NFL Player News

The Patriots signed Treadwell to their practice squad Monday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Treadwell was released by the Jaguars ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline and will settle for a practice-squad deal before Week 1. The 2016 first-round pick appeared in 12 games for Jacksonville last year, catching 33 of 51 targets for a career-high 434 receiving yards.

Sims is listed as the No. 2 kickoff returner and punt returner on Pittsburgh's Week 1 depth chart, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Sims spent most of the 2021 season on the Steelers' practice squad but earned a spot on the 53-man roster ahead of the 2022 campaign. However, the 25-year-old could struggle to see the field since he's listed as depth at receiver and is behind Gunner Olszewski for return duties on the Week 1 depth chart.

Olszewski is listed as the top kickoff returner and punt returner on the Steelers' Week 1 depth chart, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Olszewski spent the last three seasons with the Patriots and drew just 12 targets over that stretch, but he carved out a role as a returner in New England. It seems as though he'll play a similar role for the Steelers, as he's slated to serve as depth among the team's receivers but should have a chance to make an impact in the return game.

The Broncos signed Smith to their practice squad Monday, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

Smith was released by the Buccaneers during training camp and will settle for a practice-squad deal ahead of Week 1. The 26-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Jets, appearing in a total of 22 contests. Most notable was his 2019 campaign, where he played 13 games and caught 17 of 31 targets for 225 yards.

McKenzie (groin) was listed as a full practice participant Monday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

McKenzie's full participation puts him on track to play in Thursday night's season opener against the Rams. Meanwhile, the Bills' practice report has clarified that the team's projected top slot option had been dealing with a groin issue. McKenzie is slated to see his share of Week 1 looks versus the Rams while working alongside top wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.

Coach Matt LaFleur indicated Monday that he's hopeful Watson (knee) will be able to play Sunday against the Vikings, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Meanwhile, fellow wideout Allen Lazard is dealing with an undisclosed issue that could impact his Week 1 status. Look for added context regarding both players to surface no later than Wednesday's practice and subsequent injury report. If Lazard and/or Watson are sidelined or limited this weekend, added opportunities would be available for Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb and Romeo Doubs.

Lazard (undisclosed) was spotted running off to the side during Monday's practice, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Silverstein also relayed that coach Matt LaFleur was non-committal about the Week 1 status of Lazard, who was sidelined last week for undisclosed reasons. Look for added context regarding the wideout's availability for Sunday's game against the Vikings to arrive no later than Wednesday, when the Packers' first official injury report of the season will be posted.

Waddle (lower body) is practicing with teammates Monday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Coach Mike McDaniel again affirmed that Waddle is on track for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Patriots. The Dolphins have taken a cautious approach to the second-year pro's recovery from an undisclosed lower-body injury, but it's looking like Waddle may not even face a snap count Week 1. Miami's first set of injury reports of the 2022 season will provide more tangible information about Waddle's health, but for now he can be considered fully on track to operate alongside Tyreek Hill as one of Tua Tagovailoa's top weapons versus New England.

Samuel (knee) returned to practice Monday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel has missed roughly the last week of practice as he tends to a bruise behind his knee. The 49ers don't need to reveal his activity level until Wednesday this week, but he looked crisp running in individual drills Monday.

Pringle (quadriceps) participated in Chicago's practice Monday as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the 49ers, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Pringle suffered a quad injury Aug. 6, but he took the field Monday for the first time in over four weeks. It's unclear if he'll need time to get back to full speed, but his participation in practice is a step in the right direction. Going into the preseason, he was expected to be one of the top-three wide receivers in the team's rotation.