NFL Player News

Godwin didn't play in Friday's 24-16 preseason victory over the Jets.

The Buccaneers held out most of their starters for the team's initial preseason contest, so Godwin's absence isn't a concern. The veteran wideout is expected to maintain a key role in a Tampa Bay WR corps that enters 2026 without Mike Evans for the first time since 2013. Godwin is joined at the top of the team's pass-catching pecking order by Emeka Egbuka (toe), with Jalen McMillan (knee) and tight end Cade Otton also slated to see plenty of opportunities.

Smith (hamstring) is warming up on the field before Saturday's preseason game against Baltimore, Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Smith won't play, but this is at least the latest sign that his hamstring injury isn't too serious. He was spotted doing side work during practice mid-week, so a return could be coming fairly soon.

Bell did not play in the Bills' 29-14 preseason win over the Panthers on Saturday due to a lower-body injury, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Joe Brady relayed to reporters after Saturday's contest that Bell could have played if it was a regular-season game. Bell is expected to be back at practice in the coming week, which puts the rookie fourth-rounder on track to play in the Bills' next exhibition game, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Browns. The UConn product is competing against the likes of Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and Mecole Hardman for rotational snaps on offense behind DJ Moore (lower body) and Khalil Shakir.

Moore noted after Saturday's 29-14 preseason win over the Panthers that he was "good to go" after an apparent lower-body injury that he sustained in the first quarter, Ryan Miller of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports.

Moore finished Saturday's exhibition game with three catches on four targets for 61 yards, all of which came during the first two offensive drives. He appeared to pick up the injury on his final catch for 18 yards, but Brady relayed to reporters that the veteran wide receiver would have come out of the game anyways following that drive. Moore wasted no time in showing a rapport with Josh Allen, but the former's injury will be worth monitoring over the coming days, and it wouldn't be surprising if Moore doesn't play in the Bills' next preseason game, which takes place Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Browns.

Downs exited Saturday's practice after a hard fall on his back, Andrew Moore of Colts on SI reports.

Downs tried to walk it off but was still in pain and had to leave for at least a few snaps. The Colts are already treacherously thin at wide receiver with Alec Pierce (ankle) still not practicing and uncertain for Week 1.

The Eagles waived Hayes on Saturday.

Hayes signed a contract with the Eagles last Wednesday. The wide receiver's stint with the team was always bound to be quick, as he was signed as a plug-and-play option while the main corps got healthy. The Eagles have their preseason opener Saturday night against the Ravens, and Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown are set to be the stars of the show for the team's wide receiving corps.

Evans (quadriceps) participated in team drills during Saturday's training camp practice, Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Evans has slowly been working his way back from a quad strain that he sustained in early August. He was cleared to participate in individual drills prior to Thursday's preseason opener against the Titans, which he did not suit up for. Evans' ability to work in team drills is a positive sign, and he would be on track to play against the Chargers on Thursday if the 49ers' starters suit up for that contest.

Cowing (hip) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Cowing suffered a hip injury sometime around last Wednesday's training camp session and has been absent from team activities since. The wide receiver's return to health will give him a chance to compete in next Thursday's preseason showdown with the Chargers. Cowing is currently listed as the starting punt returner for the team, but the 25-year-old will likely need to once again show he is a capable option at receiver to make the 53-man roster.

Wetjen (undisclosed) did not participate in Saturday's practice, Alan Saunders of steelersnow.com reports.

The rookie fourth-rounder likely suffered an injury in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Packers. Wetjen had a massive preseason debut, catching two balls for 79 yards and a touchdown. It is unclear how severe the rookie's injury is, but if he cannot return to action soon, Max Hurleman may see more opportunities with the offense next Friday against the Jets.

Moore came off the field grabbing his ankle during Saturday's preseason game against the Panthers, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Moore got off to a fast start with three catches for 61 yards on the first two drives, but he was favoring his leg/ankle after the last of those receptions. He came off the field and talked with trainers for a moment before walking to the bench and putting his helmet on the rack. The trainers and a team doctor then briefly met with Moore again on the bench before the wideout got up and started walking around on the sideline.