NFL Player News

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.

Jenkins (back) started and played 12 offensive snaps in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets.

Jenkins opened camp on the active/non-football injury list last month but was activated after 11 days before coming down with a minor back issue last week. He's locked in at center for Green Bay this season.

Banks (back) started and played 12 offensive snaps in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets.

Banks had been nursing a back issue for much of training camp prior to playing in Saturday's exhibition. He's locked in as the Packers' starting left guard after signing a four-year, $77 million deal in free agency.

Ham (ankle) played three offensive snaps, catching his only target for minus-three yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason win over the Texans.

Ham opened camp limited by an offseason ankle surgery, but he was able to give it a go in the preseason opener. The 32-year-old is geared up to operate as the Vikings' primary fullback for the ninth consecutive campaign in 2025.

Blackmon (knee) recorded five tackles (four solo) in Saturday's preseason opener against the Texans.

Blackmon tore his ACL in training camp last summer and missed the entire 2024 season. Now fully recovered, Blackmon led the Vikings in tackles versus Houston, while playing 34 defensive snaps. A third-round pick in 2023, Blackmon is expected to have a significant role in Minnesota's secondary this season.

Heinicke completed just one of five pass attempts for eight yards and had no rushing attempts in Sunday's 27-13 preseason win over the Saints.

Starter Justin Herbert sat out for the second exhibition in a row, affording Heinicke the opportunity to make his preseason debut this year. The journeyman backup probably wishes he hadn't on this particular Sunday after completing just one pass across two offensive drives. Heinicke was the early favorite to serve as Herbert's backup come Week 1, but Trey Lance has produced touchdowns in consecutive games and could threaten for the gig. It will be interesting to see what order the two backups are rolled out against the Rams on Saturday.

Walker recorded one pass deflection during Saturday's 35-24 preseason loss to the Giants.

Walker missed time due to illness leading up to Buffalo's preseason clash with New York, but he managed to get healthy in time to play. The rookie fourth-round pick is competing for depth rotational reps along the Bills' interior defensive line.

Fidone (undisclosed) caught all three of his targets for 22 yards in Saturday's 34-25 preseason win over the Bills.

Fidone was hampered by an undisclosed injury throughout the week, but he was able to give it a go in the team's first preseason contest. The tight end is competing for a reserve role in 2025, and he'll look to build off of Saturday's performance moving forward.