NFL Player News

Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) was a full participant in Friday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Ford-Wheaton upgraded from limited work Thursday to a full session Friday, suggesting that he's moved past his Achilles injury. Now that the West Virginia product has returned to full health, he's expected to serve as one of the Giants' top special-teams aces in Week 8.

Johnston (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Johnston injured his ankle Week 6 in Denver but was able to play through it. Having said that, he hasn't practiced in the meantime and now is in danger of missing a second contest in a row. Johnston's status thus will be confirmed about 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff. As for the rest of Chargers' receiving corps, Ladd McConkey (hip) and DJ Chark (IR, groin) are listed as questionable and Derius Davis (hamstring) is listed as doubtful, so Joshua Palmer, Simi Fehoko and Brenden Rice as the healthy options on the active roster, while Jalen Reagor, Dez Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Johnson are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad.

Wilson (hamstring) didn't practice Friday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Wilson has now logged back-to-back DNPs to begin Pittsburgh's week of practice, suggesting he's a longshot to play in Monday night's matchup against the Giants. The rookie will likely need to upgrade to at least limited participation in Saturday's practice to have a chance at suiting up in Week 8. If Wilson can't move past his hamstring issue, expect Scotty Miller to see increased work with the Steelers' offense.

Brown (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest against the Bears.

Brown opened the week with back-to-back limited practices due to an ankle injury, but he was able to log a full session Friday, thereby clearing him for Week 8 action. After going without a catch in the season opener, he has at least one reception in six consecutive games, but the cumulative line of 9-128-1 on 13 targets leaves a lot to be desired.

Jarrett (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Jarrett logged three consecutive practice sessions and was designated to return from injured reserve Oct. 17, so it appears he's nearing a return to the field. The Maryland product must still be activated to Tampa Bay's active roster in order to suit up in Week 8. If he isn't activated by Saturday, expect Ryan Miller to see increased work in the Buccaneers' wide receiver corps.

Jennings (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Jennings will be sidelined for a second game in a row after he continued to miss practice time this week while tending to a hip injury. With a bye on tap Week 9 to provide him with additional healing time, Jennings should have a good chance at being ready to go when the 49ers return to action Sunday, Nov. 10 at Tampa Bay, provided he doesn't experience any setbacks with the hip when he eventually returns to practice. Once he's healthy, Jennings should be in store for a regular starting role for the rest of the campaign after the 49ers placed Brandon Aiyuk on injured reserve this week with season-ending ACL and MCL tears.

Samuel (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Samuel took the field for just four plays in this past Sunday's loss to the Chiefs before he was sent to the hospital due to a case of pneumonia. He was discharged Tuesday, returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant and was back on the practice field again Friday, which increases the hope that Samuel might be ready to play Sunday. Per Matt Barrows of The Athletic, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the 49ers have been taking things slowly with Samuel since he returned to practice, but the wideout's stamina has improved with each passing day. The 49ers presumably will check in on Samuel's condition early Sunday before making a call on his status, but if he suits up, the 28-year-old could be in line for a focal role in the San Francisco passing game. In addition to wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) being out for the season, the 49ers have ruled out receiver Jauan Jennings for Week 8, while tight end George Kittle (foot) is listed as questionable.

Polk (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official site reports.

Polk, who was unable to practice this week, thus will target a potential return to action Sunday, Nov. 3 against the Titans. In Polk's absence this weekend, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne figure to lead the Patriots' Week 8 WR corps, with K.J. Osborn and Tyquan Thornton mixing in.

Lazard (chest) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Lazard hasn't practiced in any fashion during the week, so it would be a surprise if he was able to play. If Lazard sits, Mike Williams figures to join Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams in three-receiver sets, with extra opportunities possibly available for Xavier Gipson in the slot when Wilson shifts to the outside.

Davis (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Davis avoided an injury designation after three limited practices. He'll occupy his usual role as Jacksonville's No. 3 wide receiver behind Brian Thomas and Christian Kirk.