoples-Jones leaving practice early and did not list him on the post-practice media notes as being injured. The rookie wideout is expected to earn a roster spot but may not play a large role unless he wins a job as a returner.

Hodge (personal) returned to practice Friday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hodge has missed several days this week due to personal reasons. He's looking to hook on as the team's fifth wideout, so getting back to practice will help with that goal.

Jefferson worked as the slot receiver with the first-team offense in Friday's dress rehearsal scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He had four receptions for 22 yards, according to Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated.

Jefferson also worked on the outside and did have a drop, Arif Hasan of The Athletic reports. Jefferson had been seen mostly working with the second-team offense during training camp, so Friday's scrimmage could indicate he's ready for a larger role in Week 1. However, there's also a chance he's limited to three-receiver sets early in the season with Bisi Johnson working opposite Adam Thielen in two-receiver sets (which the Vikings used far more frequently last year).

Kinsey was spotted fielding punts during several practice periods Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Kinsey, an undrafted free agent, was noted as a standout earlier in camp, regularly making plays as a receiver. In particular, he's shown rapport with backup quarterback candidate Logan Woodside. However, Friday it was work on the special teams unit that was notable, as he fielded punts alongside Adam Humphries, Rashard Davis and Kalif Raymond. While Kinsey still has long odds to make the roster, he may stick on the practice squad and work on special teams as needed throughout the season.

Grant (undisclosed) reeled in a 45-yard pass in team drills Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Grant missed a couple of practice sessions due to a minor injury, but the 27-year-old is back to competing for the No. 3 wide-receiver role in Miami. His 45-yard reception turned heads coming off an injury, and now the 5-foot-7, 171-pound wideout will spend the rest of training camp holding off Isaiah Ford, Chester Rogers and Gary Jennings for a starting role.

Patmon has increased his chances of making the Colts' 53-man roster through a solid training camp, Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Patmon came out of Washington State as an unpolished receiver, but the Colts were enamored enough by his frame (6-4, 228) and his senior-season production (58-762-8) that they took a flier on him in the sixth round. The knocks about his limited route tree may still be justified, but Patmon is asserting himself in training camp, showing he's dependable on jump balls and can leverage his speed (4.48-second 40) to get open. Patmon could still be on the roster bubble since there's plenty of proven talents on the team, but a strong end to camp could help him secure a spot.

The Patriots waived Hastings on Friday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The undrafted rookie wasn't very productive at Auburn, catching 19 of 41 targets for 222 yards and a touchdown in his senior season. His best opportunity to make a roster this year will likely be through special teams.

Blacknall signed with the Steelers on Friday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Perhaps Blacknall never left the Steel City, as the Steelers cut the Penn State product exactly one week ago. He still figures to be a long shot to make the roster, but while Diontae Johnson (undisclosed) and Ryan Switzer (foot) tend to injuries, Blacknall will look to prove himself as a worthy depth option.

Thielen had three receptions for 67 yards in Friday's dress rehearsal scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium, Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated reports. Thielen has looked in top form in training camp and was the best player on the field during the scrimmage, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press adds.

Thielen's 2019 season was derailed by a hamstring injury in Week 7 and he had just three receptions the final nine games. However, he rebounded in the playoffs, hauling in 12 of 16 targets for 179 yards in two games. Following the Vikings' trade of Stefon Diggs this offseason, Thielen is destined to see plenty of targets in his age-30 season, presumably opposite first-round pick Justin Jefferson. It's encouraging to hear that he's back to top form in training camp and again the top target in the passing offense.

Pascal didn't practice Friday, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports. He has a hamstring injury,Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.

Pascal joined fellow wide receiver Parris Campbell (concussion) as a non-participant. Pascal took advantage of injuries in the Colts' receiving corps in 2019 and ending up pacing the team in receiving yards (607) while hauling in 41 of his 72 targets. With T.Y. Hilton healthy, Campbell poised to see an expanded role when he returns, and second-rounder Michael Pittman also in the mix, volume could be an issue for Pascal. He's therefore off the radar in most re-draft formats in his present context.