NFL Player News

Hampton (pectoral) was active for Saturday's 31-21 preseason win over the Cowboys.

Hampton suffered a torn pectoral in Week 15 of the 2024 campaign, from which he has continued to work his way back during training camp. The linebacker was able to start Saturday's contest, proving his health ahead of the 2025 campaign. The 25-year-old is geared up to operate as a top reserve option behind Jared Verse (knee) and Byron Young at outside linebacker this season.

Thomas (lower body) recorded a tackle in Saturday's 31-21 preseason loss to the Rams.

Thomas was working through a lower-body injury at training camp, but he was able to be active for the Cowboys' preseason opener. The 25-year-old will likely operate as the top backup at strong safety behind Donovan Wilson, while also having a role as an option at kick returner in 2025.

Akers had four carries for nine yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 27-13 preseason loss to the Chargers.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler wound up leading the Saints in rushing with just 22 yards Sunday, highlighting how poorly the entire backfield performed. It's worth noting that Akers was the third back to touch the ball after spot starter Kendre Miller and Velus Jones. The 26-year-old Akers will have to show the coaching staff more in the Saints' final two exhibition contests if he wants to earn a spot on the 53-man roster this coming season.

Taylor sat out Saturday's 30-9 preseason victory over 49ers with a minor hamstring issue, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Taylor was previously understood to be healthy heading into the team's preseason opener, but he was ultimately inactive for the contest. The cornerback has been around Denver each of the last two seasons, and he's competing for a backup role at slot cornerback in 2025.

Miller took six carries for 15 yards and brought in his only target for nine receiving yards in Sunday's 27-13 preseason loss to the Chargers.

Miller got the start with star running back Alvin Kamara resting as he usually does for exhibition play. The 23-year-old Miller didn't perform particularly well with the increased opportunity, but it was a positive sign to see the running back healthy after suffering a concussion in the second to last game of the 2024 regular season. Veteran backups Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers both failed to reach double digits in rushing totals, so the No. 2 job in New Orleans is still Miller's to lose.

Jones (shoulder) recorded two solo tackles in Saturday's 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs.

Jones signed with the Cardinals in the offseason after he underwent shoulder surgery in January, but he was able to give it a go in the team's preseason opener. The 27-year-old is expected to serve as a depth option behind Garrett Williams at slot cornerback in 2025.

Vidal rushed six times for 16 yards while failing to bring in his lone target in Sunday's 27-13 preseason win over the Saints.

Vidal got the first crack at touches out of the backfield Sunday with Najee Harris (eye) still sidelined and Omarion Hampton getting rested for the exhibition. The 22-year-old Vidal struggled in the spot start, averaging well under 3.0 yards per carry and wasting a prime opportunity to solidify a roster spot. Vidal will have to show improved play to close out the preseason schedule or risk missing the cut completely when rosters are finalized.

Blount (illness) recorded four total tackles (two solo) in Saturday's 20-17 preseason win over the Chiefs.

Blount was battling an illness ahead of the team's preseason opener, but he was ultimately active for the contest. The safety is expected to operate as a top reserve option behind Budda Baker, while also continuing to operate as a contributor on special teams in 2025.

Gillikin (foot) punted three times in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chiefs.

Gillikin's three punts traveled 142 total yards, averaging 47.3 yards per kick. The 27-year-old punter missed the final four games of the 2024 season with a foot injury. Gillikin is the only punter in camp for the Cardinals.

McDonald (back spasms) tallied one tackle during Saturday's 30-10 preseason win over the Packers.

McDonald had his practice level managed early August due to back spasms, but the injury never appeared to be severe enough to impact his game-time availability. The 2023 first-round pick is working to build off a breakout 2024 campaign in which he tallied 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Meanwhile, the Jets activated Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) from the active/PUP list Sunday.