NFL Player News

Huntley is expected to start Saturday's preseason opener against the Eagles, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran signal-caller returned to Baltimore last season after a one-year stopover in Miami in 2024, and Huntley is once again set to serve as the primary backup to Lamar Jackson this season. Huntley will likely see at least a couple of series Saturday before giving way to Joe Fagnano and potentially, the recently signed Austin Reed.

Pittman isn't in line to suit up for Thursday's preseason contest against the Packers, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Pittman missed practice this week due to an right leg injury, and with DK Metcalf (undisclosed) also in street clothes Thursday, the Steelers' top two wide receivers won't be available to the offense. Pittman's next opportunity to log some exhibition action and potentially get some work in with QB Aaron Rodgers is Friday, Aug. 21 versus the Jets.

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.