NFL Player News

David Lombardi of The Athletic reports Monday that the 49ers are expected to open the injured reserve window for McCloud (ribs) this week.

McCloud is expected to return to practice after being placed on IR on Dec. 9. If his window to return opens this week, McCloud could make his return for the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Rams on Sunday. However, with San Francisco locked into the top seed in the NFC, the team could take a cautious approach and wait until the playoffs to bring back the return specialist.

The Broncos reverted Dorsett to their practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Dorsett was elevated from the practice squad for the second time this season ahead of Sunday's Week 17 win over the Chargers, and he played 28 offensive snaps in the contest. The wideout drew two targets but didn't catch either one, and he's been unable to reel in any of his three targets on the campaign. Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims (hamstring) were both inactive Sunday, and Dorsett could be elevated again for Week 18 if either or both of the pair sits out again.

The Bears reverted Johnson to the practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson had his first reception of the season in Sunday's win over the Falcons, hauling in an 11-yard pass from Justin Fields in the third quarter. It was the third time the Bears elevated Johnson, meaning the team would have to sign him to the active roster if they need him for Week 18 against the Packers.

The Cardinals reverted Chisena to the practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Chisena played 13 snaps on special teams in the Cardinals' 35-31 win over the Eagles. It's the third time he has been elevated from the practice squad this season, meaning that Arizona would have to sign him to the active roster in order to play him in the regular-season finale against Seattle.

The Packers signed Melton from their practice squad to their active roster Monday.

Melton had a breakout performance in Sunday's win over Minnesota, nabbing six of nine targets for 105 yards and a touchdown. It was his second straight productive week, as the wideout caught four of six targets for 44 yards and added a seven-yard rush Week 16 against Carolina. Melton stepped into the No. 2 receiver role in the second half Sunday after Jayden Reed exited due to a chest injury, and the former could again play a major role Week 18 versus Chicago if Reed is unable to return for the critical matchup that could determine whether the Packers qualify for the postseason. Green Bay has other injuries among its wideout corps as well, as Christian Watson has missed four straight contests due to a strained right hamstring, and Dontayvion Wicks sat out against the Vikings with chest and ankle injuries.

The Packers placed Toure (knee) on the injured reserve list Monday.

The move corresponds with the Packers signing wide receiver Bo Melton from the practice squad to the active roster. Toure played nine snaps in Sunday's win and finished with one catch for minus-6 yards while also muffing a punt on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Moore recorded one catch on three targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 32-6 loss to the Texans.

Moore topped a 70 percent snap rate for the second consecutive game and saw multiple targets for the third straight contest. That hasn't translated to much production, though he has served as a consistent deep threat in the Tennessee offense. His 32-yard grab Sunday marked his 10th gain of at least 20 yards on only 21 total touches for the campaign.

Smith (ankle) was on crutches and wearing a walking boot Monday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

An earlier report Monday stated that Smith is dealing with only a mild ankle sprain, but the fact that he's still using crutches and a walking boot may suggest otherwise. Head coach Nick Sirianni said, "We'll see," in response to a question about the wideout's availability to suit up Sunday against the Giants, so there's clearly some uncertainty about Smith's status for that contest. The Eagles still can win the NFC East with a Week 18 win and some help, so Smith likely will be on the field for the matchup if he's physically capable of playing.

Burks recorded two receptions on three targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Texans.

Burks was on the field for 83 percent of snaps, his highest mark since Week 1. However, that didn't translate to increased involvement in the offense, and he's now failed to surpass three targets in any of his five games since returning from a head injury. Held back by injuries and poor quarterback play, Burks has failed to live up to his hype as a breakout candidate during the offseason.

Bell failed to bring in his only target in Sunday's 27-10 win over the Commanders.

Bell also returned two punts for 17 yards on special teams for a total of 16 snaps (10 on offense) Sunday. The rookie wideout appeared to split slot duties with veteran Chris Conley with Jauan Jennings (concussion) still sidelined to injury. Conley finished with more snaps on offense (22), but Bell was the only reserve wideout to receive a target against Washington. Both backups would see a bump in playing time should the confirmed No. 1 seed 49ers decide to rest either of its top two star receivers against the Rams.