NFL Player News

Coach Sean McVay said Thursday that Nacua (knee) has been practicing "fully," and "he'll be ready to roll," Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Nacua left a joint practice with the Chargers on Aug. 4 due to a knee injury that McVay later called a bursa sac issue. McVay also relayed at the time an expectation that Nacua would be available Week 1, and the wide receiver displayed the first bit of visible progress in his recovery by practicing Monday. The Rams won't be posting their first injury report of the upcoming season until next Wednesday, but considering McVay's comments this week, Nacua appears destined to be listed as a full participant or even avoid showing up on it at all. Nacua is coming of a spectacular rookie campaign in 2023 in which he posted a 105-1,486-6 line on 160 targets in 17 regular-season games.

Smith signed with the Rams' practice squad Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

The 26-year-old wideout failed to make the Rams' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he's now returning to Los Angeles as a practice-squad player. Smith impressed throughout the Rams' three preseason contests, racking up 126 total yards on 17 touches.

Hill (thumb) remains a non-participant at practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The Dolphins seem to simply be taking a cautious approach to Hill's recovery, but there will be cause for worry if he's still being held out next week, when the team's first official injury reports of the regular season are released. Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) is wearing a non-contact jersey Thursday, but the team has also downplayed his injury severity. In all likelihood, Miami is simply opting to not take any chances with either star wideout, especially given that key depth options Odell Beckham (undisclosed) and River Cracraft (upper body) are starting the year on reserve lists and ruled out for at least four games. Hill and Waddle will look to resume handling full reps before taking on the Jaguars in Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Stoops signed with the Rams' practice squad Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the team's official site reports.

Stoops failed to make the Rams' initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he's staying in Los Angeles after signing to the team's practice squad Wednesday. The Oklahoma product posted 84 receptions for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final collegiate season in 2023.

Coach Robert Saleh said Thursday that Williams (knee) is expected to be available for New York's regular-season opener against the 49ers on Monday, Sept. 9, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Saleh said Williams had a "really nice" practice session Thursday, "including four or five catches, well over 100 yards" in team drills, per Nick Shook of NFL.com. The head coach also said that the Jets are "gonna be very smart with how we use [Williams]," but that "he's gonna be plenty available to make his mark felt." That seems like an indication that Williams' involvement will be ramped up as the season progresses, which isn't much of a surprise given that the veteran wideout is working his way back from an ACL tear. Even if his rep count is limited Week 1, Williams is a big-bodied downfield threat capable of making an impact in a single play, and he it wouldn't be out of the question for him to immediately produce as the No. 2 receiver for QB Aaron Rodgers.

Wayne signed with the Packers' practice squad Wednesday.

Wayne joined Green Bay as camp opened, but he was ultimately unable to secure a spot on the final roster. However, he'll now have the opportunity to stick with the team and further develop.

Kennedy signed with the Lions' practice squad Wednesday.

The 28-year-old wideout will remain in Detroit after failing to make the team's initial 53-man roster Tuesday. Kennedy last appeared in a regular-season game with the Lions in 2022, catching eight of his 15 targets for 141 yards and no touchdowns across seven contests.

Sills signed with the Broncos' practice squad Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Sills was brought back to Denver this offseason after spending time with the team last season, but he couldn't make the initial 53-man roster. He'll now have a chance to work his way back there from the practice squad.

Humphrey signed with the Broncos' practice squad Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Humphrey appeared in all 17 regular-season games for Denver last season, but he only secured 13 catches on 19 targets for 162 yards and three touchdowns. However, it was enough to be brought back on a one-year deal. Even though wasn't able to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, he'll now have the opportunity to work his way back there.

Cooks (knee) is not participating in the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Cooks has been managing knee soreness since mid-August. Coach Mike McCarthy excused the veteran wideout from two practices last week for personal reasons, but it looks like now that he's back at team facilities, Cooks is still currently sticking to rehab work. Superstar teammate CeeDee Lamb is also now back at practice but working on ramping up his activity levels, and McCarthy said both he and Cooks will do a bit more Thursday, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. It seems like the Cowboys expect both receivers to be available Week 1 versus the Browns, though Cooks' status is less of a certainty.