NFL Player News

Johnson secured his lone target for six yards during Thursday's 30-20 victory against the Vikings.

As expected, the return of Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) limited Johnson's role in the offense, although he notably had significantly more playing time than Tutu Atwell and Xavier Smith. With the Rams' pass-catching crew approaching full strength for the first time since the start of the season, Johnson's role will likely continue to deteriorate with Jordan Whittington (shoulder) also soon to return. Week 9's showdown with the division-leading Seahawks will be the next test for the veteran wideout.

Wilson (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Wilson opened Week 8 prep with a limited practice Wednesday, but after downgrading to no activity Thursday and Friday, the Saints will hold him out Sunday for what will be the receiver's first absence of the season. The 28-year-old had produced a season-best 6-57-1 line on eight targets in the Saints' Week 7 loss to the Broncos, but even if he hadn't suffered the hip injury, Wilson likely would have seen a decreased role Sunday with top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) returning from a one-game absence.

Higgins sustained a quadriceps injury during Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

The Bengals will monitor Higgins throughout the weekend, but his status may come down to a pregame warmup ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Higgins is inhibited or unable to go, fellow WR Andrei Iosivas would be the likely beneficiary alongside top option Ja'Marr Chase.

Olave cleared concussion protocol and will be available for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Olave already looked on track to be available this weekend after turning in a full practice Thursday, but Terrell's report confirms that the wideout now has received clearance from an independent neurologist, the final stage of the five-step protocol. After sitting out last week's loss to the Broncos, Olave should be ready to reprise his usual duties as the Saints' No. 1 wideout, though he'll be on the receiving end of passes from rookie Spencer Rattler rather than Derek Carr (oblique), the latter of whom is expected to miss a third straight start. Olave suited up in Rattler's first NFL start back in Week 6, but the former played just two snaps before exiting with the concussion.

Legette is in position for a larger role Sunday against the Broncos, as the Panthers will be without Diontae Johnson (rib) and Adam Thielen (hamstring), Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.

Legette could work as the top option in a depleted Panthers receiving corps that also includes Jalen Coker, David Moore and Jonathan Mingo. Denver boasts one of the league's stingiest secondaries, and the Broncos could get top cornerback Patrick Surtain (concussion) back from a one-game absence. Legette has caught 18 of 28 targets for 177 yards and two touchdowns through seven games. The Panthers will have Bryce Young rather than Andy Dalton (thumb) at quarterback Sunday.

Nailor had two receptions for 16 yards on four targets in Thursday's loss to the Rams.

Nailor was second on the team in targets and played on 21 of the offense's 50 snaps. He's stayed involved in moving to the third receiver role, but his role also could be reduced if T.J. Hockenson is able to return from a knee injury in a Week 9 matchup against the Colts.

The Steelers signed Isabella to the practice squad Friday.

Isabella, who spent time with the Bills during the offseason, will now get a chance to operate in an emergency depth role for Pittsburgh. The 2019 second-round pick has appeared in four combined regular-season games with Buffalo over the last two years.

Sherfield had a 10-yard touchdown reception on his only target in Thursday's loss to the Rams.

Despite the touchdown, Sherfield has a minimal role in the passing game. He played just three snaps on offense and has just five targets this season. His touchdown likely won't earn him more playing time as the No. 4 wide receiver barring injuries in the receiving corps.

Ridley (foot) returned to practice Friday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Ridley didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so his presence at Friday's session is a good sign ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions. The Titans' upcoming injury report is destined to reveal whether Ridley heads into the weekend with an injury designation or cleared to face Detroit.

Coach Sean McDermott relayed Friday that Samuel (pectoral) may be out "more than one week," but McDermott doesn't believe Samuel will go on injured reserve, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel has already been ruled out for Sunday's game in Seattle, and it sounds like he's far from a lock to return Sunday, Nov. 3 against the Dolphins in Week 9. He's unlikely to play a significant role even when healthy, as Samuel has exceeded 22 receiving yards only once for a Bills passing game that likely will have even fewer targets to go around after trading for Amari Cooper last Tuesday.