NFL Player News

Samuel (groin) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Bengals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Samuel missed the 49ers' Week 13 matchup against Seattle, though he'll have the chance to limit his absence to one game. He logged a limited practice Friday officially, though coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Samuel did everything in the session. It's unclear if Samuel will return to his full workload as both a receiver and rusher if he is active, though the absence of Elijah Mitchell (knee/concussion) should help that cause. Finally, be sure to check Samuel's official status prior to kickoff at 4:25 P.M. ET.

Samuel (groin), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, is considered likely to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Samuel has played in both of Washington's last two games, albeit while taking on limited snaps. After he was able to practice on a limited basis throughout the week, Samuel's expected availability for Sunday comes as little surprise. Even so, Samuel won't be officially cleared until he avoids the inactive list, which will be released 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Cole is set to see an expanded role in the Jets' offense in Sunday's matchup against the Saints after Elijah Moore (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Moore will be sidelined for at least three next three games, while the Jets' No. 1 receiver to open 2021, Corey Davis (groin), will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. The absences of Moore and Davis leaves Jamison Crowder as the only healthy starting receiver, so both he and Cole should be in store for elevated profiles in the passing attack. In 10 games this season, Cole has reached five targets only three times and topped 50 yards in a game only twice.

Winston was promoted to the Saints' active roster Saturday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Winston's promotion comes with the Saints potentially very thin at wide receiver Sunday against the Jets. With Lil'Jordan Humphrey (hamstring) questionable, Ty Montgomery on the reserve/COVID-19 list and Deonte Harris suspended, Winston will provide depth in the Saints' wide receiver unit.

Johnson was elevated from the Raiders' practice squad Saturday.

Johnson joined the Raiders' practice squad Nov. 18, just two days after being let go by the Jaguars. He appeared in five games with Jacksonville this season and 12 with the Chargers last season. The 25-year-old has 22 catches on 31 targets for 414 yards and 3 touchdowns across those 17 games. He'll look to provide depth in the Raiders' wide receiver group Sunday against the Chiefs.

The 49ers signed Cracraft from their practice squad Saturday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Cracraft was elevated for the 49ers' Week 13 matchup with Seattle and appeared on 14 special-teams snaps. With Deebo Samuel (groin) questionable for Sunday against the Bengals, Cracraft has a small chance of seeing some snaps on offense if Samuel were to sit out.

Smith was elevated from the practice squad Saturday.

Smith has been on the Jets' practice squad throughout the season, though he has not yet been active for a game. With Elijah Moore (quadriceps) and Corey Davis (groin) both sidelined, Smith could serve a depth role on offense and also figures to contribute on special teams.

McMath (quadriceps) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

McMath has been sidelined since Week 4 with a quadriceps injury. The rookie had served primarily on special teams, but he could see a slight uptick in offensive role with A.J. Brown (chest) still sidelined. McMath should also be a special teams contributor.

Darden has been cleared from concussion protocol and will play against the Bills on Sunday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After he was previously listed as questionable, Darden's return will provide a big boost to Tampa Bay's special teams unit as the 22-year-old is a talented kick returner. Additionally, Darden adds some depth at the wide receiver position for Buccaneers.

The Texans signed Dorsett to the active roster Saturday.

It didn't take long for Dorsett to make his way up to the active roster after joining the practice squad earlier this week. As a result, the veteran wide receiver is now set to appear on his third team this season. The 28-year-old has just one reception despite being active for three games in 2021, but with the Texans lacking any reliable veteran targets outside of Brandin Cooks (back) and Chris Conley, it's possible Dorsett could be involved more Sunday.