NFL Player News

Cooks secured nine of 11 targets for 112 yards and rushed once for five yards in the Texans' 24-9 loss to the Panthers on Thursday night.

The speedy veteran continued the fast start to his season, seemingly undeterred by the fact he was playing with a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start in Davis Mills. Cooks comfortably paced the Texans in receptions, receiving yardage and targets on a night when Mills turned to him often after the two had also connected for a two-yard touchdown in Week 2 against the Browns. Cooks now boasts 23 receptions for 322 yards and Sunday's touchdown grab over three games, and he should therefore be primed for plenty of work in a Week 4 road battle against the Bills on Sunday, Oct. 3.

Moore caught eight of 12 targets for 126 yards in Thursday night's 24-9 win over the Texans.

Moore was targeted frequently during the first half, helping the Panthers gain first downs with a variety of catches between the numbers. In fact, the wideout hit 100 yards on his six grabs by halftime. Although he understandably couldn't maintain that pace in the second half -- and was briefly seen being examined by trainers on the sideline before re-entering the game -- Moore overall helped Carolina's offense compensate for Christian McCaffrey's (hamstring) second-quarter exit. Quietly coming off consecutive seasons with 1,200 scrimmage yards, Moore has put up at least 75 yards in each of his three games to begin the current campaign, continuing his stock's ascent among receivers league-wide.

Eskridge (concussion) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Eskridge hasn't been seen on the practice field since Week 1 prep, as he sustained a concussion in the Seahawks' season opener. Until he begins to fit in some drills, he'll be embedded in the NFL's protocol for head injuries. While Eskridge has been sidelined, the rookie second-rounder hasn't been able to challenge Freddie Swain (back) for the role of No. 3 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Smith (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Thursday at Houston, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Smith has been tending to a shoulder issue since Carolina's preseason finale, which was expected to keep him out for 2-to-3 weeks. But since coming off the practice report entirely this week, his pro debut still awaits. Smith may need an injury to a wide receiver ahead of him on the depth chart to do so.

Beckham (knee) logged his second straight full practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Though back-to-back full practices have Beckham trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Bears approaches, when asked if he was in line to return to action Week 3, the wideout replied, "We'll see. Taking it (one) day at a time," according to Jake Trotter of ESPN. Meanwhile, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram notes that offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt suggests that while the Browns are hopeful that Beckham can make his season debut this weekend, the team is likely to take the decision to game time.

Johnson (knee) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

With two missed practices to begin Week 3 prep, Johnson is seemingly trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals. The Steelers haven't officially ruled Johnson out for the contest, but he'll most likely be headed for an inactive status if he fails to log any practice activity Friday. Should Johnson sit out Sunday, James Washington would likely be the top candidate to see added snaps alongside starting receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool.

Mooney (groin) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Prior to having his practice reps capped this week due to a groin injury, Mooney had them managed during prep for the first two games of the season with a back issue. The second-year wide receiver still was able to suit up Weeks 1 and 2, combining for 11 catches (on 15 targets) for 92 yards and no touchdowns. Friday's injury report may clear up Mooney's standing heading into the weekend.

Arcega-Whiteside (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Arcega-Whiteside's ankle has been barking since he hurt it in the season opener, but he was able to play through the injury in Week 2 and will likely dress Monday against the Cowboys barring a setback. That said, his limited involvement in the Eagles' run-heavy offense coupled with the lack of replacement options in the event JJAW sits means you're probably better off looking elsewhere in search of wide receiver help this week.

Moore was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.

If he's active, Moore will work as a depth target for rookie quarterback Davis Mills in Mills' first NFL start. Moore has 61 games of NFL experience under his belt, all with Baltimore. The 28-year-old wide receiver totaled 47 catches for 511 yards and four touchdowns over the course of five seasons with the Ravens.

Higgins (shoulder) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Back-to-back DNPs to start the week puts the focus on what, if anything, Higgins is able to do at practice Friday. If he's out or limited this weekend, more WR targets would be freed up for Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd, while either Auden Tate or Mike Thomas would be candidates to see added complementary snaps in Cincinnati's Week 3 passing game.