NFL Player News

Howell completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards and added two yards and a touchdown on four carries in Saturday's 20-10 preseason win over Houston.

J.J. McCarthy got the start for Minnesota but played only one drive before turning things over to Howell, who produced points on his first two possessions in a very efficient performance, including a one-yard TD on a QB sneak late in the second quarter. The former starter for the Commanders is set to be the backup for the Vikings this season, and that experience could come in handy for Howell if McCarthy -- who missed his entire rookie season in 2024 due to knee surgery -- has trouble staying healthy once again.

McCarthy completed four of seven passes for 30 yards and added eight yards on his only carry in Saturday's 20-10 preseason win over the Texans.

Seeing his first NFL game action since undergoing knee surgery in August 2024, McCarthy played just one possession and led the Vikings to a field goal, with his longest completion going for 18 yards to Jordan Addison. Neither Justin Jefferson (hamstring) nor T.J. Hockenson (leg) suited up for Saturday's contest, and whatever chemistry McCarthy develops with Addison will get shelved until Week 4 due to the wideout's looming suspension, but the top priority for the young QB this preseason is just to stay healthy as he heads into his first season as Minnesota's starter.

Metchie caught five of eight targets for 45 yards while adding 23 yards on one kickoff return in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

With Nico Collins and Christian Kirk both held out of the lineup, Metchie got the start and made a quick impact, catching an 18-yard strike from Davis Mills in the first quarter to help set up the Texans' only touchdown of the day. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are the favorites to claim the No. 3 spot on the depth chart to open the regular season preseason while Tank Dell (knee) remains out with a knee injury, but if the youngsters don't seem ready, Metchie -- a one-time top prospect in his own right who was a second-round pick in 2022 -- might find himself in a bigger role than expected.

Spears suffered a lower right leg injury in Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Spears was hurt in the first half and had to be carted to the locker room. He clearly won't return to the contest, though the severity of the issue likely won't be ascertained until the running back is further assessed. This could end up being a tough blow for Spears, who is on the depth chart as Tennessee's No. 2 running back but has been discussed as a potential 1B option in a more even backfield split this year.

Noel caught both his targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

The 2025 third-round pick slightly out-performed fellow rookie Jayden Higgins, although both young wideouts were overshadowed by veterans John Metchie (5-45-0 on eight targets) and Braxton Berrios (3-33-1 on three targets). Nico Collins and Christian Kirk should be C.J. Stroud's top two options when the regular season begins, but Higgins and Noel could be locked in a battle for the No. 3 spot straight through training camp and the preseason. Tank Dell (knee) currently has no timetable for a return.

Evans isn't playing in Saturday's preseason opener versus Tennessee, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Evans is healthy, but he's being held out Saturday along with fellow offensive regulars Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving, among others. It's not yet clear how much the team's regular-season starters will play during other preseason contests. Prized rookie Emeka Egbuka should get a good look at wideout Saturday, with both Evans and Chris Godwin (ankle) on the sideline.

Irving isn't playing in Saturday's preseason opener versus the Titans, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Tampa Bay is opting to rest a number of healthy regulars, including Irving, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans on offense. It's not yet clear if Irving or the others will participate in next Saturday's matchup against the Steelers. Rachaad White played Saturday but was ruled out due to a groin injury early, so Sean Tucker, Josh Williams and Owen Wright should each get work at running back throughout the remainder of the game.

Higgins caught both his targets for eight yards in Saturday's 20-10 preseason loss to the Vikings.

The 2025 second-round pick made minimal impact in his first NFL game action, catching two short passes from depth QB Kedon Slovis late in the second quarter. Higgins is expected to start for the Texans this season alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk in three-wide sets, but the rookie's usage Saturday suggests he still has to earn that assignment, as he took a back seat to veterans John Metchie (5-45-0 on eight targets) and Braxton Berrios (3-33-1 on three targets). Tank Dell (knee) currently has no timetable for a return.

Rochell (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Rochell picked up a hamstring injury Saturday, and Dallas won't risk him handling any further reps. He's competing for a reserve role in a Cowboys cornerback room currently battling a number of injuries.

Mayfield isn't participating in Saturday's preseason game against Tennessee, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Baker is among a group of healthy Buccaneers starters who aren't playing, including fellow offensive standouts Bucky Irving and Mike Evans. Kyle Trask is getting a chance to lead Tampa Bay's offense early in the contest. Teddy Bridgewater and/or rookie Connor Bazelak should get a look behind center late in the game.