NFL Player News

The Steelers waived Winstead on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Winstead signed with the Steelers in early August to attempt to compete for a significant role in the team's wide receiver corps. The former UFL Louisville King has not participated for an NFL organization since he was a member of the 2023 49ers' practice squad. Winstead will now be placed on waivers for a duration that extends through Sunday's cutdown day. If the 27-year-old is not claimed, he will become a free agent Monday. If Winstead becomes a free agent, it is unclear if he will attempt to join a practice squad or wait for another chance in the UFL.

The Steelers waived Powell on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Powell was cut from the Steelers' practice squad in early December of 2025 before rejoining the team this August. The wide receiver seems to have enjoyed sticking around Pittsburgh, so if he clears Monday's waiver wire there is a strong chance the 28-year-old will rejoin the team's practice squad.

The Steelers waived Keeney-James on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Keeney-James signed with the Steelers in early August, hoping to sneak onto the team's 53-man roster. The 25-year-old has played in just one NFL game, catching two balls for 15 yards with the Packers in Week 18 of 2025. The wide receiver will not be able to make the cut and will now be subject to waivers through Monday. If Keeney-James goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent able to sign with any team's 53-man roster or practice squad.

The Browns waived Patterson on Friday.

Patterson spent time with both the Jaguars and Browns this preseason, ultimately being waived by both organizations. The undrafted free agent out of UT Permian Basin will need to wait until after Sunday's cutdown day for his waiver stint to elapse. If Patterson goes unclaimed Monday, he will become a free agent able to sign with any team's roster or practice squad.

The Jets waived Lacy (undisclosed) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Friday.

Lacy was set to miss the entire 2026 season after reverting to the Jets' IR. With the settlement, the Louisville product will have the opportunity to sign with a team and play once he is fully healthy.

Watkins caught four of eight targets for 64 yards in Thursday night's 18-12 preseason win over the Raiders.

Watkins did come down with only half of his game-leading eight targets, but the consistent attention may offset the lack of consistency. The wide receiver was the favorite target of both Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez in the contest. Watkins also returned two kicks for 48 yards and two punts for 14 yards. The 2025 fourth-rounder's versatility was on full display in Thursday's preseason finale, and he has likely confirmed a roster spot for the beginning of the 2026 regular season.

Egbuka (toe) continues to rest and recover with the goal of being ready for Week 1, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Egbuka, per the report, made the trip to Jacksonville with his teammates for Friday's preseason finale, but he will not suit up and will instead keep working on his recovery from the toe injury he sustained a little over two weeks ago. It's not yet known when Egbuka will be back on the field, so his availability remains up in the air in advance of his team's season-opening matchup with the Bengals on Sept. 13.

Robinson is not believed to have sustained a concussion during Thursday's joint practice with the Bears, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reports.

Robinson took a hard hit during Thursday's session and underwent tests, which apparently ruled out a concussion. Per the report, the Titans will continue monitoring Robinson's symptoms, but the early indications are promising and he seemingly is on track to take the field in Week 1 against the Jets on Sept. 13.

Wetjen caught one of two targets for seven yards, gained 17 yards on his only kickoff return and added 61 yards and a touchdown on four punt returns in Thursday's 28-27 preseason loss to the Bills.

The 2026 fourth-round pick took advantage of Buffalo being forced to punt out its end zone in the fourth quarter, catching the ball on the Bills' side of midfield, surviving some initial contact and then reversing course to jet down the left sideline to the house. Wetjen returned six kicks for TDs in three seasons at Iowa, but he doesn't offer much value on offense, so it remains to be seen whether the Steelers will carry the return specialist on the Week 1 roster.

Bernard caught one of two targets for a 13-yard touchdown in Thursday's 28-27 preseason loss to the Bills.

The Steelers rested their starters and key personnel, but Bernard played the first quarter and connected with Will Howard (head) on a one-play scoring drive after Buffalo's Ray Davis muffed a punt. Bernard's usage Thursday would seem to suggest he'll begin the season No. 4 on the wide receiver depth chart behind DK Metcalf (undisclosed), Michael Pittman (hamstring) and Roman Wilson, but the 2026 second-round pick could find himself in a key role early if either of the injured veterans ahead of him wind up not being ready for Week 1.