NFL Player News

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.

Woods said the Rams offense is in a good rhythm entering Week 1 against the Bears.

Running backs were another story, but key members of the Los Angeles passing game all appeared to stay healthy throughout spring practices and training camp, with most held out from games throughout the preseason. That includes Woods and new quarterback Matthew Stafford, who should provide better arm strength and pocket presence than former Rams QB Jared Goff, though Woods and Goff did have a strong connection. Woods will open the year taking aim at a Bears defense that's expected to start two second-year pros at cornerback (Jaylon Johnson and Kindle Vildor) after losing longtime starter Kyle Fuller this offseason.

Kupp is locked into a starring role in the Rams offense with Sunday's season opener against the Bears imminent, J.B. Long of the team's official site reports.

Kupp has had months to develop a rapport with new quarterback Matthew Stafford since his trade to L.A. on Jan. 30, but the context around the Rams' skill positions has changed since the offseason program. First and foremost, running back Cam Akers tore his Achilles while getting ready for training camp, taking away a key cog of the offense. Darrell Henderson remains the top option out of the backfield, with trade acquisition Sony Michel backing him up. Meanwhile, in the receiving corps, WR Robert Woods and TE Tyler Higbee are entrenched in the starting lineup, with 2020 second-round pick Van Jefferson, veteran DeSean Jackson and 2021 second-rounder Tutu Atwell rounding out the group of wideouts. Kupp nonetheless is in store for his usual high-volume role (8.3 targets per game the past two seasons) with an upgrade under center and a less explosive running game.

Callaway enters Week 1 against Green Bay as the Saints' likely No. 1 receiver, while Michael Thomas (ankle) is out for at least five games and Tre'Quan Smith (hamstring) for at least three, Amie Just of The Times-Picayune reports.

Thomas is on the PUP list, and Smith is on injured reserve. Callaway barely made the team as an undrafted rookie last season, but he now finds himself as the likely go-to receiver for Jameis Winston, who otherwise has Alvin Kamara and a couple of young, unproven tight ends. Callaway caught eight of nine targets for 165 yards in two preseason games, including a pair of TDs from Winston. The Saints' depth chart behind Callaway doesn't offer much, with Deonte Harris, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Chris Hogan and Ty Montgomery all candidates to handle various roles.

Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Friday that Gallup (calf) won't play Week 2 at the Chargers, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Gallup suffered a left calf strain Thursday in Tampa Bay. Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reported Friday that Gallup will be out 3-to-5 weeks, implying he won't be available until October, at the earliest. That said, McCarthy merely called Gallup's injury a "multi-week" concern, so the Cowboys may keep him off injured reserve with the hope he's on the front end of the above timetable to return. While Gallup is sidelined, Cedrick Wilson will occupy the No. 3 wide receiver role behind Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb.

McKenzie (shoulder) was listed as a full participant for the third straight day Friday and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's opener against the Steelers.

McKenzie's status was never really in doubt, and he appears primed to serve as the team's main return man against Pittsburgh. His ability to take the field may prove more important if starting wideout Emmanuel Sanders (foot) is limited or unable to suit up.

Agholor (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Dolphins after returning to a limited practice Friday.

Agholor didn't practice Thursday, so his return to the field Friday bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. If, however, the offseason acquisition is limited or out this weekend, added looks would be available for fellow WRs Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne.