NFL Player News

Yassmin signed a contract with the Chargers on Thursday, the team announced.

The tight end from Australia joins the team as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program to further develop his skills. The 25-year-old spent last season on the Broncos' practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract with the team in January. Yassmin will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster as preseason gets started.

Brown (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Given that Brown hasn't practiced since making an early exit from last Tuesday's session, it seems safe to assume that he'll sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals. The same applies to fellow WR Rashee Rice, who has missed the Chiefs' last two practices due to a groin injury.

Rice (groin) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice also didn't practice Wednesday, but per Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star, coach Andy Reid believes that the wideout's groin injury is minor and noted that Rice's continued absence is precautionary. That said, neither Rice nor Hollywood Brown (ankle) seem likely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Howard (hand) hasn't been ruled out from playing in Pittsburgh's final preseason game, Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh reports.

Howard fractured a bone in his right hand Tuesday, which was expected to keep him out for the entire preseason. However, head coach Mike Tomlin said Howard could make an appearance in Pittsburgh's preseason finale Aug. 21 against Carolina. The 2025 sixth-round pick is competing with Mason Rudolph for the No. 2 role and was on track to have a big workload in the preseason. Skylar Thompson will get more reps in Howard's absence.

Austin (undisclosed) is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin has been dealing with an unspecified injury, so look for him to sit out the contest, especially with the Steelers planning to rest their key skill players, in any case. In that scenario, Austin's next chance to see game action will arrive Saturday, Aug. 16 against Tampa Bay.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that Smith is among the players who won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

The same goes for QB Aaron Rodgers, WR DK Metcalf, RB Jaylen Warren and TE Pat Freiermuth, as the Steelers plan to rest their key starters Saturday, unlike the Jaguars. After leaving Tuesday's practice due to knee soreness, Smith was back on the field Wednesday, which puts him in a position to be available for the team's Aug. 16 contest against the Buccaneers.

Coach Mike Tomlin noted Thursday that Rodgers is among the key skill players who won't play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Per the report, WR DK Metcalf, RB Jaylen Warren and TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith also will sit out Saturday's contest along with Rodgers. It remains to be seen if the veteran QB plays in either of the Steelers' two following exhibition games, but ESPN.com suggests that Rodgers is open to doing so if Tomlin wants him to.

Woodside signed a contract with the Steelers on Thursday.

Woodside was released by the Bengals in April after spending the 2024 season bouncing back and forth between the team's practice squad and active roster. Having spent time with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Tennessee and Atlanta, the 30-year-old quarterback will act as a depth piece for the team while rookie Will Howard is dealing with a hand fracture.

Lloyd (groin) is handling rehab work on a side field at Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Lloyd is back with the rehab group for the first time since he picked up a non-contact groin injury late July. While the 2024 third-round pick likely doesn't have enough time to gain clearance for Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets, it's encouraging to see him making progress, and it's possible he could be ready to suit up against the Colts on Aug. 16. Once back at full health, Lloyd will resume competing with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks for the No. 2 running back role behind starter Josh Jacobs.

McKinney (calf) did not practice Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

McKinney was off to the side and doing rehab work during Green Bay's practice Thursday. It is likely the Packers are being cautious with the 2024 All-Pro, but his status is up in the air for Saturday's preseason opener against the Jets. McKinney has played all 17 regular-season games in each of the past two years.