NFL Player News

Hampton played four snaps on offense and didn't show up in the box score otherwise during the Chargers' 20-18 preseason loss to the Rams on Thursday.

Hampton was on the field for the Chargers' first two offensive drives but did get a touch in Thursday's preseason finale. The 2025 first-rounder was limited to nine regular-season games in his rookie campaign due mostly to a fractured left ankle but still finished with 124 carries for 545 yards and four touchdowns while adding 32 catches (on 35 targets) for 192 yards and a score. Hampton is the lead back for the Chargers, but Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell (undisclosed) both figure to see a fair amount of work in the scheme of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Royer (personal) did not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Patriots.

Royer's absence Thursday means the tight end missed the entirety of the preseason due to a personal issue. The fifth-round tight end out of Cincinnati's current status within the organization is unclear, and it remains to be seen whether he will be a casualty of Sunday's roster cutdown.

The Steelers waived Winstead on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Winstead signed with the Steelers in early August to attempt to compete for a significant role in the team's wide receiver corps. The former UFL Louisville King has not participated for an NFL organization since he was a member of the 2023 49ers' practice squad. Winstead will now be placed on waivers for a duration that extends through Sunday's cutdown day. If the 27-year-old is not claimed, he will become a free agent Monday. If Winstead becomes a free agent, it is unclear if he will attempt to join a practice squad or wait for another chance in the UFL.

The Steelers waived Powell on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Powell was cut from the Steelers' practice squad in early December of 2025 before rejoining the team this August. The wide receiver seems to have enjoyed sticking around Pittsburgh, so if he clears Monday's waiver wire there is a strong chance the 28-year-old will rejoin the team's practice squad.

Fannin did not play in the Browns' 37-13 preseason win over the Patriots on Thursday.

Fannin and several other Browns starters -- including Deshaun Watson, Quinshon Judkins and rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston -- were idle for Cleveland's preseason finale Thursday. Despite shaky quarterback play in 2025, Fannin was able to put together a productive rookie campaign, as he logged 72 catches (on 107 targets) for 731 yards and six touchdowns while adding seven carries for 13 yards and a score across 16 regular-season games. David Njoku is no longer with the Browns, so Fannin is the unquestioned TE1 on the depth chart and could be a go-to target for Watson in the passing game.

The Steelers waived Keeney-James on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Keeney-James signed with the Steelers in early August, hoping to sneak onto the team's 53-man roster. The 25-year-old has played in just one NFL game, catching two balls for 15 yards with the Packers in Week 18 of 2025. The wide receiver will not be able to make the cut and will now be subject to waivers through Monday. If Keeney-James goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent able to sign with any team's 53-man roster or practice squad.

The Steelers waived Bell on Friday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Bell signed with the Steelers in early May. The tight end was set to be a casualty of Sunday's cutdown day and will now be placed on waivers through Monday. If the 25-year-old goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent able to sign with any franchise's 53-man roster or practice squad.

McCarthy (ankle) won't suit up for Friday's preseason game at Denver, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy emerged from preseason Week 2 with an ankle injury, and while the Vikings were hopeful that he'd be able to play in the team's final exhibition, he'll instead remain in street clothes. After losing out on the starting QB job to Kyler Murray in early August, McCarthy has been serving as the backup in the meantime. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer are the likely candidates to be under center for Minnesota on Friday.

The Browns waived Terry on Friday.

Terry signed with the Browns in mid-August to compete for a tight-end role throughout the remainder of the preseason. The tight end would have been a victim of Sunday's cutdown day and will now be placed on waivers until Monday. If Terry goes unclaimed, he will become a free agent able to sign with any franchise's 53-man roster or practice squad.

The Browns waived Patterson on Friday.

Patterson spent time with both the Jaguars and Browns this preseason, ultimately being waived by both organizations. The undrafted free agent out of UT Permian Basin will need to wait until after Sunday's cutdown day for his waiver stint to elapse. If Patterson goes unclaimed Monday, he will become a free agent able to sign with any team's roster or practice squad.