NFL Player News

The Jaguars traded Fortner to the Saints in exchange for defensive lineman Khalen Saunders on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Fortner will head to New Orleans, where he'll likely operate as the top reserve option at center behind starter Erik McCoy in 2025. Fortner is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has made 34 starts so far in his career.

Smith (knee) was carted off the field during the second quarter of Sunday's preseason contest against the Bills, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smith sustained what appeared to be a non-contact left knee injury and he required a cart to exit the game. The cornerback was surrounded by teammates prior to his departure, exiting the contest while noticeably emotional. Smith could be set for a prolonged absence, but more information will likely come in the near future to provide clarity to the situation.

Williams rushed five times for 21 yards and brought in his only target for 13 yards in the Buccaneers' 17-14 preseason win over the Steelers on Saturday night.

The undrafted rookie missed the preseason opener against the Titans due to a hamstring strain, but his return to practice Monday foreshadowed his availability for Saturday's contest. Williams was the third running back to log a touch for the Buccaneers behind Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker, handling his first carry with 6:20 remaining in the second quarter and gaining 16 of his yards on his first pair of totes. Williams shared time with Tucker on the drive and played with both Kyle Trask and Connor Bazelak as his quarterbacks, but he's clearly no better than No. 4 on the depth chart and is battling Owen Wright and Jase McClellan for a roster spot.

The Saints traded Saunders to the Jaguars on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Saunders appeared in Sunday's preseason contest against Jacksonville, which ultimately ended in a tie and failed to record a stat in the game. He will now join the Jaguars' roster ahead of the 2025 campaign, likely slotting in as a top reserve option at defensive tackle behind Arik Armstead (back). It's unclear what New Orleans got in return for Saunders, but he'll now look to build off of a 2024 campaign in which he compiled 43 total tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, while also adding three passes defensed, one of which was an interception, over 13 regular-season contests.

Trask completed three of 10 passes for 19 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Buccaneers' 17-14 preseason win over the Steelers on Saturday night. He also rushed once for four yards.

Trask entered the game after starter Teddy Bridgewater, who he's trying to hold off for the No. 2 quarterback job. While Bridgewater looked impressive -- especially for a player who signed about halfway through training camp -- and led the Buccaneers to two touchdowns, Trask's performance over his four possessions was essentially the opposite. Tampa Bay's offense netted all of 44 yards across the quartet of drives, with each culminating in punts. Trask did put together a much better performance in the preseason opener against the Titans, when he completed 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards; however, the fact Bridgewater has proven a quick study in coordinator Josh Grizzard's offense presumably narrows the gap between both players considerably, and Saturday night's preseason finale against the Bills could serve as the platform for each to cement their fate come roster cutdowns.

Hankins (knee) is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Bills, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hankins was in the concussion protocol earlier in August but had cleared it and started Sunday's preseason tilt, as the Bears opted not to play D'Andre Swift while Roschon Johnson (foot), Kyle Monangai (undisclosed) and Travis Homer (calf) are unavailable. Ian Wheeler and Brittain Brown are Chicago's remaining options at running back. Hankins had three carries for 10 yards and failed to catch his only target prior to limping off the field.

Ferguson didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason loss to the Ravens.

The tight end missed the Cowboys' first exhibition contest the week before due to a minor lower-back issue, but per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Ferguson was able to return to practice Tuesday. Ferguson's absence against Baltimore was simply due to the coaching staff electing to sit all the starters and key personnel, including QB Dak Prescott. Ferguson will get one more chance to see preseason action Friday against the Falcons.

Murray (undisclosed) is inactive for Sunday's preseason tilt against Buffalo, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Murray is dealing with an apparent undisclosed injury, which will sideline him for Sunday's matchup with the Bills. The offensive lineman will look to return to the field for the team's preseason finale in Kansas City on Friday.

Lewis (calf) isn't suiting up for Sunday's preseason game against the Bears, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

Lewis appears to have picked up an apparent calf injury during training camp and he will now be forced to miss Buffalo's second preseason contest. The safety will look to return to the field for Saturday's preseason finale in Tampa Bay.

Turner (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's preseason contest against the Bills, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Turner was able to return to practice Friday after missing three weeks with an ankle injury, but he was still unable to give it a go versus Buffalo. The defensive lineman will shift his focus to Friday's preseason finale with the Chiefs.