NFL Player News

Sampson carried the ball four times for six yards and caught both his targets for 43 yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

The second-year running back ended up leading Cleveland in receiving yards on the day, with his 43-yard reception from Deshaun Watson in the second quarter setting up the team's only TD. Sampson is firmly behind Quinshon Judkins on the backfield depth chart, but the 2025 fourth-round pick should still have a role on passing downs after posting a 33-271-2 line on 40 targets over 15 regular-season games as a rookie.

Judkins carried the ball four times for nine yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears.

The second-year back got the start for the Browns but played only the first quarter before calling it a day. Judkins is the clear top dog in the backfield, and after gaining 998 scrimmage yards on 256 touches over 14 regular-season games as a rookie, the 2025 second-round pick is expected to take on a larger workload in 2026 under new head coach Todd Monken.

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in Saturday's 34-10 preseason loss to the Bears. He added four rushing yards on three carries and lost a fumble.

The veteran QB may have gotten a leg up on Shedeur Sanders in the battle for the Browns' starting job. Watson played the entire first half and led his team on its only two scoring drives of the day, including one capped by a 14-yard TD run by rookie wideout KC Concepcion early in the second quarter. Watson did cost Cleveland a potential third score, however, coughing up the ball on a sack in Chicago territory. Sanders and Watson will continue their competition in next week preseason's contest against the Bills, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports, with Sanders starting and Watson playing the second half this time around. Another solid effort from Watson could be enough for coach Todd Monken to name him the Week 1 starter.

Godrick suffered an ankle sprain during Saturday's preseason opener versus the Rams, Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com reports.

Godrick was hurt in the second half and was unable to return. Coach Andy Reid said after the contest that the 25-year-old is dealing with an ankle sprain. Godrick is battling to make the 53-man roster as a depth option on the offensive line.

Miller took part in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville but exited due to a shoulder injury, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Miller had been dealing with a toe issue, but he's presumably past that problem given his ability to suit up Saturday. However, the rookie defensive tackle headed to the locker room during the contest and was evaluated for a shoulder injury. Miller is expected to have a key rotational role on the defensive line if healthy after New Orleans selected him in the second round of April's NFL Draft.

Daniels caught two passes on five targets for 18 yards during the Rams' 20-12 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

Puka Nacua (groin), Davante Adams and Jordan Whittington were all sidelined for Saturday's exhibition contest, allowing Daniels to be listed as a starter. Daniels had a somewhat quiet game, though he connected with Ty Simpson on a 16-yard catch to set the Rams up deep in Chiefs' territory, leading to a two-yard touchdown pass from Simpson to Dean Connors on the next play. Daniels was a sixth-round selection of the Rams in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the rookie is competing against Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield and Tyler Scott for a depth role on offense. The Rams' next preseason game takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Saints.

Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards during the Chiefs' 20-12 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday.

Justin Fields served as the Chiefs' starter Saturday and led the team's first two offensive drives before turning the keys over to Nussmeier. The rookie seventh-rounder looked good out of the gate, leading long scoring drives in the second quarter than ended with field goals of 37 and 35 yards from Harrison Butker. Fields is firmly entrenched as the Chiefs' backup quarterback behind Patrick Mahomes (knee), so Nussmeier is competing against Chris Oladokun for the QB3 role in the upcoming season. Kansas City's next preseason game takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Buccaneers.

Estime suffered an ankle injury during Saturday's preseason loss to the Jaguars, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Estime was injured on a hard hit after reeling in a catch for a six-yard loss in the second quarter. Prior to that, the 22-year-old had been impressive, breaking multiple tackles for a nine-yard TD run on New Orleans' first offensive play and tallying 28 yards on five total carries. Estime has a chance to earn the No. 3 RB role for the Saints, but he'll likely need to get healthy enough to show what he has to offer in additional preseason contests.

Johnson turned 12 carries into 59 yards and caught all three of his targets for 10 yards during the Chiefs' 20-12 loss to the Rams in Saturday's preseason game.

Johnson led all running backs in both carries and rushing yards and finished second in receiving yards at the position behind Brashard Smith (12). Following Saturday's game, Johnson drew praise from head coach Andy Reid, who noted the rookie fifth-rounder "ran hard and aggressively... he's one of the positives coming out of this," per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com. Johnson is currently listed as the Chiefs' RB3 ahead of Smith and behind Kenneth Walker and Emari Demercado, but more performances like Saturday's could push Johnson ahead of Demercado for the No. 2 role by the start of the regular season. The Chiefs' next preseason game takes place Saturday, Aug. 22 against the Buccaneers.

Davis carried the ball three times for 21 yards and caught all four of his targets for 32 yards in Saturday's 29-14 preseason win over the Panthers.

James Cook got the start in the backfield during the Bills' preseason opener and played the whole first quarter, but Davis was the next RB into the game and had a very productive day. Davis' numbers as a pass-catcher were surprising considering that the third-year back has just 27 career catches in 34 regular-season contests, but new offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has suggested that Cook could see more usage as a receiver in 2026, and Davis might benefit from that wrinkle in the scheme as well when he's on the field.