NFL Player News

Bourne noted Thursday that he "feels good" and that his knee has responded well to his return to practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Per Lazar, Bourne, who was limited in his return to practice Wednesday, is on a snap count for the time being. The wideout remains on the reserve/PUP list, and it's unclear at this stage if he'll be activated ahead of Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. Once Bourne returns to the mix, however, he'll have a chance to reclaim a key role in a New England WR corps currently led by DeMario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn (shoulder).

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy suggested Wednesday that Tolbert could be in line for an increased role on offense with Brandin Cooks (knee) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, and possibly longer, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports. "I love the guys we have here," McCarthy said. "The two Jalens [Tolbert and Jalen Brooks], this is more opportunities for them, [KaVontae] Turpin. Yeah, love our practice squad guys. We'll be in good shape [at receiver]."

Tolbert has already been a regular fixture in three-receiver sets this season, with his snap shares ranging from 67 to 85 percent through four games. While Cooks' absence may not necessarily lead to a dramatic spike in playing time for Tolbert, the 4.8 targets per contest that Cooks had been averaging could be redistributed to Tolbert and others. CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson will likely continue to rank as quarterback Dak Prescott's preferred options in the passing game, but with none of the team's running backs representing major receiving threats, Tolbert could emerge as the clear No. 3 target sans Cooks.

Lockett (thigh) was a limited participant at Wednesday's walkthrough, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Lockett's health concern from training camp lingered all the way through Week 3 prep, but he was listed as a full participant on all three practice reports last week. The thigh injury now is back and hindering his amount of on-field work as the Seahawks gear up to face the Giants on Sunday. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Lockett enters the weekend with a designation for that contest.

Robinson practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday due to a hip injury.

Just as head coach Sean McVay told Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site on Monday, Robinson is operating with a cap on his practice reps this week, only the listed injury is to his hip and not his groin. In any case, Robinson's status will be one to watch as the week goes on to see if he may head into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Cowing (shoulder) was listed as a DNP for Wednesday's practice.

Cowing injured his shoulder during the 49ers' Week 4 win against the Patriots. The rookie fourth-round pick is considered day-to-day with the injury, and he'll have two more chances to practice in some capacity ahead of Sunday's NFC West showdown against the Cardinals.

Conley (oblique) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Conley picked up an oblique injury during Sunday's 30-13 win over New England. He'll have two more opportunities to practice this week ahead of the 49ers' Week 5 game against the Cardinals on Oct. 6. Cowing has just one catch (on three targets) for four yards through the first four games of the regular season.

Adams isn't expected to play Sunday against the Broncos due to his hamstring injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Adams -- who didn't practice Wednesday -- is viewed as week-to-week with his injury and is also a candidate to be traded by the Raiders, per Schefter. Regardless of what happens on the latter front, however, Adams is trending toward remaining sidelined this weekend. If that's the case, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner would be in line to lead the Raiders' receiver corps versus Denver.

Powell (chest) was limited during Wednesday's practice.

Powell briefly exited Sunday's win over the Packers after taking a hard hit to the midsection while attempting to make a catch. He was able to return to the game, but he appears to be dealing with the lingering effects of that hit. His practice participation over the next two days should provide clarity on his status for Week 5 against the Jets.

Osborn didn't practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.

Osborn is nursing the injury after playing 42 of 64 snaps on offense in the Patriots' Week 4 loss to the 49ers. With five catches for 31 yards on 13 targets through four games, Osborn is worthy of fantasy consideration only in deep leagues.

Johnson (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Falcons, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

After logging a full practice session Wednesday, Johnson has moved past his ankle issue enough to suit up for Thursday night's divisional matchup. Expect the Barton College product to serve as a depth piece in Tampa Bay's wide receiver corps while also contributing on special teams in Week 5.