NFL Player News

Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Johnston, Tre Harris and Jalen Reagor can play the X receiver spot, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.

Johnston handled the role for most of 2024, posting a 55-711-8 receiving line in 15 regular-season games while more than doubling his yards per route (1.85) compared to an ugly rookie campaign. It was a clear step forward for the 2023 first-round pick, but he still left some big plays on the field, dropping seven passes and struggling in contested-catch situations. The Chargers responded by signing Mike Williams -- who has since retired -- and using a second-round pick on Harris to give Johnston competition for the X receiver spot. Johnston's name is the first one Roman mentioned when discussing the position in response to Williams' recent retirement.

Arroyo will compete with AJ Barner for the starting tight end job after the Seahawks released Noah Fant on Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

A rookie second-round pick, Arroyo was going to be in the mix for the starting job regardless, but Fant's departure opens the door further. Arroyo (6-foot-5, 254 pounds) struggled with knee injuries during his second and third seasons at Miami before reeling in 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign. He didn't test at the NFL Combine or pro day due to a knee injury, but he's considered a standout athlete anyway. Barner is considered a better blocker and held his own as a rookie, starting six of 17 games and finishing with a 30-245-4 line. According to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, Arroyo impressed at rookie minicamp with his ability to challenge safeties with his size and speed. There's probably room for both tight ends to have significant roles in this offense, but for fantasy purposes, Arroyo has the more compelling upside.

Barner will compete with rookie Elijah Arroyo for the starting tight end job after the Seahawks released Noah Fant on Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

The Seahawks selected Arroyo in the second round of April's draft and signed Eric Saubert this offseason, allowing them the flexibility to move on from Fant with one year left on his deal. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Barner started six games as a rookie and finished with 30 receptions for 245 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games. Barner will face stiff competition from Arroyo for the starting job in 2025. Arroyo is likely the better athlete of the two and should eventually command more attention in the passing game, but Barner will look to leverage his experience to hold off the newcomer.

Taylor (undisclosed) was placed on the active/PUP list Sunday, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Taylor was managed to close both the regular season and postseason in 2024 due to a knee injury. However, he played through the issue in most weeks, so it's unclear if that issue is still carrying over into 2025.

Fulton (undisclosed) was placed on the active/PUP list by the Chiefs on Sunday, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Fulton will open training camp on the sidelines due to an undisclosed injury, but he's eligible to return to practice and play at any point in the preseason. The 26-year-old signed with Kansas City in the offseason after posting a career-high 51 total tackles (39 solo), while also adding seven passes defensed, including an interception, over 15 regular-season games with the Chargers in 2024. Once healthy, Fulton is expected to compete for a starting cornerback role with the Chiefs in 2025.

Watson (undisclosed) was placed on the active/PUP list by Kansas City on Sunday, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Watson signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in April after completing his collegiate career at Texas A&M in 2024, reeling in 21 passes for 280 yards and a score. He will now be sidelined to open camp, but the tight end is eligible to return to practice and play at any point in the preseason.

Perry (undisclosed) was placed on the active/PUP list by the Broncos on Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Perry will open Denver's training camp on the sidelines with an undisclosed injury after signing a reserve/future contract with the team in January. The wide receiver is eligible to return to practice and play at any point during the preseason.

Molden (knee) was activated from the active/PUP list Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Molden was unavailable to open training camp while recovering from offseason knee surgery, but he has now been cleared to return to action. The safety played in 15 regular-season games with the Chargers in 2024, recording 75 total tackles (43 solo) while also adding seven passes defensed, including three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Molden appears to be set to operate as the top reserve option at free safety behind Alohi Gilman in 2025.

Johnson (undisclosed) was activated from the active/PUP list Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Johnson will return to practice after opening training camp on the sidelines with an undisclosed injury. The wide receiver will look to make a good impression with Los Angeles in the coming weeks in an attempt to secure a spot on the team's 53-man roster in 2025.

Rakestraw suffered a chest contusion at the Lions' practice Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Rakestraw was forced to exit practice early with an apparent chest injury, which is now understood to be just a contusion, avoiding a major injury. The cornerback was limited to eight games in his rookie season last year due to a hamstring issue, and he's competing with Amik Robertson for the team's starting role at slot cornerback in 2025.