NFL Player News

Thielen hauled in all three of his targets for 45 yards in Sunday's preseason win over the Seahawks. He added five rushing yards on one attempt.

Thielen did that amount of damage on just two offensive drives, even baiting a long pass interference penalty to cap off his day. The soon-to-be 29-year-old was in sync with Kirk Cousins, and those two should be connecting heavily this year after Thielen was targeted 153 times in 2018. Expect Thielen to be involved in the Vikings' third preseason matchup against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Lockett caught three of four targets for 27 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Vikings.

Lockett was in tune with Russell Wilson in their first action together this season, connecting three times on two offensive drives. The 26-year-old appears to be the only sure thing amongst the Seahawks' receiving corps, projecting to be Wilson's top target following the departure of Doug Baldwin. Sunday's performance was a great sign for those investing in a Lockett boon this year.

Williams failed to bring in his only target in Sunday's preseason loss to the Saints.

The Chargers gave most of their first-team offense only token snaps, so Williams had little chance to make an impact. The third-year wideout is widely anticipated to take a big step forward in 2019, and any extended absence from Keenan Allen (ankle) would only heighten the expectations around Williams.

Metcalf won't suit up for Sunday's preseason game in Minnesota due to a sore leg, Ben Arthur of SeattlePI reports.

Metcalf's injury doesn't sound too serious, but the 64th overall selection from the 2019 draft will miss what could have been a valuable developmental experience. He'll hope to heal up by the time the Seahawks face the Chargers in their third preseason game.

Hodge played 43 of 100 offensive snaps but failed to catch his only target during Saturday's 14-10 loss to Dallas.

The Rams are taking a long look at Hodge, as he's now seen the field for 73 offensive snaps. He did most of his damage on special teams last year after playing his way onto the roster, but with a healthy Michael Thomas and an already crowded receiver corps, the undrafted free agent out of Prairie View A&M could be a roster causality this year.

Davis (Achilles) hauled in his lone target for seven yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Steelers.

The rookie receiver entered the NFL while recovering from an Achilles injury, but he appears to be back at full strength given his participation in Saturday's contest. He is currently fighting for a depth spot on the Chiefs' final roster.

Shepard (thumb) was not sporting a non-contact jersey Sunday at practice, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Per Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site, coach Pat Shurmur noted Sunday that "it's just the next step in the process" for Shepard. We'll go a little further and say that it's a pretty big step, one which puts the team's top wideout on pace to be ready for Week 1. For his part, Shepard indicated Sunday that his thumb has healed up pretty fast and he's "feeling good."

Kirkwood (undisclosed) will not suit up for Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers, Herbie Teope of Nola.com reports.

Kirkwood has missed the better part of two weeks and the first preseason game dealing with an undislcosed injury. It's still unclear how long he'll be out for, but in his stead, Simmie Cobbs and Austin Carr could see an increase in reps for Sunday's contest.

Though he was spotted on the field, Thomas was not in uniform prior to Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

It remains to be seen if New Orleans will turn Thomas loose next week against the Jets in the squad's third preseason tilt, but the Saints aren't inclined to expose their top wideout -- fresh off a lucrative contract extension -- to unnecessary contact this weekend.

Dorsett didn't play in Saturday's preseason game against Tennessee.

Removed early from Wednesday's practice, Dorsett was spotted the following day with a wrap around his thumb. His competition for playing time suddenly looks much tougher after the NFL reinstated Josh Gordon from suspension, but the Patriots do have serious injury issues at wide receiver, with Dorsett joined on the sidelines Saturday by Julian Edelman (thumb), Demaryius Thomas (Achilles), N'Keal Harry (leg) and Maurice Harris (leg). There's still an opportunity for Dorsett to enter Week 1 with a spot in three-wide formations.