NFL Player News

McLaughlin rushed three times for five yards and caught his lone target for five yards in Saturday's 30-9 preseason win over the 49ers.

McLaughlin's three carries were the fewest of any Broncos running back in the contest. The 24-year-old was unable to make much noise in his limited role Saturday, which should hint at his usage in the Denver backfield in the 2025 campaign. McLaughlin faces stiff competition for playing time this season, with veteran J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey viewed as the top two options in the ground game. Nonetheless, the Youngstown State product will continue to compete for a role in Denver's running back room when the Broncos host the Cardinals in their second preseason game next Saturday night.

Polk (arm/shoulder) will not practice in the coming week, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Polk was taken to the locker room after injuring his arm/shoulder on a run play in the second quarter of the Patriots' preseason win over the Commanders on Friday. Per Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Polk is not expected to travel with the team to Minnesota for joint practices this week, so he'll aim to be available for the Patriots' preseason finale against the Giants on Thursday, Aug. 21. With Polk, Stefon Diggs (knee) and Kendrick Bourne (lower leg) all working through injuries, Javon Baker and Efton Chism will have increased reps with the offense during practice and exhibition games.

Spears was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in Saturday's 29-7 preseason loss to the Buccaneers, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Spears had to be carted off the field after injuring his ankle in the first half. Per Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com, Spears is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks, which puts him in jeopardy of missing the Titans' regular-season opener against the Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 7. In Spears' absence, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings will have the opportunity to audition for a potential RB2 role behind Tony Pollard, who may have to take on a bigger workload at the start of the regular season.

Watkins brought in three of six targets for 56 yards in the 49ers' 30-9 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

The rookie fifth-round pick took advantage of his first game-based opportunity to make his case for a roster spot, recording teams highs in receptions, receiving yards and targets. His numbers were primarily the result of a 50-yard grab on the 49ers' third play from scrimmage, an impressive contested catch down the left side of the field against Ja'Quan McMillian. Watkins, who finished his college career at Mississippi with a 49-906-9 line across 12 games in 2024, is currently slotted fairly deep down the depth chart, but he'll give the coaching staff something to think about if he can continue thriving in San Francisco's second preseason game next Saturday afternoon on the road against the Raiders.

Taylor rushed five times for seven yards and a touchdown and secured his only target for four yards in the 49ers' 30-9 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

Taylor handled the 49ers' first rushing play of the night and lost three yards on that carry, but he bounced back with gains of four yards apiece on a rush attempt and his one reception over two of the following three plays before eventually adding a five-yard touchdown run to cap off the opening drive. Taylor is due to see a solid amount of work this preseason due to Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and rookie fifth-round pick Jordan James (finger) both being sidelined, and he's likely battling fellow journeyman Ameer Abdullah, who gained 20 yards on four carries but also lost a fumble Saturday, for a reserve role come the regular season.

Robinson brought in both targets for 20 yards in the 49ers' 30-9 preseason loss to the Broncos on Saturday night.

The veteran tied for second on the 49ers in catches in his official team debut. Robinson got involved immediately, recording an eight-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage while working with Mac Jones as his quarterback. Robinson would go on to add a 12-yard grab on the first play of San Fran's second drive, rounding out a brief but successful night to open the exhibition slate. Robinson could face some sort of league suspension after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge in July, but he's projected to start the 2025 campaign in a prominent role on a receiving corps that isn't expected to have Brandon Aiyuk (PUP-knee) available to start the season.

Fairchild started the Bengals' preseason opener against the Eagles at left guard and held his own, albeit against their backups, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Nonetheless, the Bengals are optimistic that Fairchild, the team's third-round draft pick, will acclaim himself well in the role in the regular season and should begin the season as the starter.

Wiley (undisclosed) brought in his only target for two yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night.

Wiley had missed practice last Saturday with an undisclosed injury, but the 2024 fourth-round pick was able to participate in Saturday's contest and make a minimal impact. Wiley, who had only one catch over seven regular-season appearances during his rookie campaign, may have a difficult time beating out veteran Robert Tonyan for the third spot on the depth chart, but the former is likely to get a prolonged look over the Chiefs' last two preseason contests.

Smith (finger) rushed four times for 10 yards and brought in his only target for minus-6 yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the Cardinals on Saturday night.

The rookie seventh-round pick has an uphill battle for a roster spot, but considering his 1,332-yard season at SMU last season, there's some intriguing potential. Smith led the Chiefs in carries on a night where a total of seven non-quarterbacks logged at least one rush attempt. Smith will continue his quest to make an impression during the Chiefs' second preseason game, which comes Friday night on the road against the Seahawks.

Royals brought in three of five targets for 14 yards and returned one kickoff for 26 yards in the Chiefs' 20-17 preseason loss to the 49ers on Saturday night.

The rookie fourth-round pick was solid in his first taste of professional game action, and he logged a team-high target total while also tying for the lead in receptions. Royals will presumably have a steep climb to meaningful playing time as long as the Chiefs' top four receivers are available, but he could certainly see expanded opportunity whenever Rashee Rice serves what's expected to be a multi-game suspension.