NFL Player News

Coach John Harbaugh said after Saturday's 31-13 preseason victory at Dallas that Loop is the Ravens' kicker for the 2025 campaign, Clifton Brown of the team's official site reports.

Baltimore used a sixth-round pick on Loop in this year's draft, seemingly with the intent to replace long-time kicker Justin Tucker, who was released not long after and eventually suspended 10 games. Loop was vying with undrafted rookie John Hoyland during the offseason program and the early stages of training camp, but the latter was waived on Aug. 2, leaving Loop as the sole kicker on the Ravens' roster since then. Loop has responded by connecting on six of eight field-goal attempts through two preseason contests and now is locked in as the team's placekicker moving forward.

Gadsden made one catch on two targets for 12 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

Gadsden started each of the Chargers' first two preseason contests, but the team hadn't played their projected starters in either game. The first-team offense took the field Saturday, with Will Dissly serving as the tight end. Gadsden has received strong reviews for his play during training camp, but it still might take some time for him to make a consistent impact in meaningful game situations.

Lance completed seven of 15 passes for 121 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams. He added four rushes for 25 yards.

Lance dealt with a hand injury in the week of practice leading up to Saturday's contest, but he was able to take the field as he continues to compete for the backup job behind Justin Herbert. Lance entered the game late in the second quarter following Taylor Heinicke, suggesting he is currently third on the depth chart. Neither Lance nor Heinicke were all that impressive in their opportunity, though Lance did deliver a nice deep ball to Tre Harris late in the third quarter to set up a touchdown.

Lambert-Smith recorded two receptions on six targets for 66 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

Lambert-Smith entered the game on the Chargers' opening drive after Quentin Johnston (concussion) was injured, following Keenan Allen but prior to fellow rookie Tre Harris. The latter development may have been the result of the fact Lambert-Smith was better suited to fill Johnston's downfield role, as both rookies ultimately played well beyond the starters' departure from the contest. Regardless, Lambert-Smith is clearly in the mix for early playing time come the regular season, and he helped his cause by splitting double coverage for a 29-yard catch on a pass from Justin Herbert on the first possession of the game.

Harris recorded six receptions on eight targets for 85 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

Harris and fellow rookie wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith were big factors in the game. Late in the third quarter, Harris flashed the big-play ability the Chargers were hoping for when they selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft when he caught a 34-yard pass on a route deep down the right sideline. Despite the strong showing, Harris' role on the team is in question due to the recent addition of Keenan Allen and the emergence of Lambert-Smith. Allen was the first of the group to enter the game, while Lambert-Smith replaced an injured Quentin Johnston (concussion) four plays into the contest.

Allen tallied seven carries for 34 yards during Saturday's 31-12 preseason defeat to the Giants.

Allen split the backfield work with No. 1 RB Breece Hall during the Jets' first two drives, and the former ended up outgaining his position mate by eight yards on the same number of rushes. Through two exhibitions, Allen has 15 carries for 67 yards, which amounts to 4.5 YPC (or nearly 1.0 yard more than the 3.6 he averaged as a rookie last season). The sample size is small, but it appears as if Allen will be in the mix for touches early and often alongside Hall in 2025.

Hampton carried the ball twice for 12 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

Hampton played in one series with the rest of the Chargers' starters and logged gains of five and seven yards. More importantly, he was the only back to appear with the starting offensive unit, which included Justin Herbert. Hampton is likely to be a part of a rotation at the start of the regular season, though it remains to be seen if he is paired with Najee Harris (eye) or one of a few other running backs vying for a role in the team's backfield.

Herbert completed two of five passes for 46 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

Herbert made a brief appearance, leading one drive that went nine plays and 51 yards. Though his completion percentage left something to be desired, Herbert displayed plenty to be encouraged about, connecting early with Ladd McConkey on a short pass before hitting KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a 29-yard gain down the left sideline. Herbert may not see the field again until the regular season, but he appears ready to roll if that is the case.

Fields completed one of five passes for four yards and had a five-yard carry during Saturday's 31-12 preseason loss to the Giants.

Fields was afforded two possessions in the Jets' second exhibition, which resulted in a punt and a successful Nick Folk field-goal attempt. Through two exhibitions, Fields has targeted top WR Garrett Wilson four times, but all four have gone down as incompletions. It's unclear of coach Aaron Glenn will trot out the starters in Friday's preseason finale against the Eagles, but if he doesn't, Fields will be under center for New York's Week 1 matchup with the Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 7.

McConkey made one reception on one target for 17 yards in Saturday's 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams.

McConkey played one series with the majority of the Chargers' starters, including Justin Herbert. He hauled in his only target over the middle of the field and made a few defenders miss to pick up extra yardage. McConkey may not see the field again until Week 1 of the regular season, but his rapport with Herbert appears to be on track.