NFL Player News

Higgins suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's win over the Dolphins, but it isn't major, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins will have 10 days to recover ahead of Cincinnati's contest against Baltimore in Week 5, which should boost his chances of not missing time. The third-year pro looked excellent versus Miami despite nicking up his ankle, securing seven of nine targets for 124 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old's injury briefly forced him out during the second half of Thursday Night Football, but he was able to retake the field.

Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Chark (ankle) will suit up versus Seattle on Sunday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Chark will get a chance to operate as Detroit's top wideout with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) ruled out, and his target opportunities could rise further if D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is unable to go. Josh Reynolds (ankle) and T.J. Hockenson (foot) also may see increased volume in the passing game, though both likewise dealt with injuries in practice this week.

St. Brown (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown suffered a right ankle sprain Week 3 and will need to miss at least one game while he recovers, making his next chance to return Sunday, Oct. 9 at New England. Meanwhile, DJ Chark (ankle) is expected to suit up Sunday, while D'Andre Swift (shoulder) likely is out, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site. In St. Brown's stead, both Josh Reynolds (ankle) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (foot) could benefit from increased target volume, as long as they're also cleared to play.

Shenault (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Shenault returned to limited practice activity Friday after having missed Thursday's session, but his status still will need to be monitored as Sunday's 4:05 p.m. E.T. kickoff draws closer. He flashed big-play ability Week 3 while securing both of his targets for 90 yards and a score, so Shenault may have made a convincing enough case to see more than 19 percent of offensive snaps as long as he's cleared to play. Per Joe Person of The Athletic, coach Matt Rhule said Shenault is "probably" a game-time decision.

Smith (concussion) was a full participant in Friday's practice and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Smith made his season debut last week against Carolina and secured four of five targets for 105 yards before sustaining a concussion. Although he was limited at Wednesday's practice, he was a full participant Thursday and Friday and has cleared the league's concussion protocol. He'll likely have a chance to handle an increased role Sunday against Minnesota because Michael Thomas (foot) has been ruled out.

Harty (foot) was a limited participant in Friday's practice session and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Harty was limited for all three of the Saints' practice sessions this week, but he'll be able to play through his foot injury for Sunday's matchup in London. Over his first two appearances this season, he's secured both of his targets for 13 yards.

Coach Dennis Allen said Friday that Thomas (foot) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Thomas has missed three straight practice since suffering a foot injury Week 3, and the Saints will focus on his health with the hope of having the veteran standout back in action Week 5 against the Seahawks. Quarterback Jameis Winston (back/ankle/hip) is considered doubtful, according to Allen, so it looks as though New Orleans will go with Andy Dalton under center Sunday, with Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry (ankle) acting as his top wideouts.

Thomas (foot) wasn't present at the start of Friday's practice, Rod Walker of The Times-Picayune reports.

Thomas and quarterback Jameis Winston (back/hip/ankle) both appear to be missing their third consecutive practice and thus are trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game against Minnesota. The Saints' official Friday injury report will provide Thomas and Winston with game designations, but if both are unavailable it will fall to Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry (ankle) to operate as the top wideouts for Andy Dalton.

Sherfield secured four of six targets for 55 yards during Thursday's 27-15 loss to the Bengals.

Sherfield handled a significant role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle with Cedrick Wilson (ribs) inactive Thursday, recording the third-highest receiving total of his career. If Wilson gets back on the field Week 5 versus the Jets, though, Sherfield will stand to revert to a depth spot. When Sherfield does get opportunities on offense in Miami, his familiarity with coach Mike McDaniel's offense makes him worthy of fantasy consideration in leagues with deep starting requirements.

Boyd secured two of five targets for 47 yards and completed his only pass attempt for 23 yards in the Bengals' 27-15 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night.

Boyd recorded a 43-yard reception that served as his second longest of the season and also made his mark on a trick play as a passer, hitting Ja'Marr Chase for a 23-yard gain down the right side of the field in the first half. The veteran slot man finished third behind fellow wideouts Tee Higgins and Chase in receptions, receiving yards and targets, which is likely to be the case more often than not as the season unfolds, with an occasional exception. Boyd should see some solid volume in what could be an all-hands-on-deck game for the Bengals' air attack a week from Sunday against the division-rival Ravens on the road.