NFL Player News

Ward is listed as the Eagles' backup slot receiver behind starter Quez Watkins on the team's unofficial depth chart ahead of Sunday's Week 1 matchup with the Falcons.

Though he led all Philadelphia pass catchers with 53 receptions and six touchdowns in 2020, Ward finds himself without a starting role heading into Week 1 after the second-year Watkins surpassed him on the depth chart on the heels of an impressive training camp and preseason. The Eagles may have Ward rotate in with Watkins and play in four-wide formations, but it's clear the 26-year-old won't be handling the 70-plus-percent snap shares he frequently took on in 2020.

Mooney (back) is expected to play in Sunday's night's season opener against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Official confirmation of Mooney's Week 1 status will arrive when inactives are submitted in advance of Sunday's 8:20 ET kickoff, but supporting the notion that the wideout will be able to give it a go is that he practiced fully Friday after logging limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday.

The Browns want to see how Beckham (knee) feels prior to the game before determining his status for Sunday's season opener against Kansas City, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Meanwhile, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that the wideout is trending toward playing, but he notes that such an outcome hinges on Beckham -- who was limited at practice this past week -- avoiding any pre-game issues. Confirmation of Beckham's Week 1 status, either way, is slated to arrive upon the release of Cleveland's inactive list in advance of the team's 4:25 ET kickoff.

Erickson was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad ahead of Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Jets, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Erickson will serve as depth at wide receiver in the season opener since Shi Smith (shoulder) has been ruled out for the contest. The 28-year-old Erickson appeared in all 16 games for the Bengals last year but had just 12 receptions for 139 yards.

In his NFL regular-season debut Sunday against the Patriots, Waddle could see an expanded role in Miami's offense with Will Fuller (suspension) unavailable, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Per Furones, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is projected to play a key role in the Dolphins' run-pass option offense in any case, and with Fuller out this weekend Waddle should have an immediate opportunity to rekindle his on-field chemistry with his former college quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. At 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, Waddle profiles as an explosive playmaker, and while it remains to be seen how steady his volume will be early on in his pro career, the Alabama product has a chance to make an impact in Week 1 in tandem with fellow key pass catchers WR DeVante Parker and TE Mike Gesicki, as Fuller will be sitting this game out and Preston Williams is iffy with a foot injury.

Mickens was promoted from the Buccaneers' practice squad Friday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Mickens was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Cowboys, and he played 21 snaps on special teams. The 27-year-old recorded three kick returns for 92 yards while returning two punts for 21 yards, and he should continue to serve mainly as a contributor on special teams.

Skowronek (forearm) is doubtful for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Bears, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Skowronek underwent forearm surgery in mid-August that carries a recovery timetable of four to six weeks, and he's unlikely to be available for Sunday's season opener. However, the receiver wasn't placed on injured reserve to begin the season, which signals that he could return within the first few weeks.

Wilson should take on a larger role with teammate Michael Gallup (calf) expected to miss 3-to-5 weeks, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Wilson was the Cowboys' No. 4 receiver in Thursday's loss to Tampa Bay, hauling in each of his three targets for 24 yards. He now figures to be a distant No. 3 to Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb, but in an offense that could lead the NFL in pass attempts. Wilson was the team's fourth or fifth receiver for all of last year, catching 17 of 28 targets for 189 yards and two touchdowns (with 107 yards and both TDs in Week 3). The Cowboys could also give Noah Brown and rookie fifth-round pick Simi Fehoko some playing time while Gallup is on the shelf for the next month or so.

Sims and Dyami Brown should get more playing time after Curtis Samuel (groin) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Brown, a rookie third-round pick, is more interesting from a fantasy standpoint, as Sims failed to attract targets last year -- averaging 4.5 in 10 starts -- while playing in an offense that allowed RB J.D. McKissic and TE Logan Thomas to hit triple digits. That said, Sims finished the year with 9.9 yards per target, and at 6-5, 215, he's probably a better blocker than the rookie. Washington could use one or both to replace Samuel in the No. 2 receiver role, while Adam Humphries and J.D. McKissic also may benefit from a few extra snaps and/or targets.

Brown and Cam Sims are the top candidates to see more snaps after Curtis Samuel (groin) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Samuel has filled a few different roles over the years, and in Washington he was expected to be the No. 2 receiver, likely taking a lot of perimeter snaps given that slot specialist Adam Humphries also is on the team. Samuel's absence could lead to more touches for Humphries and satellite back J.D. McKissic, but Brown and Sims are more likely to benefit in terms of snap count. Brown is a rookie third-round pick, while Sims is a fourth-year pro who started 10 games last season but averaged just 4.5 targets in those contests. Washington hasn't announced whether Sims or Brown will be the main replacement for Samuel at wide receiver in Sunday's opener against the Chargers.