NFL Player News

Thornton secured one of two targets for 11 yards in the Chiefs' 9-9 preseason tie with the Seahawks on Friday.

The fifth-year pro drew a start and matched his one catch from preseason Week 2, albeit while gaining six more yards than in that performance. Thornton somewhat revived his career during his 2025 Chiefs debut campaign by averaging 23.1 yards per reception on his 19 catches and recording three scoring grabs, and he projects to open the season in the prominent role of No. 3 receiver in what should be a dynamic air attack.

Estime rushed four times for 46 yards and caught all three of his targets for 22 yards in Friday's 27-24 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Estime led the Saints in rushing Friday, finishing with four more yards than Kendre Miller thanks to a 33-yard run. Injuries to Alvin Kamara (knee) and Devin Neal (hamstring) could open the door for Estime to make the 53-man roster, though Miller and recent trade acquisition Zamir White are also competing for spots in New Orleans' backfield behind Travis Etienne.

Johnson rushed seven times for 39 yards and brought in both targets for 15 yards in the Chiefs' 9-9 preseason tie with the Seahawks on Friday.

The rookie fifth-round pick put together a strong finish to an encouraging preseason, one where he rushed 26 times for 123 yards and a touchdown and added a 6-35-0 line on seven targets. Johnson's primary competition for a depth role, Brashard Smith, had a productive 16-carry, 72-yard effort in his own right Friday, so it remains to be seen where each will slot on the depth chart behind the top duo of Kenneth Walker (ankle) and Emari Demercado.

Sturdivant caught six of seven targets for 112 yards and a touchdown Friday in a 42-38 preseason victory over Arizona.

Sturdivant and QB Kyle McCord accounted for all of the yardage on the Packers' first touchdown drive, connecting on a 36-yard pass down the middle before Sturdivant hauled in a 29-yard touchdown along the sideline on the following play. Sturdivant had been in concussion protocol earlier in the week, but he recovered in time to play Friday and posted a huge performance in his effort to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. Even with Friday's impressive effort, the 23-year-old could end up being cut by the end of the weekend, though it wouldn't be surprising at all if Sturdivant makes the club given the offensive skills he has flashed and his ability to contribute on special teams.

Jones sustained an undisclosed injury during Houston's 16-13 preseason loss to Carolina on Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jones may have picked up the injury during his tackle on Anthony Tyus late in the second quarter. The severity and nature of Jones' injury is unclear, but the Texans should get a better sense of his recovery timeline once he undergoes further tests. The Michigan State product is battling for a depth spot on the Texans' 53-man roster for the regular season.

Byrd picked up an ankle injury during the Texans' 16-13 preseason loss to the Panthers on Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Byrd logged four tackles (two solo) and a pass defense before injuring his ankle on the second play of the fourth quarter. The 2024 seventh-rounder is on the bubble for a spot on the Texans' 53-man roster for the regular season, and the severity of his ankle injury could play a factor into whether he makes the cut by the end of training camp.

Miller rushed nine times for 42 yards and caught his only target for 15 yards in Friday's 27-24 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Miller finished four rushing yards shy of Audric Estime for the team lead, while recent trade acquisition Zamir White was the only Saints running back to score a touchdown. At least two of these three running backs are expected to make the 53-man roster behind Travis Etienne while Alvin Kamara (knee) is unavailable. Miller has a chance to be Etienne's primary backup while Kamara is on the shelf, though Miller is far from guaranteed to stay healthy himself considering injuries have limited the 2023 third-round pick to just 21 regular-season appearances through three seasons.

Melton did not catch either of his targets in Friday's preseason win over Arizona.

The Packers held most of their key players out of the contest, so Melton's inclusion in the game could indicate that he's not an absolute lock to make the 53-man roster. If that's the case, it may not help that undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant broke out a 6-112-1 receiving line Friday, though it's generally unwise to read too deeply into preseason performances. Still, Melton had a pretty poor exhibition slate, catching just two of seven targets for 14 yards. Melton worked often as a kick returner last season, but free-agent signee Skyy Moore appears set to take over that role in 2026. The odds still seem to be in favor of Melton surviving cutdown day, and if he does, he'll likely work mostly on special teams during the regular season.

Love (ankle) did not play in Friday's preseason loss to the Packers, but per Cardinals team reporter Zach Gershman, he was able to work out prior to the game.

Love was able to get in some light work in Wednesday, and he appeared to be moving at a quicker pace a couple days later. It remains unclear if he will be ready to go when the Cardinals open their season against the Chargers on Sept. 13, but he will have just over two more weeks to work past the high-ankle sprain he picked up in the first preseason game.

Wilson completed nine of 12 passes for 93 yards while rushing once for minus-1 yard in Friday's 27-24 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Wilson played the second half of Friday's preseason finale after Spencer Rattler played the first half. Rattler started two of the Saints' three preseason games and looks like the favorite to win the backup job behind Tyler Shough. Wilson had 14 more passing yards than Rattler on Friday and neither one threw a touchdown pass, but Rattler scored an eight-yard rushing TD.