NFL Player News

Johnson (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Johnson exited Saturday's practice early with a knee injury and has not returned to the field since. Thursday marks the running back's fourth consecutive missed practice, and there does not appear to be a return date in sight. If Johnson's knee injury is severe, the Bills could be waiting for cutdown day to place him on injured reserve with a designation to return during the regular season.

Metcalf (undisclosed) isn't in uniform for Thursday's preseason opener against the Packers, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The same applies to fellow WR Michael Pittman (leg), with Steelers playing it safe with their top two wideouts, as they've been managing injuries of late. Metcalf's next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 21 against the Jets, and his absence, along with Pittman's on Thursday, will open up opportunities for those competing for depth-chart slotting and/or roster spots to see added snaps versus Green Bay.

Rodgers isn't slated to play in Thursday's preseason game versus the Packers, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

With Rodgers in street clothes ahead of the contest, the Steelers will turn over the offense to Mason Rudolph (likely 1-to-2 series), Will Howard (the rest of the first half) and Drew Allar (after halftime), per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Coach Mike McCarthy has suggested he would like Rodgers to get some exhibition reps this month, so the quarterback's next chance to do so is Friday, Aug. 21 versus the Jets.

Humphrey (undisclosed) is eyeing a return to practice next week, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported Thursday.

Humphrey left Wednesday's practice due to injury and did not return. The cornerback missed Thursday's session as well, but head coach Jesse Minter said the 30-year-old is just dealing with a relatively minor issue. With both Humphrey and Nate Wiggins (leg) injured, T.J. Tampa, Keyon Martin and Chidobe Awuzie will likely see a large portion of snaps at cornerback during Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles.

Mitchell (lower body) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell exited Wednesday's practice session with a glute injury and was unable to return to the field. The cornerback has now missed another session, and he appears highly unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Ravens. With Jonathan Jones (shoulder) also managing an injury, Kelee Ringo has a good chance to see significant reps throughout the preseason.

DeJean (groin) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

It is unclear when the All-Pro safety will be able to return to the field. At this point, DeJean seems highly unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Ravens. In his absence, Michael Carter will likely see the majority of first-team reps at slot cornerback.

Gray (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Gray's limited participation suggests he is progressing through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. Gray's next benchmarks would be progressing to a full practice and gaining clearance from an independent neurologist, at which point he'd be able to participate in training camp and preseason games without restrictions.

Wilson (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Wilson appears to have recovered from the knee injury that was plaguing him throughout training camp and is back on the field. The starting center's return to action will lead to Ben Brown returning to a second-team role, although it remains to be seen who'll see the most reps between the two in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Colts.

Marks isn't in line to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Chargers, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Marks is slated to be among key Texans skill-position players that won't suit up for the team's exhibition opener. Fellow RB and offseason addition David Montgomery also is on that list, and with Jawhar Jordan (hip) and British Brooks (hand) dealing with injuries, Houston's backfield may be populated by just Noah Whittington, Josh Pitsenberger and Owen Wright on Thursday. As a fourth-round rookie last season, Marks notched 196 carries for 703 yards and two touchdowns and hauled in 24 of 36 targets for 208 yards and three more TDs in 16 regular-season games, and while he'll still see his share of touches in 2026, his workload could take a hit with Montgomery on board.

Nabers (knee) wore a red non-contact jersey during team drills at Thursday's practice, which didn't feature any live periods, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

The Giants held a light practice Thursday, so Nabers didn't get the opportunity to run through any reps at full speed, and the wide receiver later moved to a side field to work on releases against trainers. Nonetheless, head coach John Harbaugh referred to Nabers' participation Thursday as "a milestone for our team," per Tom Rock of Newsday Sports. Harbaugh also said Thursday that Nabers will be ready to face defenders at full speed "soon," per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Nabers will presumably sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Vikings.