NFL Player News

Hodge didn't play in Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to the Titans.

For a second straight week, Hodge was in street clothes, along with Drake London, Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Ray-Ray McCloud and Jamal Agnew, who are all expected to make the initial 53-man roster. Hodge has spent the past three seasons in Atlanta, splitting time between offense and special teams. During that stretch, he's totaled 34 receptions on 55 targets for 565 yards and two scores. He signed a two-year deal to return to Atlanta this offseason.

Blair caught three of five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown during Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to the Titans.

Through two preseason games, Blair has been a standout, securing six of nine targets for 132 yards and two scores. Despite the strong performances, Blair, along with Dylan Drummond and David Sills, isn't projected to make the initial 53-man roster, per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site. However, if that's the case, they'd all be candidates to join Atlanta's practice squad.

Chark caught one of three passes for 11 yards during Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to the Titans.

After not catching a pass across 10 offensive snaps in Atlanta's preseason opener, Chark delivered another quiet performance in Week 2. Not only is the veteran not part of the expected roster lock group who've spent the first two exhibitions in street clothes, but he's also been outperformed by practice-squad guys like Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond. Despite plenty of experience and an injury to Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Chark is currently on the outskirts of the Falcons' initial 53-man roster, per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site.

Agnew did not play in Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to the Titans.

Agnew has been in street clothes for each of Atlanta's first two exhibitions, along with fellow wideouts Drake London, Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge. Given Agnew has been part of that group, it's safe to assume the veteran will likely land a spot on the Falcons' initial 53-man roster. However, Agnew will probably be utilized more on special teams as a primary return man than on offense when everyone is healthy.

Slayton (undisclosed) played 10 snaps on offense but did not show up in the box score otherwise during the Giants' 31-12 preseason win over the Jets on Saturday.

Slayton had been working through an undisclosed injury that caused him to miss the Giants' preseason opener against the Bills, but the 2019 fifth-rounder progressed enough in his recovery to suit up Saturday. He's entering the final season of his two-year contract and is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign in which his 39 catches for 573 yards were his lowest output since 2021 (26 catches for 339 yards that year). The Giants' quarterback situation in 2024 was shaky, but the addition of Russell Wilson should help raise Slayton's floor this season.

Golden didn't play in Saturday's 23-19 preseason win over the Colts.

Though Golden wasn't one of the 29 Packers listed as not suiting up ahead of the game, the rookie wideout didn't log any snaps against the Colts. Golden's next chance to see game action will occur in this coming Saturday's preseason finale against the Seahawks, but it remains to be seen whether or not Green Bay plans to rest key players in the contest.

Kirk caught both of his targets for 13 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Panthers.

Like No. 1 wideout Nico Collins and starting quarterback C.J. Stroud, Kirk made his preseason debut and played the first two series before calling it a day. Kirk, who was acquired from the Jaguars during the offseason and is locked in as the No. 2 wide receiver, hooked up with Stroud on each possession in what was a successful performance by the first-team offense, working in conjunction with new offensive coordinator and play caller Nick Caley.

Mitchell had one reception for eight yards on his lone target in Saturday's preseason loss to Green Bay. He also had a key offsides penalty which negated a 38-yard pass play to Anthony Gould.

Mitchell has been a star of training camp by dominating opposing corners in scrimmages, according to James Boyd of The Athletic, but his path to success during regular-season games isn't clear. Mitchell sits fourth on the depth chart at receiver and the Colts may struggle to have competent quarterback play. Mitchell also needs to avoid mistakes like the one he made Saturday and last season. Still, he could surprise if given an extended opportunity this season.

Franklin brought in four of five targets for 67 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos' 27-7 preseason win over the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Franklin shared the team lead in receptions and targets while checking in as the runner-up in receiving yards. However, the second-year wideout was the only Broncos pass catcher to get into the end zone, recording 27- and 16-yard touchdown grabs from Jarrett Stidham in the first and second quarters, respectively. Franklin put together an impressive training camp following an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign, and the Oregon product could well be poised for an incremental boost in Year 2 while working with college teammate Bo Nix as his quarterback.

Bryant secured four of five targets for 70 yards in the Broncos' 27-7 preseason win over the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Bryant tied for the team lead in receptions and targets while setting the pace in receiving yards. The 2025 third-round pick also put together a solid showing in the preseason opener against the 49ers, and while he's projected to open the season down the depth chart, Bryant could claw his way to more snaps as the campaign unfolds.