NFL Player News

Thomas secured all five targets for 140 yards and a touchdown, ran back one kickoff for 22 yards and returned one punt for 39 yards in the Bears' 24-15 preseason win over the Titans on Saturday.

Making his preseason debut, the lightning-fast rookie third-round pick wasted no time showing off his elite speed, hauling in a Tyson Bagent pass at the Bears' 33-yard line and motoring down the right side of the field for a 97-yard touchdown. Thomas also was impressive on both of his returns, and he comfortably led Chicago in receiving yards on the night. Thomas' upside has been heralded since he was drafted, and Saturday's production offered a glimpse of what the excitement is about. Thomas projects to open the regular season in a potential No. 4 receiver role and as the likely primary returner, and his game-breaking skills could afford him a progressively bigger role as his rookie campaign unfolds.

Burden (groin) did not suit up for Saturday's preseason victory over the Titans but did run routes pregame, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Burden resumed practicing Wednesday following a multi-week layoff, so it's not a surprise that he sat Saturday. The report indicates he may not yet be moving at full speed, but coach Ben Johnson said after Saturday's game that the wideout "looks 100 percent," per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, so the expectation is that he'll be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season versus the Panthers.

Tate failed to bring in his only target in the Titans' 24-15 preseason loss to the Bears on Saturday.

The rookie fourth overall pick was targeted deep down the left side of the field by Will Levis during the Titans' opening possession, and that was the extent of his action in Saturday's finale. Tate finished the preseason without corralling any of the six targets he saw over three games, but he's still teed up to play a significant role in Tennessee's air attack beginning with a Week 1 home matchup against the Jets.

Rice played offensive 10 snaps in Kansas City's 9-9 exhibition tie with the Seahawks on Friday and did not record any targets or touches.

Rice and some of Kansas City's key offensive starters got to log some reps during the first quarter before being pulled. Though he didn't produce any offensive output, it's notable that Rice took part in his first game action since he landed on IR due to a concussion late last December. Rice had a tumultuous offseason, as he spent some time in jail due to a probation violation and also had a minor procedure on his right knee, but he appears healthy and isn't expected to face NFL discipline for the legal issue. As such, he can be penciled in as the Chiefs' top WR heading into Week 1 versus Denver on Monday, Sept. 14.

The Buccaneers waived Jackson on Saturday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Jackson's time in Tampa Bay has seemingly come to an end just three days after first signing with the team. The 26-year-old will now look to catch on with another team.

Brown caught one of his two targets for 27 yards during Dallas' preseason loss to the Saints on Saturday.

Brown served as one of the Cowboys' starting receivers and ended up playing 17 snaps on offense. The rookie undrafted free agent is facing an uphill battle to earn a roster spot and could be more likely to wind up on the practice squad.

Smith caught three of his four targets for 19 yards during the Cowboys' preseason game Friday versus the Saints.

Smith was part of Dallas' starting lineup and ended up playing 52 offensive snaps. The rookie seventh-round pick has had a quiet showing during the preseason, catching five of his eight targets for just 37 yards, and could face an uphill battle to make the roster, as the Cowboys have ample receiver depth.

Allen caught his only target for 24 yards in Saturday's 25-16 preseason loss to the Lions.

Having just signed with Indianapolis less than two weeks ago, Allen saw his first game action for his new club and quickly produced a big gain on Anthony Richardson's first pass attempt of the afternoon, helping to set up a field goal. Top wideouts Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs (calf), as well as top tight end Tyler Warren (groin), are all carrying injury designations to close out the preseason, so Allen could end up having a bigger role in the passing attack than expected once Week 1 rolls around. The 34-year-old showed he can still be an effective possession option in 2025 with the Chargers, delivering an 81-777-4 line on 122 targets while playing all 17 regular-season contests.

Branch returned a punt for 18 yards during the Falcons' 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.

Branch didn't see much action Friday, playing a total of four snaps (three on offense, one on special teams). However, his lone snap on special teams came as a punt returner, and he figures to see plenty of work as a returner in the upcoming season, especially if he doesn't get much playing time on offense behind Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.

The Falcons waived Marion on Saturday, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Marion joined the team as an undrafted free agent back in May but was unable to earn a roster spot. The 26-year-old could be a candidate to land on Atlanta's practice squad should he go unclaimed on waivers.