NFL Player News

Thomas has been a bust as the former 34th overall pick in the draft, but he made some big special teams plays during the Giants’ Super Bowl run last year. Thomas is still only 25 years old and ran 4.32, 4.34 at the 2008 Scouting Combine at 6-foot-2, 215. We wouldn’t rule out Thomas developing receiver skills, but his early-career track record certainly isn’t promising.

When asked what issue is currently ailing Horton, Macdonald reportedly smiled and said, “sorry, I just don’t want to tell you.” It is unclear whether Horton experienced a setback in his return from a 2025 shin injury or if this is a new issue. The team does not have to release any information until Week 1 injury reports come out. At this point, Horton does not need to be drafted in 12-team leagues.

Brooks played 11-of-13 plays over the Panthers’ first two drives, giving way to RB Trevor Etienne on a 3rd-and-4 play. Brooks subbed right back in after that and punched in a one-yard touchdown two plays later. With RB Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) currently sidelined, it’s tough to draw a complete conclusion, but as things currently stand, Brooks looks like the featured running back in Carolina. Hopefully, he can refine his pass protection and remain on the field for third downs at some point.

Cooper played extensively in the Jets’ first preseason game, prompting The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt to write that WR Isaiah Williams appeared to have overtaken Cooper for the starting slot receiver job. This week, Cooper out-snapped WR Isaiah Williams six to one on the first drive. Williams continued playing on the second drive before rotating with Cooper on the third. PFF’s Nathan Jahnke notes that when Cooper returned, he lined up out wide while Williams manned the slot. Williams caught 3-of-5 targets for 17 yards and one fumble, though it was recovered by the Jets. It appears as though Cooper may have regained his spot as the Jets’ WR3 behind WR1 Garrett Wilson and WR2 Adonai Mitchell. Cooper still makes for a risky late-round dart throw, but he will get more chances to contribute.

Warren played 3-of-3 snaps on the first drive. Steelers RB Rico Dowdle played 4-of-4 snaps on the second. The two backs then rotated on the third. Dowdle rushed five times for 18 yards, adding one reception for two yards. This is about what we expected, though a recent report did indicate that Dowdle would be the Steelers’ “workhorse.” For now, treat both players as reliable FLEX starters with RB2 upside in what should be a split backfield, at least early on.

What exactly does this mean? It probably means that Stribling is a clear-cut starter in three-wide receiver sets, but Barrows did not expand on the matter. Barrows recently reported that WR Deebo Samuel will take over “a portion” of the Z-receiver role, while also contributing as a “wide back.” The remaining portion of the Z-receiver role in two-wide receiver sets could end up going to Stribling. He’s certainly made a strong case with his preseason play, but coach Kyle Shahanah is sometimes hesitant to feature rookies right away. Regardless, Stribling can be viewed as a FLEX starter with easy WR3 upside in the season opener.

Kincaid’s 2024 knee injury impacted his usage and availability through the 2025 season. That injury may finally be behind him. Per Buscaglia, Kincaid has been at practice every day, looks stronger and is “playing with more physicality in the blocking game.” That last part is critical for his overall snap share. Kincaid’s increased training camp usage has notably come even with TE Dawson Knox and TE Jackson Hawes fully healthy. Buscaglia adds that Kincaid might not be “on the precipice of playing 75 percent or more of the team’s offensive snaps,” but the 26-year-old tight end should take on a bigger, more fantasy-friendly role this year if all goes well. He’s a locked-in TE1.

Meyers is not playing in tonight’s preseason game, but he was spotted wearing the brace on the sideline pre-game. Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley chimed in to confirm that Meyers is indeed wearing “something” on his right hand, but we don’t know anything beyond that. For now, just keep an eye on this. There is no reason to panic. One of the beat reporters will likely follow up on this in the coming days. A report from earlier this week indicated that Meyers is one of two wide receivers currently leading the receiving corps in training camp snaps, suggesting he may have secured the No. 2 wide receiver role in what should be a productive offense this year.

He punctuated his point by saying only, “still looking.” Kubiak’s ambiguous phrasing could suggest that the Raiders are seeking a wide receiver via trade, but it can also be read simply as an indictment of players like Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Malik Benson. None of the three turned in a great game last night, while Tre Tucker was given the night off. Tucker makes for a boom-bust FLEX option in an underwhelming position group.

Benson had an up-and-down night, with more down than up, unfortunately. On one play, the rookie wide receiver secured a contested, leaping grab downfield. He also dropped a pass near the first-down marker, and later had the ball punched out of his hands by a Texans defender. He was attempting to secure the pass while turning upfield at the same time on both plays, and may have let his focus drift toward the big play and away from sound fundamentals. Still, QB Fernando Mendoza is giving him chances to make plays. Benson can probably be left undrafted in 12-team leagues, but monitor his development over the next week.