NFL Player News

Johnson (arm) reverted to the Texans' injured reserve list Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson was waived with an injury designation Wednesday. He wasn't claimed off waivers by another team, and by reverting to the Texans' IR, Johnson will be forced to miss the entire 2025 season unless an injury settlement is reached. He spent the entire 2024 season on the Texans' practice squad and has appeared in two regular-season games since his rookie campaign in 2022.

Hill (undisclosed) suited up for Thursday's practice Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

After being absent from Wednesday's session, Hill was on the field one day later, though Schad notes that the wideout mostly worked on lower-body stretching and sprinting with trainers in the process. While his presence Thursday is encouraging, it's unclear if Hill will play in Sunday's preseason opener against the Bears.

Robinson (leg) has participated in training camp practices this week, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Robinson missed time earlier in training camp due to a minor leg injury, but he's resumed taking part in 11-on-11 drills as Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills approaches. It remains to be seen, however, whether New York's starters will be given the green light to suit up for action Saturday. Robinson's average depth of target in 2024 was a shocking 4.8 yards, which would be a low margin even for a tight end, but having Russell Wilson locked in under center to kick off the 2025 campaign will provide him an opportunity to improve his efficiency. That said, the 5-foot-8 slot specialist will be a candidate to see his target volume decline after drawing 140 looks across his 17 regular-season appearances last season.

Slayton (undisclosed) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Slayton is missing a second consecutive practice due to an undisclosed injury. The Giants' lack of commentary on Slayton's status seems like an indication that the issue is minor, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be cleared in time to potentially suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills. After re-signing with New York on a on a three-year, $36 million this offseason, Slayton enters the 2025 campaign positioned to start alongside Malik Nabers (shoulder/toe) and Wan'Dale Robinson (leg) in three-wide sets.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said Wednesday that Washington has impressed throughout training camp and been "a guy who can win consistently against man coverage and match coverage," John Oehser of the team's official site reports.

Udinski praised the versatility Washington has displayed entering Year 3, saying he "can plug and play at different spots and go and execute a wide route tree." Washington himself expressed excitement about his possible utilization in new head coach Liam Coen's scheme, saying "I know I can be more than just a slot and it's exciting to be out on the outside and make plays and be just as effective on the outside as I am in the slot." Consistent targets could be difficult for the 2023 sixth-round pick to earn behind Brian Thomas and WR/CB Travis Hunter, and especially given that new No. 3 receiver Dyami Brown has also reportedly put together a strong camp, per John Shipley of SI.com. That makes it difficult to project much room for Washington's production to grow, even if he does take a step forward as a playmaker, but Washington could still climb onto the fantasy radar in deeper formats.

Wicks (calf) is not participating in practice Thursday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Wicks has been managing a calf injury since late July, so it seems unlikely that he'll be in consideration to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets. The third-year wideout appears to simply be managing a minor injury, though, as the Packers haven't expressed any concerns about his long-term availability. Jayden Reed (foot) is also sitting out practice Thursday.

McConkey (undisclosed) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

McConkey continues to miss practice due to an unspecified injury, with Rhim having previously reported that coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that the second-year wide receiver is "working through something minor." It seems safe to assume, however, that McConkey won't see action in Sunday's preseason contest against the Saints.

Brown (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Given that Brown hasn't practiced since making an early exit from last Tuesday's session, it seems safe to assume that he'll sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals. The same applies to fellow WR Rashee Rice, who has missed the Chiefs' last two practices due to a groin injury.

Rice (groin) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice also didn't practice Wednesday, but per Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, coach Andy Reid believes that the wideout's groin injury is minor and noted that Rice's continued absence is precautionary. That said, neither Rice nor Hollywood Brown (ankle) seem likely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Austin (undisclosed) is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin has been dealing with an unspecified injury, so look for him to sit out the contest, especially with the Steelers planning to rest their key skill players, in any case. In that scenario, Austin's next chance to see game action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 16 against Tampa Bay.