NFL Player News

Washington (quadriceps) did not practice Friday and is ruled out for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Jaguars, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Washington began the week with back-to-back limited practices before being downgraded to a non-participant Friday. The rookie sixth-round pick was facing notable opportunities to contribute Week 1, with both Odell Beckham (undisclosed) and River Cracraft (upper body) out until Week 5 at the earliest, but he'll have to first return to full health. Braxton Berrios thus will serve as Miami's third wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, with Grant DuBose positioned as the team's No. 4 option.

Wilson (ankle) is ruled out for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Falcons, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Wilson logged a trio of limited practices this week, but he isn't yet healthy enough to make his NFL debut. A left ankle sprain caused the rookie third-round pick to miss most of training camp and the preseason, but it appears he's been making good progress in his recovery. Wilson's next chance to play will come Week 2 on the road against Denver.

Samuel (toe) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Samuel has been dealing with turf toe, but he never seemed to be in any danger of sitting out the regular-season opener, as he was a full participant in all three of Buffalo's practices during the week. He'll make his Bills debut as part of a remade receiving corps vying for the attention of star quarterback Josh Allen. Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman also are expected to play prominent roles, with Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on hand for depth.

Olszewski (groin) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's Week 1 affair against the Vikings, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The sixth-year pro out of Bemidji State has been dealing with a groin injury for a couple of weeks, but it appears he's moved past the issue. With Olszewski back to full health, he's expected to serve as the Giants' top kick and punt returner in 2024.

Perry (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Carolina, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Perry wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday but then missed practice Thursday and Friday. It's unclear if his absence would significantly impact the Saints' plans on offense, as Cedrick Wilson may have been positioned for the No. 3 receiver role in any case. The distribution of WR snaps and targets beyond Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed remains uncertain heading into Sunday's home game against Carolina.

Higgins (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.

Higgins made an appearance on the Bengals' Week 1 injury report Thursday as limited due to a hamstring issue, which didn't allow him to practice at all Friday, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Coach Zac Taylor told Geoff Hobson of the team's official site, "We'll see," when asked about the status of Higgins and fellow WR Ja'Marr Chase (non-injury related/rest) for Sunday's contest. With Higgins unlikely to suit up and Chase listed as questionable, there's a chance QB Joe Burrow will be without his top two options at the position this weekend. In such a scenario, Andrei Iosivas and rookie Jermaine Burton would be thrust into larger roles in Cincinnati's offense.

Chase (non-injury related/rest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Chase missed a good portion of training camp and the entire preseason while in the midst of a contract hold-in, and his on-field work was limited Wednesday and Thursday as he awaits a resolution. He intimated Friday that he and the Bengals may be close to a new deal, but he also called himself a "game-time decision" for Sunday's contest, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com. Fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful to suit up this weekend, so Cincinnati may be without its top two options at the position, which would make Andrei Iosivas, rookie Jermaine Burton and others prominent targets for QB Joe Burrow.

Perry (hand) didn't practice Friday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Perry was added to the injury report Thursday as a non-participant. The consecutive absences suggest he's in real danger of missing Sunday's game against the Panthers, in which case Cedrick Wilson, Bub Means and/or Mason Tipton could play more snaps than previously expected. Either way, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed remain runaway favorites to get the most snaps and targets.

Allen (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, despite upgrading to full practice participation Friday.

The upgrade to 'full' after limited practices Wednesday and Thursday suggests Allen is on track to play. He was first reported to be dealing with foot discomfort last Wednesday, and there subsequently hasn't been any indication of a serious injury. Any limitations or in-game setbacks could help rookie wideout Rome Odunze get more playing time in his regular-season debut.

Pierce is set to play an increased role Sunday against the Texans, as JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports that Josh Downs (ankle) has been ruled out.

Pierce is the top candidate to start on the outside opposite Michael Pittman, as rookie second-round pick Adonai Mitchell is likely to play primarily in the slot. Pierce has seen plenty of playing time in his first two seasons but often has been used as a decoy to stretch the field without getting substantial target volume, as he finished short of 600 receiving yards and scored only two touchdowns in each campaign.