NFL Player News

Covey caught both of his targets for 31 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason win versus the Cowboys.

The former Eagles wideout notched a nifty 26-yard gain on a deep pass from Stetson Bennett, but he didn't get an opportunity to showcase his skills as a return man, which was his primary role back in Philadelphia. Xavier Smith is his main competition for that role with the Rams, and his incumbent status likely has the edge over Covey so far to retain the role. The most likely outcome for Covey is a spot on the practice squad and a role if injuries befall the wide receiver corps.

Smith caught all three of his targets for 55 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory against the Cowboys.

The Rams' primary return man from last season showcased his skills as a receiver Saturday, making a contested catch on a long pass from Stetson Bennett on fourth-and-6 that led to a Blake Corum rushing touchdown. With the Rams likely to roster six wide receivers, as has been the trend in recent years, the final roster spot is likely to come down to either Smith, Britain Covey, Mario Williams or Brennan Presley. Smith already has an upper hand on the role as the incumbent return man, so consider him the early favorite to earn the final roster spot at wide receiver for the Rams.

Loveland caught one of two targets for eight yards in Sunday's 24-24 preseason tie against the Dolphins.

Both of Loveland's targets came on the opening drive, as the Bears made it a point of emphasis to get the rookie 10th overall pick involved early, even with starting quarterback Caleb Williams resting Sunday. Loveland is projected to split snaps with Cole Kmet in the regular season, but the former's participation Sunday puts to bed any remaining concerns about Loveland's recovery from January shoulder surgery. Chicago's next preseason game against the Bills on Sunday, Aug. 17 could present Loveland's first opportunity to catch passes from Williams in a game situation.

Presley caught both of his targets for 11 yards and a touchdown and rushed once for 15 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason win against the Cowboys. He also returned one kick for 38 yards and fumbled once.

Versatility was the name of the game for the UDFA from Oklahoma State, as he contributed on three facets on the stat sheet. Presley snagged a five-yard touchdown pass from Stetson Bennett late in the fourth quarter, which he helped set up with an impressive 38-yard kickoff return. The top five wideouts on the roster are near locks to make the team, leaving the sixth spot as a battle between incumbent Xavier Smith, Britain Covey, Mario Williams, Tru Edwards (undisclosed) and Drake Stoops. If Presley is able to continue showing his abilities as a return man, he may press Smith for one of the final roster spots in a talented wide receiver room.

Waters rushed four times for 21 yards during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory against the Cowboys.

The UDFA out of Duke did a fair job with his scant touches, managing to average just over five yards per carry. His two primary competitors for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart at running back had mixed results: Ronnie Rivers (ribs) managed just two carries for nine yards before exiting with a rib injury, while Cody Schrader dazzled with five carries for 59 yards (including a game-high 25-yard run) and a nine-yard touchdown reception. Waters will need a strong performance in the remaining two preseason games to garner consideration for a 53-man roster spot, but could find a role with the Rams' practice squad.

Schrader rushed five times for 59 yards and caught his only target for nine yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 31-21 preseason victory over the Cowboys. He also had a 22-yard kick return.

The second-year back's performance on Saturday was a far cry from his first preseason stint in 2024 with the 49ers, in which he managed just 21 yards on 15 carries over two contests. Schrader was untouched on his nine-yard touchdown reception, and he broke multiple tackles during a game-high 25-yard rush in the fourth quarter. Despite the strong showing, Schrader faces an uphill battle to claim a roster spot with Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and fourth-round rookie Jarquez Hunter all likely to make the 53-man roster, and Ronnie Rivers (ribs) and Jordan Waters also battling to make the team.

Mims reeled in his lone target for three yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

Mims started opposite teammate Courtland Sutton in Saturday's exhibition opener. The 23-year-old currently holds the No. 2 spot on what is a crowded wide receiver depth chart littered with young talent. Although Mims was unable to get much of anything going Saturday, the third-year wideout has proven to be a versatile and talented weapon since being drafted in 2023. If Mims continues to see more playing time than he did in his first two seasons, his explosive skill set is one that could lead to more sustained production on an offense that is trending upward under head coach Sean Payton. With that said, fellow receivers Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant will certainly challenge for snaps each week as they continue to develop. Mims will look to get more involved when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Denver's second preseason game next Saturday night.

Sutton caught one of three targets for two yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

Sutton had a quiet game with limited opportunities in Denver's first game of the preseason. Firmly entrenched as the Broncos' No. 1 wide receiver, the veteran was on the field with the starters during the first quarter of the contest. Though quarterback Bo Nix and Sutton were unable to connect much Saturday, they will look to improve upon a solid 2024 season as the chemistry continues to grow heading into the 2025 campaign. The 29-year-old wideout will have his next opportunity to lead the team's receiving corps when the Broncos host the Cardinals in Denver's second preseason game on Saturday night.

McConkey (undisclosed) is not in uniform and is unlikely to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Saints, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

McConkey is working through an undisclosed injury, which has limited his practice participation over the last two weeks. Also joining McConkey on the sidelines include quarterback Justin Herbert, running backs Najee Harris (eye) and Jaret Patterson, wideouts Keenan Allen, Dez Fitzpatrick and Jalen Reagor (lower body) and tight end Will Dissly. McConkey's next chance to play will be Saturday against the Rams.

Smith is doubtful to return to Sunday's preseason game against the Dolphins due to a groin injury, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Smith will finish Sunday's game with two solo tackles, assuming he does not return. The 2023 fifth-rounder is battling for a bigger role in the Bears' secondary for the upcoming season. He finished the 2024 regular season with 19 tackles (14 solo) and four pass defenses (one interception).