NFL Player News

Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday that Wharton (hamstring) is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Wharton, who signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Panthers in March, played just 18 defensive snaps before sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to the Jaguars. The first-year Panther made a major impact while on the field, recording four total tackles. This is likely a substantial loss to a new-look Panthers defensive line that allowed a whopping 5.2 yards per carry in 2024 -- the worst mark in the NFL. Expect Jaden Crumedy to see increased work as a rotational defensive lineman while Wharton remains sidelined.

Bryant failed to record a target in Sunday's 20-12 win over the Titans.

Bryant played just four of the Broncos' 76 offensive snaps Sunday, the fewest of any offensive player. The rookie was the only wideout who saw action on offense that wasn't targeted in the contest. Despite his limited usage behind fellow receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims and Trent Sherfield, it's reasonable to think that Bryant will be eased into more playing time as the season progresses. For now, it appears his more experienced teammates will handle the majority of opportunities in the passing game. The 22-year-old Illinois product will look to get involved in a Week 2 matchup with the Colts, especially if quarterback Bo Nix continues to spread the ball around as he did on Sunday, targeting 11 different pass catchers.

FitzPatrick was targeted once and caught one pass for two yards in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

FitzPatrick was activated rather than fellow tight end Ben Sims and served as the third option at his position behind Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave. FitzPatrick played only two fewer snaps than Musgrave, but chances are he will remain in a bit role as long as the two players ahead of him are available.

Elliss recorded five total tackles (three solo) and one pass defended in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buccaneers.

Elliss made his 35th consecutive start for the Falcons during Sunday's loss. Although Elliss recorded just five total tackles, he played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Especially considering he put together a 151-stop 2024 campaign, his tackle output is expected to continue rising as the season progresses. Elliss's next opportunity to make plays for Atlanta will come in a Week 2 matchup against the Vikings.

Wicks was targeted twice and caught two passes for 30 yards in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

A calf injury left Wicks uncertain for Week 1, but he suited up for the season opener and worked as a reserve wideout. He could get a bit more involved after averaging 4.5 targets per game a season ago, but even with Christian Watson (knee) sidelined he seemingly remains the fourth option among Packers receivers behind the trio of Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs.

Reynolds didn't record a touch in Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Packers.

The 29-year-old from Kutztown was limited to special-teams work in the Lions' regular-season opener, logging 11 snaps in that phase and none on offense. He appears firmly behind both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Detroit's backfield, so he likely won't see much, if any, meaningful offensive work barring an injury. Reynolds is projected to play a similar role in the Lions' Week 2 contest against the Bears.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said Monday that Wilson will start Sunday on the road against Dallas in Week 2, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Wilson struggled significantly in his New York debut versus the Commanders in Week 1, a 21-6 loss in which he completed 17 of 37 pass attempts for 168 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. The veteran did salvage his fantasy performance to some extent, rushing for 44 yards on eight carries. While Daboll said the team doesn't want to make any rash decisions at quarterback, Wilson will certainly need to turn in a better effort sooner rather than later in order to avoid pressure from rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart or potentially even veteran backup Jameis Winston.

Wright wasn't targeted during the Lions' 27-13 loss to the Packers on Sunday.

Despite playing 24 offensive snaps during Sunday's loss, Wright went without a target. The 26-year-old ranked second on Detroit in snaps from tight ends, behind only Sam LaPorta (61), suggesting that he's still the team's top backup option. Wright is primarily utilized as a blocker rather than a receiving threat, and he's expected to play behind LaPorta again in a Week 2 matchup with the Bears.

Muma was inactive for Sunday's win over Miami.

Muma will back up Joe Bachie and Cameron McGrone at linebacker, but he may not be active on gamedays as he looks like No. 6 on the depth chart among linebackers. Muma worked in a reserve role at Jacksonville last season, with 322 of his 563 total snaps coming on special teams.

Edwards was inactive for Sunday's win over Miami.

Edwards was diagnosed with a concussion in the Colts' second preseason contest but was able to retake the field one week later. He looks healthy as the season begins but didn't have a role in Week 1. He could return to the active roster if Jaylon Jones is sidelined for any time with a hamstring injury he suffered in the opener.