NFL Player News

The Panthers have engaged with Minnesota on trade conversations surrounding Thielen, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Thielen is currently heading into the final year of his restructured contract with Carolina and weighed the possibility of retirement this offseason, so the 35-year-old could be attracted by the idea of returning to Minnesota, where his NFL career began. The Vikings expect Justin Jefferson (hamstring) to be ready for Week 1, but Jordan Addison (suspension) won't be eligible to play in the first three games of the regular season, Jalen Nailor (hand) and Tai Felton (arm) are currently dealing with injury, and Rondale Moore (knee) is on IR and out for the year. Thielen would still project as a starter if he were to remain with the Panthers, but Carolina has an abundance of depth at wide receiver and could be motivated to allot as many reps as possible to the development of younger players like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker behind new No. 1 option Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring).

Johnston (concussion) did individual drills at practice Thursday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

It's a sign of progress through the concussion protocol after a hard hit knocked him out of Saturday's preseason loss to the Rams. The quick return to practice, even in a limited capacity, suggests Johnston is on track for Week 1 against the Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He mostly worked with the first-string offense this summer, but his season-long role is in doubt after the Chargers drafted WRs Tre Harris (second round) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (fifth round) and signed Keenan Allen. The depth chart may be fluid beyond leading man Ladd McConkey.

Harris (eye) has ramped up his workload of late, with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh recently saying that the running back feels better with each passing day, Eric Smith of chargers.com reports.

Harris remains on the non-football injury list, limited to individual/rehab work and still not ready to practice with teammates. That's an obvious concern for his Week 1 availability with the start of the season less than three weeks away, but it does at least seem like the Chargers expect him to contribute at some point this season. Harris suffered a fireworks accident earlier this summer, keeping him out for all of training camp and leaving rookie Omarion Hampton without serious competition for first-team work this summer. Harris will be ineligible for Weeks 1-4 if the Chargers don't activate him from the NFI list by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Thursday that Rodriguez could be the team's goal-line back, although Quinn also commented that the team won't necessarily have traditional backfield roles, Commanders writer Ben Standig reports.

With Brian Robinson reportedly on the trade block and perhaps even at risk of being released, there's been a lot of recent discussion about what Washington's backfield might look like. Austin Ekeler is the safest bet for snaps and touches, but he's unlikely to handle a huge workload, leaving paths for Rodriguez, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and/or Jeremy McNichols to get involved. Most of the fantasy discussion has centered on Croskey-Merritt this summer, but Rodriguez got the start alongside QB Jayden Daniels in Washington's second preseason game and promptly broke off a 40-yard run on the opening drive. Croskey-Merritt then came on for the second series, while Ekeler was held out and McNichols played later on. A three-way committee between Ekeler, Rodriguez and Croskey-Merritt is the most likely outcome for Week 1 against the Giants, regardless of various judgements and opinions on how things might play out from there. Rodriguez is worthy of a fantasy bench spot in most leagues while we wait to see just how things play out in Washington's backfield.

Miller secured all three of his targets for 82 yards during the Steelers' 19-10 preseason win over Carolina on Thursday.

Miller capped off an impressive preseason Thursday, as he recorded at least 38 receiving yards in each of his three appearances. In total, he secured all nine of his targets for 167 yards. Although the Steelers rested Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf throughout the preseason, it's possible that Miller's production earns him some playing time once the regular season gets underway, especially if the team doesn't acquire another receiver.

McCutcheon secured three of four targets for 52 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 19-10 preseason win over the Panthers.

After being held without a catch during last week's exhibition matchup, McCutcheon ended the preseason on a high note Thursday, and he recorded the team's lone touchdown in the victory. Despite his performance Thursday, the 26-year-old seems like a long shot to make the Steelers' 53-man roster.

Felton exited a camp-closing scrimmage early on Wednesday with what appeared to be a hand or arm injury, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Felton's availability for Saturday's preseason game isn't clear. It doesn't sound like a serious injury, but watch his status next week. Felton is battling with Lucky Jackson for the No. 4 spot on the wideout depth chart -- a role that could end up being significant early in the season with Jordan Addison set to miss the first three games due to a suspension.

Etienne took three carries for 26 yards and saw three incomplete targets in Thursday's 19-10 preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

With Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle rested, Etienne got the start and broke free for a 28-yard gain on his first run. He got stuffed on his other two carries, however, and didn't have any luck on his targets. Etienne likely will enter Week 1 as Carolina's No. 3 running back, but the fourth-round pick could reasonably challenge Dowdle for the second spot on the depth chart this year.

Horn caught his lone target for 13 yards in Thursday's 19-10 preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

The rookie sixth-round pick finishes his inaugural preseason with six catches for 29 yards on seven targets. Horn didn't make any noise toward a meaningful Week 1 role, but he at least seems on track for one of the final roster spots, with a chance to return kicks and/or punts.

Coker (illness) wasn't targeted in Thursday's preseason loss to Pittsburgh.

Panthers coach Dave Canales implied that Coker might've been rested Thursday if he hadn't missed the previous preseason game with an illness. The second-year pro played the first couple of drives with Carolina's second-string offense, which is the unit he saw the most work with this summer. There was talk of Coker pushing Xavier Legette for playing time, however, and now Adam Thielen trade rumors offer another potential path to a significant role. For the time being, Coker projects as Carolina's No. 4 wide receiver for a Week 1 matchup with Jacksonville.