NFL Player News

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Thursday he plans for Tagovailoa and Miami's starters to log some action during Saturday's preseason finale against the Jaguars, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

McDaniel said a decision on exactly how much the Dolphins' starters will play Saturday won't come until after joint practices with Jacksonville have concluded, but it doesn't sound as though Tagovailoa and company will be slated for more than a few series at best. Tagovailoa played one drive during Miami's preseason opener against the Bears, but he sat out the team's second exhibition matchup against Detroit. Tyreek Hill (oblique) and starting running back De'Von Achane (calf) don't appear in line to play Saturday.

Wright walked off the practice field slowly Thursday with an apparent injury, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Per Wolfe, Wright subsequently headed into the Dolphins' medical facility for more evaluation. With De'Von Achane managing a calf injury and Wright having left the session, Ollie Gordon is handling added running back reps Thursday.

Allen won't play in Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, Chris Brown of the Bills Radio Network reports.

Allen will conclude the preseason without an appearance for the first time in his career, with the Bills prioritizing health over in-game reps ahead of a Week 1 home game against Baltimore. It's a tough matchup to open the season, but Allen's sterling track record of fantasy production outweighs any and all concerns about the opponent. He finished either first or second among QBs in fantasy points each of the past five seasons.

Bryant is one of the main beneficiaries of Denver trading wide receiver Devaughn Vele to New Orleans on Wednesday, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

The Broncos' willingness to move on from Vele, who tallied 41 catches for 475 receiving yards and three scores as a rookie in 2024 despite playing just 13 regular-season games, seems a clear endorsement of Bryant. The rookie third-round pick impressed with four catches for 70 yards (on five targets) during last Saturday's preseason win over the Cardinals, and he'll have a final chance to impress in exhibition action this Saturday, Aug. 23, versus the Saints. Second-year pro Troy Franklin and veteran journeyman Trent Sherfield could both also be in line for increased opportunities in the wake of Vele's departure.

Gage (knee) is expected to miss seven to 10 days due to a sprained MCL, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Gage is the newest addition to a long list of injured 49ers wideouts, joining Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and Jordan Watkins (ankle), plus Brandon Aiyuk (ACL), who remains on the active/PUP list and could be out until around Week 6. With Demarcus Robinson also now unavailable early in the year due to a three-game suspension, Gage's injury is a notable blow to San Francisco's depth, despite the 29-year-old veteran not having logged regular-season action since 2022. Gage's recovery timetable essentially rules him out of Friday's preseason finale against the Chargers, though he should have time to return to full health in time for Week 1 against Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 7.

The Buccaneers plan to activate Godwin (ankle) from the active/PUP list and carry him on the 53-man roster to begin the regular season so that he will be eligible to practice, though he's considered unlikely to play until October, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Godwin is expected to be ready to practice in some capacity beginning Week 2, and Tampa Bay evidently sees merit in allowing the veteran wideout to begin ramping up as soon as he's able. An October return date would still mean Godwin misses at least the first four games of the regular season, just as if he were to begin the year on IR, with the difference being that he'll be eligible to practice in the interim if carried on the 53-man roster. The Buccaneers' plan is good news with regard to Godwin's chances of hitting the ground running, but it could cause a headache for fantasy managers in seasonal formats, as it means Godwin will have to occupy one of limited roster spots rather than be designated for one of the IR slots common to most fantasy leagues. With Jalen McMillan (neck) also expected to miss time early in the season, Mike Evans, rookie first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and tight end Cade Otton figure to kick off 2025 with increased target volume.

Cross (hip) did not practice Wednesday, but he could be seen running and doing change-of-direction drills, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Cross missed practice last week and didn't play in Saturday's preseason game. He'll likely be held out of the final preseason game but is making progress to be ready for the start of the regular season. The 2022 second-round pick broke out with 146 total tackles (87 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, including three interceptions, and one forced fumble while playing all 17 regular-season games in 2024.

Jones (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, the Indianapolis Star reports.

A seventh-round pick in 2023, Jones started all 17 regular-season contests last season, finishing with 100 tackles (66 solo), 12 pass breakups, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble. The Colts are counting on Jones to start opposite Charvarius Ward this season.

Brents returned to practice Wednesday after missing three weeks due to a hamstring injury, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Both Brents and Jaylon Jones returned to practice, so Indy's secondary is looking healthier as the regular season draws near. Brents missed most of last season after injuring his knee in the 2024 season opener. He missed the next 15 games before playing six defensive snaps in Week 18, only to then injure his groin. Brents has played in just 11 regular-season games since being taken in the second round of the 2023 Draft.

Downs (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Downs left practice Aug. 14 with a hamstring injury and didn't play in Saturday's preseason game. He's unlikely to play in Indy's final preseason game, so the severity of the injury may not become more clear until practice next week ahead of the start of the regular season.