NFL Player News

Pierce (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

According to George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin, Pierce wasn't taking contact Thursday, but his limited activity nonetheless represents a step forward in his advancement through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol after he had been listed as a non-participant Wednesday. The rookie receiver will likely need to upgrade to full participation Friday and receive clearance from an independent neurologist in order to enter Sunday's game in Jacksonville without a designation. If neither Pierce nor Michael Pittman (quadriceps) -- who didn't practice Thursday -- can get the green light to play Week 2, the Colts would likely turn to Ashton Dulin and Mike Strachan to join Parris Campbell in three-receiver sets.

Godwin (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday.

Godwin wasn't seen at the media-access portion of the Bucs' second practice of Week 2 prep along with Mike Evans (calf) and Julio Jones (knee), and all three went down as non-participants. Meanwhile, Russell Gage (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (knee) were limited. Godwin himself may be in the most danger of missing time, as he made a quicker than expected recovery from last season's torn ACL to play Week 1, only to depart early with a strained hamstring. Friday's injury report could be telling with regard to which of the five wide receivers may be available Sunday in New Orleans.

Evans (calf) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

After putting in a limited showing at Wednesday's session, Evans didn't take the field at all one day later due to a calf injury. All of Evans, Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee) were DNPs on Thursday, while Russell Gage (hamstring) and Breshad Perriman (knee) were limited. Considering the thoroughly banged-up nature of the Buccaneers' receiving corps, the status of each member is worth watching as the weekend draws closer to get a sense of each one's potential to play Sunday at New Orleans.

Philips didn't participate in Thursday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie fifth-round pick out of UCLA is nursing the injury four days after he logged a team-high nine targets while recording six receptions for 66 yards in the Titans' season-opening loss to the Giants. The Titans will wait and see if Philips can upgrade his activity in practice over the next two days before deciding on his status for Monday's game in Buffalo.

Toney was added to the Giants' practice report Thursday as a limited participant on account of a hamstring injury, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Brian Daboll said prior to the practice that the Giants wouldn't have any changes from their initial practice report from Wednesday, so Toney's addition could be indicative of an injury suffered during Thursday's session. Whatever the case, the Giants will see what Toney is able to do at Friday's practice, if anything, before deciding whether or not to give him an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers. Toney notably played only seven snaps in the team's Week 1 win over the Titans, but with fellow wideout Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) a spectator Thursday for the second practice in a row and perhaps trending toward an absence Sunday, Toney could be in store for an expanded role this weekend if he's able to move past his own injury concern.

Proche (groin) did not practice Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Proche was able to log a limited practice Wednesday, so this is a step in the wrong direction for the 25-year-old. If he is unable to go Sunday against the Dolphins, Tylan Wallace would likely be looking at extra opportunity as the team's No. 4 wide receiver.

Pittman (quadriceps) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Pittman's lack of involvement in practices comes one day after he appeared on the Colts' initial Week 2 injury report as a limited participant on account of the quad issue. It's possible that his absence from the field Thursday is more maintenance-based rather than the result of a setback from Wednesday's session, but Friday's practice report will shed more light on Pittman's status heading into Sunday's game in Jacksonville. Pittman was the clear top target for quarterback Matt Ryan in the Colts' Week 1 tie with the Texans, with the wideout turning his 13 targets into nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Higgins (personal) won't practice Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The wideout, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, but he'll miss Thursday's session for personal reasons. Look for added clarity with regard to Higgins' status for Sunday's game against the Cowboys to arrive once the Bengals' Friday injury report is posted.

Robinson (knee) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After consecutive absences at practices to begin Week 2 prep, the rookie wideout will likely need to get back on the field Friday as at least a limited participant to have a realistic shot at playing Sunday against the Panthers. If Robinson can't play Week 2, Richie James and Kadarius Toney could take on more pronounced roles at receiver alongside starters Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard.

Wilson (toe) participated in practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

It remains to be seen if Wilson will be listed as a limited or full participant, but his return to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session bodes well for his chances of playing this weekend against the Ravens. Operating as Miami's No. 3 wide receiver Week 1, Wilson logged 28 snaps while catching both of his targets for 20 yards in this past Sunday's 20-9 win over the Patriots.