NFL Player News

Brown (ankle) is participating at Friday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Brown was limited at Wednesday's practice before sitting out Thursday, so it's a good sign to see him back on the field to finish the week. The 24-year-old should have a chance to suit up Sunday versus the Lions, and Friday's final injury report of the week will indicate whether or not he receives an injury designation.

Gage (ankle) wasn't seen during the early portions of Friday's practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Gage was unable to practice Wednesday and Thursday due to the ankle injury, and it appears he's headed for another absence Friday. The 25-year-old's availability for Sunday's matchup with the Giants remains a significant question mark.

Higgins (shoulder) is suited up for Friday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, so it's a good sign to see him back on the field Friday, even if he's only a limited participant. It remains unclear whether the 22-year-old will be able to avoid an injury designation, but he should have a chance to play Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Coach Robert Saleh said Crowder (groin) is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday's game at Denver, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

The Jets have yet to release their updated injury report, but it appears Crowder will receive the questionable tag after being a non-participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday. The 28-year-old was expected to make his season debut last Sunday against the Patriots, but he was inactive for the second straight contest since the groin injury flared up late in the week.

Cooper said Thursday his bruised ribs are improving, DallasCowboys.com reports. "I'm getting better every day. I think I'll be good to go for Monday night," he said after practice on 105.3 The Fan.

The receiver was only a limited participant in practice, but it's still an encouraging sign for his availability in Week 3 against the Eagles after he took a shot to the ribs late in last week's win over the Chargers. If Cooper is able to suit up, he'll be facing a Philly secondary that's held both the Falcons and 49ers below 200 passing yards in its first two contests.

Beckham (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Bears, barring a setback, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.

The 28-year-old was a full participant at practice Wednesday and Thursday, and the Browns have apparently liked what they've seen from their star wideout. However, Beckham may still carry an injury designation and could end up being a game-time decision as he continues to be evaluated ahead of his return from surgery to repair a torn ACL.

Erickson caught his only target for 25 yards in Thursday night's 24-9 win over the Texans.

Erickson handled his usual return duties, taking back two punts for 17 yards, but the veteran also featured on six offensive plays. That involvement helped Erickson make his first catch as a Panther, setting the team up for its second score with his red-zone-entering gain Thursday. Although it's unlikely Erickson will factor into the offense much on a week-to-week basis, his contribution in Carolina's latest win should keep him in the mix for occasional snaps.

Marshall caught four of five targets for 48 yards in Thursday night's 24-9 win over the Texans.

Marshall made a good impact on crossing routes, trailing only DJ Moore in all major receiving categories for the Panthers. The rookie second-rounder is yet to have his breakout game, but Marshall remained steadily involved in Carolina's first three outings. In fact, with 10 catches, he actually sports twice as many grabs as teammate Robby Anderson. In Week 4 versus the Cowboys, Marshall will strive to continue his momentum while finding the end zone for the first time.

Conley failed to bring in his only target in the Texans' 24-9 loss to the Panthers on Thursday night.

The veteran disappointingly failed to get on the stat sheet despite the Texans playing short-handed at the receiver position with Danny Amendola (thigh) inactive. Through three games with his new squad, Conley has brought in three of five targets for 40 yards on the heels of back-to-back 40-reception seasons in Jacksonville over the last two campaigns. Given his past body of work, Conley's role should grow at least somewhat in coming games, and he'll look to make a bigger contribution in a Week 4 road clash with the Bills a week from Sunday.

Anderson caught one of two targets for just eight yards in Thursday night's 24-9 win over the Texans.

Anderson has gotten off to a relatively slow start this season, managing just five catches through Carolina's first three contests. His first target Thursday resulted in a drop and Anderson was only looked at once afterward. Conversely, teammate DJ Moore fueled the Panthers offense without Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) available for most the game, finishing with over 125 receiving yards. With a long preparation period before Week 4's trip to Dallas, Anderson -- who had 95 catches for over 1,000 yards last season -- will strive to re-establish his presence in the passing game.