NFL Player News

Chark displayed reliable hands throughout offseason practices and training camp, often appearing to be Jacksonville's best wide receiver, according to ESPN.com's Mike DiRocco.

The 2018 second-round pick seems to be making progress after a quiet rookie season, though he's caught just one of four targets for two yards through the first two weeks of the preseason. Despite his strong work this summer, Chark may need to battle for snaps with Chris Conley and Marqise Lee (knee), while Dede Westbrook (groin) appears safe in his starting role. Chark should get a good chunk of playing time in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Boykin (undisclosed) missed practice Sunday and Monday, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The rookie third-round pick has been busy but inefficient through two preseason games, catching four of 12 targets for 39 yards. Boykin's strong work on the practice field could still be enough to earn him a Week 1 role in the Baltimore offense, though it would be help if he made it back for Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles.

Coach John Harbaugh said Brown is still adjusting to the speed of the NFL and the mental aspect of the game, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports. "[Brown] has a ways to go with all of that," Harbaugh said. "I'm confident he'll get there, and we'll know what to do to use him, how to use him early in the season."

Harbaugh made his comments after Monday's joint practice with the Eagles, which marked the fourth consecutive practice Brown has taken part in. Working his way back from Lisfranc surgery in January, the rookie first-round pick has missed the first two weeks of the preseason but hopes to play in Thursday's exhibition against Philadelphia. It sounds like his role will be limited early in the season, with a chance to grow if he makes the most of his opportunities.

Kemp will miss the 2019 season after tests showed he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his knee during Saturday's preseason game, the Kansas City Star reports.

Kemp was having a strong preseason and looked like he'd win a spot on the active roster.

Samuel did not receive a target but did gain 45 yards on his lone rushing attempt in Monday night's 24-15 preseason win over the Broncos.

Samuel showed off his electric athleticism in taking an end-around and beating defenders to the boundary for a big gain before being pushed out at the one-yard line. Such plays are precisely why the 49ers invested the 36th overall pick in this year's draft in him, and after a three-touch, 75-yard preseason debut, the team is already seeing significant dividends. Of course, Samuel will need to prove himself once the regular season begins, but his performance and usage so far suggest that Kyle Shanahan plans to find ways to get the ball in his hands.

Pettis couldn't haul in his lone target in Monday night's 24-15 preseason win over the Broncos.

Pettis featured very briefly as the 49ers' first-team offense endured a rough outing in Jimmy Garoppolo's preseason debut. The quarterback completed one of six attempts, but targeted Pettis on his first dropback. Unfortunately, that ball was batted at the line, so Pettis will hope Saturday's meeting with the Chiefs offers a more productive session with his starting signal caller as the Niners prepare for the regular season.

Sutton caught both his targets for 28 yards in Monday night's 24-15 preseason loss to the 49ers.

Sutton's receptions came on back-to-back looks from starter Joe Flacco on Denver's second offensive drive, including a 21-yarder that tied for his team's longest catch of the night. After averaging nearly 17 yards per grab during his promising rookie campaign, it's great to see the big-bodied Sutton already making splash plays with Flacco to begin Year 2.

Hill hauled in one of his three targets for six yards during Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers.

While that seems like minimal involvement by Hill's standards, it doesn't when taking into account that he only played eight offensive snaps. With Hill available to open the campaign, his ADP has justifiably skyrocketed in fantasy drafts, and he should be viewed as if the fourth-year wideout will play the entire season. Hill amassed a whopping 1,479 yards and 12 touchdowns on 87 grabs last season and should be in line for another huge season with Patrick Mahomes under center.

Evans (quad) is iffy for Friday's preseason game against the Browns, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Per the report, Evans exited Sunday's practice early with an apparent left quad injury. Though coach Bruce Arians indicated Monday that Evans' issue is "nothing serious," he did acknowledge that he wasn't sure if the wideout -- who is considered day-to-day -- would be ready to play Friday.

Fountain (ankle) has been placed on IR.

The move was expected after Fountain suffered a dislocated and fractured left ankle last week. The 2018 fifth-rounder will now focus on recovering from his injury, with an eye toward making a run at a roster spot next season.