NFL Player News

Pickens said Thursday that it was offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's decision to restrict his snaps during Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas, NFL.com's Nick Shook reports.

Pickens still was consistently on the field for three-wide formations, but he took just one of 20 snaps (5 percent) in 12 personnel, after getting 79 percent of those snaps Weeks 1-4. Smith curiously used 162-pound Calvin Austin and 174-pound Scotty Miller as the 12 personnel wideouts alongside Van Jefferson, which suggests Pickens' lack of playing time may have been related to effort or fatigue avoidance rather than his actual ability as a blocker. Pickens ran half-hearted routes a few times during Sunday's loss, fueling speculation that the Steelers are displeased with his effort and body language. The team may have a point, but what they don't have is another legitimate receiving threat out wide. Pickens saw a team-high seven targets Sunday night even with the reduced playing time, and coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that he thought minimizing the wideout's reps might actually help his productivity. None of this is ideal for fantasy managers, but Pickens is still a clear favorite to lead his team in targets during Sunday's game in Las Vegas.

Shaheed (hip) was seen during the team stretch prior to Thursday's practice, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Having said that, Shaheed then left the field, indicating he's poised for a second straight absence to kick off Week 6 prep. His activity level, or lack thereof, will be known once the Saints post their next practice report later Thursday.

Johnson (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Johnson played through the same injury and handled his normal workload in Sunday's loss to the Bears, after logging limited practices Thursday and Friday last week. He's now been a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday this week, giving him one last chance to upgrade to 'full' before Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Pittman (back) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Pittman, who also didn't practice Wednesday, was an observer during Thursday's session, which isn't surprising considering a report via James Boyd of The Athletic that the wideout's back injury could sideline him for multiple weeks. Further context regarding Pittman's status should come from the Colts at some point, but if he's forced to miss time, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell likely would see added snaps alongside Josh Downs, provided a toe issue that caused Downs to miss practice Wednesday doesn't impact his Week 6 availability.

Samuel (foot/toe) is participating in practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel missed Wednesday's session due to foot and toe injuries, but he's back on the field in at least a limited capacity Thursday. That bodes well for the versatile veteran WR's odds of returning to health in time for Monday's divisional matchup against the Jets, though definitive word on Samuel's status for Week 6 may not arrive until Saturday's final official practice of the week.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said Nabers didn't make progress through concussion protocol between Wednesday and Thursday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

It hints at a second straight absence, although Nabers still has a couple days to advance through the protocol before Sunday night's matchup with the Bengals. He was limited to side work Wednesday and listed as a non-participant on the injury report.

Downs (toe) is not present at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Downs and Michael Pittman (back) are both absent from a second consecutive practice, casting doubt on the availability of both wideouts for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Titans. Friday's practice will represent the final chance for both Downs and Pittman to upgrade their activity levels ahead of Week 6 action. Downs is dealing with a toe injury sustained during Indianapolis' loss to Jacksonville in Week 5, a game in which he secured nine of 12 targets for 69 yards.

Hutchinson could settle in as the Texans' No. 3 receiver behind Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell beginning with Sunday's game at New England after Houston placed Nico Collins (hamstring) on injured reserve Wednesday.

After Collins played just nine snaps in this past Sunday's win over the Bills before exiting with a hamstring injury, Hutchinson stepped up to play a season-high 48 snaps. The second-year wideout didn't do much with his extended playing time, finishing the day with two catches for 31 yards on three targets. Diggs, Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz will likely remain greater priorities in the passing attack in the weeks to come, but Collins' absence at least creates more opportunities for Hutchinson and thus puts the 24-year-old more on the radar in deeper leagues.

Smith (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session.

Smith injured his hamstring and ankle late in training camp, which caused him to begin his rookie season on injured reserve. He was able to get extra rest thanks to the Eagles' Week 5 bye, and he returned to practice Wednesday as a full participant. Unless he suffers a setback this week, Smith should be in line to make his NFL debut Sunday against the Browns.

Reynolds didn't practice Wednesday due to a hand injury, Susanna Weir of the Broncos' official site reports.

Reynolds caught his first touchdown of the season during the Broncos' 34-18 win over the Raiders this past Sunday. The 29-year-old wide receiver may have injured his hand at some point during the contest, however, so he'll likely need to practice in some fashion Thursday or Friday to assuage concerns about his health heading into Sunday's game against the Chargers.