NFL Player News

Charlie Frye is facing an uphill battle without Walker and Fargas.

The questionable designation is a formality. The teams will not throw Mims back into this game after he left with a foot issue in the first half. Mims’ role as a receiver declined last year, but he remains one of the league’s best returners. Sean Payton would need to figure out a plan for both kick and punt return duties.

Davis appears to have secured a roster spot, but we won’t know for sure until Sunday. The broadcast initially referred to him as the starter, but it was instead RB Phil Mafah who took the field. Mafah dominated backfield touches throughout the first half, repeatedly running into Saints defenders on runs up the middle. He was spelled by RB Israel Abanikanda. Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue does not seem to be playing this evening. Last Sunday, The Athletic’s Jon Machota predicted Blue would seize the No. 2 running back job from Davis in-season.

Tracy left Friday’s preseason game against the Jets with an apparent injury in the second quarter. The Giants announced Tracy was evaluated for a concussion, but was able to clear concussion protocol. Before leaving the game, Tracy had 37 yards and a touchdown on four carries. He doesn’t carry much standalone fantasy value in a crowded Giants backfield that also includes Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris and Devin Singletary.

Harris saw his first game action since he suffered a torn Achilles last year. The 28-year-old running back had 39 yards on 11 carries and his longest run was for nine yards. Harris added a 20-yard reception, giving him 59 scrimmage yards on 12 opportunities. Harris was brought in to be a “significant contributor” to the Giants, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. He looked the part in Friday’s preseason finale against the Jets.

Lemon had a rough night, but tonight’s outcome does not make him any less of a top-tier prospect. The first-round rookie was sidelined by a recurring hamstring injury for much of the spring and summer, so a rusty first showing is understandable. Lemon took the blame, on the field, for QB Tanner McKee’s interception, although it is fair to note that McKee’s pass arrived late. Lemon had broken inward, off his stem, and an open window was available to the Eagles’ backup quarterback. Unfortunately, Lemon was forced to slow down and leap for the pass, accidentally batting it backward as he attempted to high-point it. Bengals CB Tacario Davis snagged it and that was that. Davis also broke up a pass intended for Lemon on a corner route 20 yards downfield earlier in the game. He had a good night. Lemon may need to ramp up for another couple of weeks, but he remains a smart draft pick in 12-team leagues.

Meyers seemingly has the No. 4 wide receiver job locked up. On the first drive, he hauled in three passes. He bagged a nine-yard pass on an in-breaking route from the slot on the first, a 17-yard pass via a corner route from the slot and a 25-yard gain on the following play. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. labeled Meyers a “roster lock,” saying at first a special teams returner role seemed to be Meyers’ ticket to a roster spot, but “the consistency of his playmaking at every turn of camp and the preseason made him undeniable.” He ran with the first-team offense in practice this week, and Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters said, “he can play all three positions.” File Meyers’ name away for down the road.

Tracy went down after an eight-yard run late in the second quarter. After he was on the ground for a while, Tracy headed to the locker room with a trainer. While the nature of his injury remains unclear, Tracy was an effective runner against the Jets with 37 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Per Dehner, Young has “made as many highlight catches as anyone, validating the Bengals’ fourth-round pick.” He believes “the seeds of a bright future were planted” for Young this summer. That said, Young is still developing and is likely to start the season as the Bengals’ No. 5 wide receiver.

Pitts ripped off multiple double-digit gains, moved well and looked tough to bring down. He delivered a 37-yard catch on the Falcons’ first drive, securing the pass on a quick out route from bunch formation before taking off down the right sideline. He later had a 16-yard gain on a sort crossing route, where he again chewed up yards after the catch. Pitts is a mid-tier TE1 entering the year.

It was a rough day for Tagovailoa. The Falcons quarterback was greeted by booes in his former home stadium this evening. He maintained his relatively low level of play, throwing short and, at one point, fumbling a snap, which was recovered by a Dolphins defender. It was not his worst showing, but it is unlikely to earn him the starting job either.