NFL Player News
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Brandon Johnson WR | PIT
Steelers' Brandon Johnson: Two receptions against Jacksonville
Johnson secured both of his targets for 12 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.
Johnson spent most of last season on Pittsburgh's practice squad, and he remained in the organization during the offseason after signing a reserve/future contract with the team. While the Steelers parted ways with George Pickens during the offseason, they acquired DK Metcalf, and it seems unlikely that Johnson will see consistent time on the team's 53-man roster.
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Jalen McMillan WR | TB
Buccaneers' Jalen McMillan: Long catch in preseason opener
McMillan recorded one catch on one target for 21 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason win over the Titans.
McMillan started the game due to Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin (ankle) both being sidelined. He made an instant impact on the game, catching a long 25-yard pass from Kyle Trask down the middle of the field on the first play of the game. McMillan has increased competition for targets and playing time from rookie Emeka Egbuka, but the former should still have a role in the regular season -- particularly if Godwin isn't ready for Week 1.
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Allen Lazard WR | NYJ
Jets' Allen Lazard: Dealing with shoulder injury
Lazard has an injured right shoulder and was wearing an arm sling following Saturday's win over the Packers, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
Lazard caught both of his targets for nine yards in the victory. It's not clear when he got hurt, but the fact that he was wearing a sling after the game adds a layer of concern about his status. According to head coach Aaron Glenn, the veteran wideout will undergo tests to determine the severity of the issue. If Lazard were to miss regular-season time, Tyler Johnson could have an opportunity to jump into a bigger role as the team's No. 3 receiver.
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Matthew Golden WR | GB
Packers' Matthew Golden: One catch in pro debut
Golden brought in his only target for seven yards during the Packers' 30-10 preseason loss to the Jets on Saturday night.
The speedy rookie was on the receiving end of Jordan Love's only completion of the night, a seven-yard throw on the Packers' second possession. Golden also drew another target that resulted in a defensive pass interference call against Sauce Gardner. Golden has been getting work with the first-team offense since the early practices of training camp, and his slotting in Saturday's game provides further confirmation he's poised for a meaningful role right out of the gate in his NFL career. Golden and the rest of Green Bay's key offensive players may well see more extended action during next Saturday afternoon's preseason road clash against the Colts.
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Emeka Egbuka WR | TB
Buccaneers' Emeka Egbuka: Brief preseason appearance
Egbuka recorded one reception on two targets for 21 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason win over the Titans.
Both Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin (ankle) sat out the contest, leaving Egbuka and Jalen McMillan as the top pass catchers. Each played on the Buccaneers' opening drive, with Egbuka making a contested 21-yard catch while being tightly contested by a corner. Camp reports and his usage in this game both suggest that Egbuka will play a key role in the Buccaneers' offense come the regular season, particularly if Godwin is forced to miss any time.
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Jayden Reed WR | GB
Packers' Jayden Reed: Not certain to be ready for Week 1
Reed is wearing a walking boot, and his foot injury is not the same as the toe issue he dealt with entering training camp, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
It had been presumed that Reed was dealing with a minor issue and was being held out of Saturday's preseason opener simply as a precaution, but there is more concern about his status now that he's wearing a walking boot. When head coach Mat LaFleur was asked about the talented wideout's potential availability for Week 1 after Saturday's loss to the Jets, he conveyed hope that Reed would be available but added "anytime you see a guy in a boot that's a concern." If Reed's injury carries into the regular season, Dontayvion Wicks (calf) could be asked to take on a bigger role early, and Matthew Golden could function as Green Bay's top wideout.
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Tai Felton WR | MIN
Vikings' Tai Felton: Two receptions in preseason debut
Felton had two receptions for 14 yards on two targets in Saturday's preseason win over Houston. He also forced a fumble in punt coverage, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Felton worked as the fourth receiver and could begin the season in that role due to Jordan Addison being suspended for the first three regular-season games. Felton also lined up as a starting kick returner along with Ty Chandler.
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Calvin Ridley WR | TEN
Titans' Calvin Ridley: Clicking with Ward
Ridley recorded three receptions on three targets for 50 yards in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers.
Ridley played two offensive possessions, with Cameron Ward under center for both. Ridley was a key contributor to the latter drive, connecting with Ward for gains of 27, 13 and 10 yards, easily leading the team in receiving yards. Ridley will almost certainly remain Ward's primary target come the regular season, and their connection got off to a positive start Saturday.
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Konata Mumpfield WR | LAR
Rams' Konata Mumpfield: Picks up ankle injury
Mumpfield (ankle) exited Saturday's preseason game against the Cowboys early due to an injury, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.
Mumpfield secured two of five targets for 24 yards prior to his exit Saturday. He was officially labeled 'questionable' to return Saturday, so it's possible had the affair not been a preseason contest, Mumpfield would have retaken the field. He'll work to get healthy in time to suit up for preseason action against the Chargers on Saturday, Aug. 16.
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Brian Thomas Jr. WR | JAC
Jaguars' Brian Thomas: Plays briefly in preseason opener
Thomas recorded one reception on two targets for eight yards in Saturday's 31-25 preseason loss to the Steelers.
Like most of Jacksonville's top skill-position players, Thomas played on the first offensive possession before sitting out the rest of the game. He accounted for Trevor Lawrence's first completion of the game, though his most noteworthy moment of the contest came four plays later, when he was hit hard by Juan Thornhill while trying to make a catch. Thomas came away unscathed, and it remains to be seen if he'll suit up for any additional preseason contests.