NFL Player News

Jones (undisclosed) will return to practice Monday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Per coach Matt Patricia, Jones -- who didn't make the trip to Houston for last week's preseason game -- is slated to work on at least a limited basis Monday, to "see how (he goes) through it." The wideout's status for Friday's preseason game against the Bills has yet to be determined, but Jones' return to practice puts him on track to be good to go and in the Lions' starting lineup come Week 1.

Grant (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Looking to rebound from last year's season-ending Achilles injury, Grant was dealt a setback early in training camp in the form of a hamstring issue. He missed the first two weeks of the preseason but may have a shot to make it back for Thursday's exhibition against the Jaguars. With Allen Hurns and Preston Williams now battling for roles, Grant could find himself fifth or sixth on the depth chart at wide receiver, though he still figures to reign supreme in the return game.

Beckham (hip) didn't take part in team drills at Monday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Beckham is managing a hip issue, so it's not surprising to see his practice activities limited Monday. Still, it's something that he's been downplaying and his Week 1 status doesn't seem to be in any danger. Beckham's status for Friday's preseason game against the Buccaneers, however, is unclear.

Evans (leg) didn't practice Monday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

The report notes that the wideout didn't finish practice Sunday, so Evans' status for this Friday's preseason tilt against the Browns will need to be monitored in the coming days. Evans was on the field for just nine snaps in last week's preseason win over Miami.

Johnson is making a case for the No. 3 receiver job in Arizona, ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss reports.

Weinfuss believes the sixth-round pick has stepped ahead of second-round selection Andy Isabella, while Scott Bordow of The Athletic simply notes that both rookies should have spots in four-receiver sets. It seems a bit early to make assumptions, with Trent Sherfield, Damiere Byrd and Kevin White (hamstring) also in the mix to earn snaps. Johnson hasn't exactly torn it up through two preseason games, catching five of 10 targets for 52 yards. Sherfield has brought in five of six passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns, and Isabella has one catch for a 59-yard score on four targets. The third week of the preseason should provide some insight.

Coach Pete Carroll said Metcalf could return from knee surgery in time to play Week 1, ESPN.com's Brady Henderson reports.

Carroll is notoriously optimistic with injury timelines, but this at least provides another hint that Metcalf's knee injury isn't too serious. He was held out of Sunday's preseason loss to the Vikings, with the expectation of having a minor surgery in the coming days. For the time being, Jaron Brown and David Moore figure to get most of the first-team wideout reps alongside Tyler Lockett during practice and the third preseason game. Despite what Carroll said Sunday, the timing of Metcalf's surgery will make it tricky for the second-round pick to return for Week 1.

Wims caught five passes for 64 yards in the Bears' preseason loss to the Giants on Friday.

Wims was one of the only Chicago players to have an impressive outing in the team's second preseason contest, and he was also the most-targeted wide receiver on the team. Although he doesn't project to be a starter, he's currently fifth on the depth chart and competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Watson brought in two of six targets for 22 yards in the Buccaneers' 16-14 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday.

Watson gained 23 yards on one reception before losing a yard on the second grab. The second-year wideout saw fellow competitor for the No. 4 receiver job, Bobo Wilson, put together a more productive 2-48-0 receiving line, so the job battle remains very much alive. Watson will look to make a stronger case in next week's exhibition against the Browns.

Metcalf will have surgery on his injured knee, but coach Pete Carroll doesn't think he'll be out very long, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Metcalf didn't suit up for Sunday's preseason game in Minnesota due to a sore leg, but not much is known about the injury. While Carroll's outlook makes it seem minor, it's always best to be cautious any time surgery is involved.

Diggs caught his only target for six yards in Sunday's preseason win over Seattle.

Adam Thielen was the Vikings' starting wideout that shined Sunday (three catches for 45 yards), but as we have seen over the past two seasons, there will be enough for both stars to eat over the course of the season. Look for Diggs to get more looks from his quarterback in Saturday's preseason matchup with the Cardinals.