NFL Player News

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.

Johnston (lower body) brought in one of two targets for a 65-yard touchdown in the Chargers' 20-18 preseason loss to the Rams on Thursday.

The speedy fourth-year pro recently missed some practice time due to a lower-body injury he suffered during a joint practice with the 49ers leading up to Los Angeles' second preseason game, yet Johnston looked at full health when blowing past the Rams' secondary for a 65-yard touchdown with just under 10 minutes remaining in the first quarter. Thursday's snaps were Johnston's only action this preseason, but he looks prepared to reprise the No. 2 receiver role that's netted over 700 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons beginning with a Week 1 home matchup against the Cardinals.

Benson failed to catch his only target in Thursday night's preseason finale against the 49ers.

The sixth-round rookie has been a roster assumption due to the draft capital utilized on him, but back-to-back poor showings in the preseason do not leave much to be excited about so far. Benson has had a strong training camp despite the game-time struggles, so it remains to be seen how high his usage could be as the regular season gets underway.

Nailor brought in two of four targets for 13 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

Nailor led the Raiders in targets and finished tied for second in receptions. The fifth-year pro made his first catch on a pass from Kirk Cousins for a seven-yard gain during the opening possession, and he recorded his second and final one with Fernando Mendoza under center to open Las Vegas' third drive. Nailor was then also the intended target deep down the middle on the next play, a pass that resulted in an interception. Nailor is projected to open the regular season as the No. 2 receiver and posted a 3-35-0 line on seven targets in two preseason games.

Bell caught seven passes for 49 yards and rushed once for a 28-yard touchdown in Buffalo's 28-27 preseason win over the Steelers on Thursday.

The rookie fourth-rounder out of UConn led the Bills in both receiving and rushing on the night. He had missed both of Buffalo's first two preseason games due to a lower-body injury but returned to practice last week and was ready to go for the preseason finale. Bell is battling with Mecole Hardman, Trent Sherfield and Dante Pettis for the last spot or two on the final roster, but given Bell has more upside than those three teammates, there's a solid chance he'll be wearing a jersey in Week 1 against the Texans.

Tucker secured all three targets for 25 yards in the Raiders' 18-12 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday.

Tucker led the Raiders in receptions and receiving yards on a night when Las Vegas netted just 138 passing yards overall. Tucker, Las Vegas' presumptive No. 1 receiver to open the regular season, played on the first two drives and recorded 14- and eight-yard grabs on passes from Kirk Cousins during back-to-back plays on the opening possession. Tucker finishes the preseason with a 5-46-0 line on five targets over two games, and he'll now set his sights on the Dolphins for a Week 1 home matchup on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Williams caught both of his targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 37-13 preseason loss to the Browns.

Williams scored New England's only touchdown on a 45-yard catch in the first quarter. The 2025 third-round pick has had an outstanding preseason, finding the end zone in each of the Patriots' three preseason games. Williams has earned a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the regular season, but he could have a hard time carving out consistent playing time in a WR room led by offseason additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, with DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins also jostling for snaps.

Brown isn't in uniform for Thursday's preseason game in Cleveland, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Brown thus won't see any game action during this exhibition season. He's expected to serve as the top target for QB Drake Maye in 2026, considering the key asset (a 2028 first-round pick) sent to Philadelphia to gain his services. In seven campaigns as a pro, Brown has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards six times while racking up 58 total TDs in 105 regular-season contests.

Stribling (shoulder) won't suit up for Thursday's preseason contest at Las Vegas, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.

Stribling seemingly came out of preseason Week 2 action with a minor shoulder injury, but he was able to mix back into drills as of Sunday while wearing a non-contact jersey. Considering he showed out in the 49ers' first two exhibitions with a combined 11 catches for 109 yards, the team will rest him along with other key members of the receiving corps. Stribling will set his sights on getting healthy for a Week 1 matchup with the Rams in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10