Who Should I Start? Darius Slayton or Kyle Philips

Thursday, August 7, 3:25 PM

The Athletic's Dan Duggan reports that New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (undisclosed) was on the side with trainers at Thursday's team practice. There's been no news regarding what body part is ailing the veteran. Slayton and other Giants' starters are still waiting on word of whether or not they'll suit up for Saturday's road tilt with the Buffalo Bills, but any time missed would put him in danger of not being able to play in their first preseason game. The fact that there's been no mention of injury is encouraging, but the seventh-year pro is slated to play critical snaps on the outside for the team. Fellow WR Jalin Hyatt should benefit the most in terms of playing time with Slayton sidelined. He's the most likely next man up if the 28-year-old is affected long-term.

Tuesday, February 18, 8:54 PM

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent wide receiver Kyle Philips to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Philips, a former fifth-round selection by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of UCLA will head to the AFC West after spending all of the 2024 campaign on the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2022 and 2023, he caught only 23 of 35 targets for 259 yards and no touchdowns in 13 games played (no starts). The 25-year-old pass-catcher also saw time on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner, which will probably be his best path to a roster spot with the Raiders. Philips will be reuniting with his old head coach at UCLA in Chip Kelly, who is now the Raiders' offensive coordinator under new head coach Pete Carroll. Philips's familiarity with Kelly won't guarantee him a roster spot out of training camp, though.