NFL Player News

The Chiefs placed Thornton (ankle) on injured reserve Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

It was an inevitable move given that Thornton was diagnosed with a dislocated left ankle that he suffered during the Chiefs' Week 4 win over the Raiders. He's facing a 3-to-4 month recovery timeline, so there's a chance that he's activated off IR toward the tail end of the regular season or in the playoffs, assuming the Chiefs earn a postseason spot. Thornton was emerging as the team's WR3 behind Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Xavier Worthy prior to his injury. That No. 3 role could be filled by Jalen Royals, rookie fifth-rounder Cyrus Allen or Nikko Remigio, and that trio could see even more offensive snaps against the Chargers on Sunday if Rice is not cleared to play.

The Chiefs signed Watson to the practice squad Monday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Watson failed to make the Texans' 53-man roster at the end of training camp, but he'll get another opportunity with the Chiefs on the practice squad. The veteran wide receiver played three seasons in Kansas City from 2022 to 2024, and in that span, he caught 64 passes on 119 targets for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns across 50 regular-season games (20 starts). Watson would be a top candidate for elevation to the Chiefs' active roster if Rashee Rice (hamstring) is not cleared to play against the Chargers on Sunday.

Kennedy suffered a season-ending MCL injury in his right knee during the Lions' 45-21 win over the Cardinals on Sunday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Kennedy suffered the injury early in the second quarter on a punt return for 11 yards. He was spotted on crutches following Sunday's contest, and further tests revealed that the MCL injury is significant enough for Kennedy to undergo season-ending surgery. He'll shift his focus toward rehab in the hopes that he's fully healthy for the start of the 2027 season, though he'll enter the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. In Kennedy's absence, Jacob Saylors figures to take over return duties on kickoffs, although whether the Lions go with star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown or another option on punt returns remains to be seen.

The Texans signed Oliver to the practice squad Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

In an expected move, Oliver will remain in Houston on the practice squad after being waived by the team Saturday. He'll be a candidate for elevation to the 53-man roster if the Texans require depth at wide receiver at some point this season.

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said Monday that Brown (ankle) has "a chance" to return to practice this week, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

After landing on injured reserve following the Patriots' season-opening loss to the Seahawks, Brown has now missed the required four games and is eligible for activation beginning this week. Before the Patriots consider adding him back to the 53-man roster, however, Brown will need to have his 21-day practice window opened. The wideout was spotted walking without a limp last week, which suggests that he's made good progress in his recovery from a right high-ankle sprain and may be ready to mix into drills. If Brown ends up getting cleared to practice this week and looks good during his on-field work, he could have a realistic shot at suiting up this Sunday versus the Jets.

McConkey (foot) was active but didn't play any snaps in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Broncos.

Initially labeled as week-to-week by head coach Jim Harbaugh at the beginning of Week 5 prep, McConkey didn't practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday but was still listed as questionable heading into Sunday. Though he ultimately suited up against Denver, McConkey looks to have been active only in an emergency since the Chargers had two other wideouts (Quentin Johnston and Brenen Thompson) sitting out with more worrisome injuries. The Chargers' depth was further tested when Tre' Harris (hamstring) left Sunday's game early, resulting in the team finishing with just three healthy receivers. McConkey's practice activity will bear watching this week to determine whether he has a more legitimate chance at playing meaningful snaps next Sunday in Kansas City.

Samuel is scheduled to undergo an MRI after exiting Sunday's 32-29 win over the Seahawks due to a hamstring injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Samuel sustained the injury with 5:06 remaining in the third quarter, when he was tripped up by a Seattle defender and landed awkwardly while fumbling the football as he fell to the ground. The upcoming MRI will shed more light on the severity of the hamstring issue, but Rapoport notes that the fact that the 49ers ruled Samuel out of Sunday's game immediately is a foreboding sign. If Samuel ends up sitting out Week 6 against the Commanders next Monday, the 49ers would be left with Mike Evans, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins as their healthy options at receiver.

Wilson (finger) is expected to miss a couple of weeks after exiting Sunday's 34-22 win over the Colts, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Wilson is still gathering more information about his injury and is seeking a second opinion, so an official timeline for his recovery may not be determined until he decides on a treatment plan. The third-year wideout out of Michigan logged 20 snaps and was unable to haul in his lone target in Sunday's game before leaving the contest just before halftime. After previously moving Michael Pittman (foot) to injured reserve Saturday, Pittsburgh's receiver depth will be further tested with Wilson likely to be sidelined for at least the team's Week 6 game at Tampa Bay.

Chism caught five of six targets for 57 yards and added a two-yard rush during Sunday's 45-17 win over the Raiders.

Chism was able to tie tight end Eli Raridon for the team lead in catches, and he set a new career high with 57 receiving yards. The 24-year-old has now reeled in nine of 13 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown over the Patriots' last four contests.

Flowers (foot) caught eight of nine targets for 53 yards and added a 13-yard rush in Sunday's 30-23 overtime win over the Falcons.

Flowers led the Ravens in catches and targets from backup QB Tyler Huntley while finishing nine receiving yards short of Rashod Bateman's team-leading total as the Ravens escaped with a road win Sunday night despite the absence of starting QB Lamar Jackson (ankle). Jackson reportedly has a chance to return as soon as Week 6 in Cleveland, but Flowers showed he can still be reasonably productive with Huntley throwing him passes. Flowers also took a two-yard sack on a trick play and had a would-be 26-yard catch negated on Baltimore's final drive of regulation because the Ravens instead accepted a 29-yard pass interference penalty which he drew. The speedy wideout sat out Week 2 due to a hamstring injury and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday's OT win due to a foot injury, but he should be expected to continue suiting up barring a setback.