NFL Player News

McCaffrey caught one of three targets for 17 yards in Friday's 41-3 preseason loss to the Ravens.

The Commanders rested all their key personnel and only managed 102 passing yards on the night on 16 completions, putting McCaffrey's line in some perspective. The third-year wideout is fighting for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, but the fact that third-round rookie Antonio Williams didn't play at all Friday could be a sign that the job has slipped away from McCaffrey.

Franklin failed to secure his only target in the Broncos' 34-6 preseason win over the Vikings on Friday.

Franklin opened preseason with a 23-yard grab in the opener against the Falcons, but that turned out to be his only production of the exhibition slate across three games. Despite the quiet summer, Franklin is slated to serve as the No. 3 receiver behind Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle in what should be a high-powered Broncos air attack.

Brown rushed twice for 19 yards and a touchdown while adding a four-yard punt return in Friday's 27-24 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Brown wasn't targeted in the preseason finale but still left his mark on the game with a seven-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The rookie sixth-round pick out of LSU reportedly stood out in training camp, and he has built on that success with a strong preseason. Rookie first-round pick Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is expected to miss about two months, so the door is open for Brown to take on a sizable role out of the gate behind Chris Olave in a Saints WR room that also includes Devaughn Vele and Bryce Lance.

Henderson secured three of four targets for 58 yards and returned two kickoffs for 41 yards in the Seahawks' 9-9 tie with the Chiefs on Friday.

Henderson had his best game of the preseason as a receiver, finishing tied with multiple players for the team lead in receptions and qualifying as the runner-up in receiving yards for the night. The rookie sixth-round pick was serviceable on kickoff returns as well, and he finished the preseason averaging 22.0 yards on his four opportunities in that capacity. Henderson may have shown enough promise to secure a practice-squad role, while his path to a spot on the 53-man roster appears steeper.

Lance caught two of four targets for 28 yards in Friday's 27-24 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Lance was drafted in the fourth round out of North Dakota State, but he has been outperformed by sixth-round pick Barion Brown throughout training camp and the preseason. Brown upstaged Lance again Friday by scoring a seven-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Both rookie Day 3 picks have a chance to contribute out of the gate, as rookie first-round pick Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is expected to miss about two months, leaving Lance, Brown and Devaughn Vele as the top options behind Chris Olave.

Thornton secured one of two targets for 11 yards in the Chiefs' 9-9 preseason tie with the Seahawks on Friday.

The fifth-year pro drew a start and matched his one catch from preseason Week 2, albeit while gaining six more yards than in that performance. Thornton somewhat revived his career during his 2025 Chiefs debut campaign by averaging 23.1 yards per reception on his 19 catches and recording three scoring grabs, and he projects to open the season in the prominent role of No. 3 receiver in what should be a dynamic air attack.

Sturdivant caught six of seven targets for 112 yards and a touchdown Friday in a 42-38 preseason victory over Arizona.

Sturdivant and QB Kyle McCord accounted for all of the yardage on the Packers' first touchdown drive, connecting on a 36-yard pass down the middle before Sturdivant hauled in a 29-yard touchdown along the sideline on the following play. Sturdivant had been in concussion protocol earlier in the week, but he recovered in time to play Friday and posted a huge performance in his effort to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Even with Friday's impressive effort, the 23-year-old could end up being cut by the end of the weekend, though it wouldn't be surprising at all if Sturdivant makes the club given the offensive skills he has flashed and his ability to contribute on special teams.

Melton did not catch either of his targets in Friday's preseason win over Arizona.

The Packers held most of their key players out of the contest, so Melton's inclusion in the game could indicate that he's not an absolute lock to make the 53-man roster. If that's the case, it may not help that undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant broke out a 6-112-1 receiving line Friday, though it's generally unwise to read too deeply into preseason performances. Still, Melton had a pretty poor exhibition slate, catching just two of seven targets for 14 yards. Melton worked often as a kick returner last season, but free-agent signee Skyy Moore appears set to take over that role in 2026. The odds still seem to be in favor of Melton surviving cutdown day, and if he does, he'll likely work mostly on special teams during the regular season.

Allen brought in one of two targets for 12 yards in the Chiefs' 9-9 preseason tie with the Seahawks on Friday.

The rookie fifth-round pick didn't make his catch until the opening possession of the second half. Allen was busy this preseason with six receptions on 12 targets, but those netted a modest 39 yards. Nevertheless, the Cincinnati product is likely locked into a reserve receiver role to open the 2026 season.

Young brought in one of three targets for nine yards in the Bengals' 30-13 preseason win over the Eagles on Friday.

The rookie fourth-round pick was quieter than during his first two preseason games, when he posted a 5-76-1 line on 12 targets. However, Young's roster spot is essentially locked in, and he opened the game with the first-team offense. The Georgia product has plenty of potential in a Joe Burrow-helmed offense, although top two wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will naturally command plenty of the prolific quarterback's attention most weeks.