NFL Player News

Dulin didn't participate in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury.

Dulin missed two consecutive games due to an ankle injury before being cleared to play against the Commanders in Week 4, when he caught three of six targets for 29 yards. He's now working through a different lower-body injury, but he'll have two more opportunities to return to practice ahead of Sunday's road game against the Steelers.

Young (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Young was unable to play against the Jaguars this past Sunday due to a knee injury that he picked up against the Steelers in Week 3. He's opened the week with a limited session, and if he can upgrade to a full practice participant over the next two days, then the rookie fourth-rounder would be in line to return against the Dolphins this Sunday. Young's availability would be even more crucial if one or both of Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) or Tee Higgins (groin) were unable to play against Miami.

Johnston was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a chest injury.

The Chargers' receiving corps is banged up at the moment, with all of WR Ladd McConkey (foot, DNP on Wednesday), WR Brenen Thompson (quadriceps, LP) and TE Charlie Kolar (forearm, LP) dealing with health concerns, and WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) and TE David Njoku (fibula) on IR. Johnston has had every opportunity to produce this season, with at least a 75 percent snap share in all four games, but he so far has just nine touches for 111 yards from scrimmage and no TDs. Assuming McConkey isn't able to play Sunday versus the Broncos and Johnson suits up, the latter could be the unquestioned No. 1 pass catcher for QB Justin Herbert.

McConkey (foot) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

McConkey attempted to play through a foot injury in Week 4, but when he exited this past Sunday's loss at Seattle in the third quarter, he had no catches among his two targets. Coach Jim Harbaugh told Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com on Monday that McConkey is "week-to-week," so his lack of activity to begin Week 5 prep lines up with that assessment. Friday's injury report ultimately may provide clarity on McConkey's status for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Bryant (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Bryant sprained his right ankle during the Broncos' Week 4 loss to the 49ers. An MRI did not reveal a high-ankle sprain, which is good news for the second-year wide receiver. Bryant is still expected to miss time, so he can be considered on the doubtful side for Sunday's AFC West showdown against the Chargers. He has a 9-133-1 receiving line (12 targets) through four games, and assuming Bryant is sidelined for Week 5, that workload will be absorbed by Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin.

The 49ers placed Pettis (undisclosed) on the practice squad injured list Wednesday.

The nature of Pettis' injury isn't clear, but it's severe enough for him to require a stint on the practice squad IL. As such, he is not eligible to be elevated to the active roster for at least the 49ers' next four games.

Charles (undisclosed) practiced Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Charles is on injured reserve, though he's seemingly inching closer to getting back on the field. The 29-year-old, who was acquired from the Jets during the offseason, is expected to spend most of his time on special teams upon his return.

The 49ers signed Smith to the practice squad Wednesday.

Smith was cut by the Rams on Friday, but the Florida A&M product will stay in the NFC West division with the 49ers as a member of the practice squad. Smith would be a top candidate for an elevation to the active roster if the 49ers needed more depth at wide receiver.

Jefferson (ankle) said Wednesday that he's aiming to play Sunday at New Orleans, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.

Coach Kevin O'Connell provided an update on Jefferson earlier Wednesday, saying the wide receiver "is doing well" and will be limited to begin Week 5 prep. Jefferson's ensuing activity level indeed was limited, but per the player himself he wants to play against the Saints as a native of Louisiana. The Vikings will take the situation "day by day," and his listing on Friday's practice report may be telling for his odds to suit up this weekend.

Mingo did not practice Wednesday due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Wednesday was the first time this week that Mingo popped up on the injury report, which casts uncertainty over his status for Thursday Night Football. He's seen just three targets through four regular-season games, but if Mingo isn't cleared to play, then undrafted rookie Camden Brown would be in line to be on the active gameday roster for the first time this season, with Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin both in the mix for a slight increase in offensive snaps.