NFL Player News

Boyd brought in nine of 11 targets for 118 yards in the Bengals' 24-21 win over the Jaguars on Thursday night.

Boyd stepped up with team- and season-high figures in receptions and receiving yardage, making two critical catches on Cincinnati's final drive and benefitting overall from a game script that forced the Bengals to frequently take to the air in the second half after they faced a surprising 14-0 halftime deficit. Tee Higgins' second consecutive absence with a shoulder injury seemed to play a hand in Boyd's ascension Thursday, and he's now drawn 30 targets overall in his first four contests. The sure-handed slot man will look to continue producing in a potential Week 5 shootout with the Packers a week from Sunday.

Hopkins (ribs) practiced in full Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

During the portion of Thursday's session open to the media, Hopkins was seen stretching and running routes, marking his most visible on-field work during the past two weeks of prep, according to Alex Weiner of SI.com. With his return to a full practice, Hopkins is past his rib injury and in line to serve as the Cardinals' No. 1 WR, not only in name, but in terms of production. While playing through the pain Week 3 at Jacksonville, he logged a team-high 92-percent share of the snaps on offense among Cardinals wide receivers but had just three catches (on six targets) for 21 yards. Meanwhile, A.J. Green and Christian Kirk both put up at least 100 yards receiving.

Chark suffered a fractured ankle during Thursay's matchup against the Bengals, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Chark is out indefinitely. This is a significant injury for the Jaguars, who have struggled to an 0-3 start before Thursday's game. Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault should be considered the main beneficiaries of Chark's absence, while Tyron Johnson and Tavon Austin can replace some of the speed that Chark offers.

Chark exited Thursday's game against the Bengals with a left leg injury, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Right tackle Jawaan Taylor fell onto Chark's left leg while blocking for a James Robinson carry during the first drive of the game. Chark couldn't put any weight on his left leg as he went to the cart. The Jaguars should provide more details on the nature and severity of Chark's injury during the postgame presser at the latest. Tyron Johnson and Tavon Austin could work as a deep threat in Chark's place, though Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault should lead the target share.

Eskridge (concussion) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

While Eskridge made his first noticeable step through the concussion protocol after seven consecutive absences from practice, the Seahawks' top two wide receivers both experienced downgrades in activity level. From Wednesday to Thursday, Tyler Lockett (hip) went from limited to a non-participant, while DK Metcalf (foot) was added to the injury report as limited in the latter session. It's unclear who among the trio will be available Sunday at San Francisco, but Eskridge himself likely has a few more phases to get through before he gains clearance to play.

Dorsett signed with the Seahawks' practice squad Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Dorsett was on the Seahawks' roster for the entire 2020 season, but he didn't play a game due to a foot injury. The 2015 first-round pick suited up for the Jaguars in Week 3 against the Cardinals but logged just one target on seven offensive snaps. He was subsequently cut. The speedster could get an opportunity if Tyler Lockett (hip) or DK Metcalf (foot) miss time.

Metcalf was added to the Seahawks' Week 4 injury report Thursday, when he was limited in practice by a foot issue, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Through three-plus weeks of the current campaign, Metcalf had avoided being anything but a full participant in practice. Now with a cloud hanging over his status, the Seahawks' group of wide receivers is banged-up, with Tyler Lockett (hip) downgrading from limited Wednesday to no activity one day later and Dee Eskridge making his first notable progress through the concussion protocol with a limited showing Thursday. As a result, Seattle's WR corps as a whole will be one to monitor closely as the week goes on.

Mickens (abdomen) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Mickens was limited Wednesday after missing the team's Week 3 loss to the Rams due to an abdomen injury, but he has apparently been cleared moving forward. The 27-year-old wideout has yet to log an offensive snap, but he does serve as the team's primary kick and punt returner.

Lockett (hip) was held out of practice Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Lockett tested the waters Wednesday following a scary sequence this past Sunday in which his leg was twisted and he remained on the turf for a spell. He remained in that game, but after Wednesday's limited session he logged no activity just one day later. The Seahawks may just be exercising extreme caution with one of their top playmakers, especially with fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf joining Lockett on Thursday's injury report as limited with a foot injury. The status of both players is worth watching closely as the weekend approaches.

Bateman (groin) has resumed practicing with the Ravens.

Bateman was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and has turned in practices on back-to-back days since then with seemingly no issue. Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun notes that Bateman could debut as early as Sunday against Denver, but it's unclear whether that will be the case. When ready, Bateman projects to immediately challenge Devin Duvernay for snaps.