NFL Player News

Lambert-Smith did not record a reception on one target in Saturday's 30-23 preseason loss to the 49ers.

The Chargers rested all of their starters, including fellow rookie Omarion Hampton. Lambert-Smith played in the team's first four offensive possessions and was targeted twice, once by Trey Lance and once by Taylor Heinicke -- though the latter was wiped out by a penalty. Lambert-Smith has been one of the key risers throughout the summer, and he could open the season as the team's fourth receiver, depending on the health and role of Tre Harris (undisclosed).

Moore recorded three receptions on six targets for 19 yards in Saturday's 30-23 preseason win over the Chargers.

Moore technically didn't start, but he was heavily involved both on special teams and in the offense early in the game. His most notable contribution as a receiver came on a 12-yard catch on a pass delivered by Carter Bradley. However, his most likely path to contributing to start the regular season could be as a punt or kick returner, and he recorded a 26-yard kick return in Saturday's preseason finale.

Robinson (suspension) recorded two receptions on two targets for 30 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 30-23 preseason win over the Chargers.

Robinson was a starting wide receiver opposite Robbie Chosen and made his biggest impact early in the second quarter when he made a 22-yard touchdown catch in the right corner of the end zone. Robinson is suspended for the first three games of the regular season, but he could be asked to serve as the 49ers' third receiver upon his return due to Brandon Aiyuk (knee) likely still being sidelined.

Coach Kyle Shanahan relayed after Saturday's preseason contest against the Chargers that Jennings (calf) has a chance to be available for a Week 1 road matchup with the Seahawks, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports. "I expect him to be back, he should be back from it," Shanahan said. "But you never know with a calf."

The 49ers don't play again until Sunday, Sept. 7, so Jennings has two weeks to recover from the calf injury that has plagued him since the early days of training camp and sidelined him entirely since Aug. 4. He thus didn't see any exhibition action, but whenever he's healthy he's expected to help pace a wide receiver group that won't have top option Brandon Aiyuk (knee) available until roughly Week 6. With both Aiyuk and possibly Jennings sidelined, though, Ricky Pearsall might be left as the primary option at the position for QB Brock Purdy and San Francisco's offense.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said this weekend that Cowing (hamstring) could be sidelined for six weeks, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Cowing missed time last summer with a hamstring injury, and he also missed a sizable chunk of this year's training camp with a pulled hamstring. It's becoming a chronic issue for the second-year wide receiver after he was unable to log any preseason playing time this summer. There's a decent chance he begins the 2025 campaign on injured reserve, which would cost Cowing at least the first four games of the regular season.

Johnson secured all eight targets for 58 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 23-19 preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday night.

Johnson comfortably led the Buccaneers in receptions, receiving yards and targets, putting together his second straight noteworthy performance. The rookie seventh-round pick has bounced back from missing the preseason opener by posting a 12-82-1 receiving line on 15 targets over the subsequent pair of games. Johnson is primed to see a somewhat meaningful role to open his NFL career, as injuries to Chris Godwin (PUP-ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) are expected to keep both players out for at least the first four games of the regular season.

Palmer (hamstring) secured one of two targets for 13 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-19 preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday night.

The third-year wideout made his preseason debut after overcoming his hamstring issue, and Palmer was able to make his one catch on the Buccaneers' third possession. Palmer is set to reprise his reserve receiver role again in 2025, and he could see a slight uptick in opportunity early due to Jalen McMillan (neck) and Chris Godwin (PUP-ankle) likely being unavailable for at least the first month of the regular season.

Shavers brought in two of three targets for 24 yards and a touchdown in the Bills' 23-19 preseason win over the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

The undrafted second-year pro put in a solid showing to close out preseason, recording a pair of catches for the third time in as many games. Shavers also got into the end zone for the first time this preseason via an 11-yard grab from Shane Buechele with just over six minutes remaining in the second quarter. The San Diego State product may have done enough to secure a spot on the latter portion of the Bills' wide receiver depth chart, with final roster cuts in coming days set to confirm or dispel that possibility.

Gould had four receptions for 43 yards on six targets in Saturday's preseason win over the Bengals. Gould looks set to be Indy's punt returner, 107.5 FM The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Gould also looks set to make the 53-man roster as the No. 6 receiver, but he will have most of his value as a punt returner. He had just one reception last season and may not have much of a role on offense.

Washington recorded three receptions on three targets for 41 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 14-6 preseason win over the Jaguars.

Washington got the chance to play three drives with Tua Tagovailoa in the absence of Tyreek Hill (oblique), and he impressed with the chance. He made all of his catches in the short area of the field, though he navigated through defenders and traffic to score a 25-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Washington had minimal production as a rookie in 2024, but he could see that improve in 2025 -- particularly if either Hill or Jaylen Waddle is forced to miss any time.