NFL Player News

Reed (foot) was signed to the Chargers' practice squad Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

The 2020 fifth-round pick was always a candidate to return to the team's practice squad should he clear waivers. Reed was primarily a special teams asset in his rookie campaign and could fill the same void later this season.

The Jaguars signed Dorsett to their practice squad Wednesday.

Dorsett didn't make Jacksonville's initial 53-man roster, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him be bumped from the practice squad at some point during the 2021 season. The 2015 first-round pick missed the entire 2020 campaign due to a foot injury, and in the previous five seasons, he operated as an occasional deep threat on offense for the Patriots and Colts.

Smith was added to the Jets' practice squad Wednesday, Andy Vasquez of USA Today Sports reports.

Smith passed through waivers unclaimed after being cut by the Jets on Tuesday, allowing New York to stash him on the practice squad. Injuries limited Smith's impact last season, but he produced 277 scrimmage yards for the Jets in 2019, suggesting he can fill in capably if the injury bug bites the team's receiving corps.

Crowder sat out Wednesday's practice with a groin injury and will be re-evaluated Monday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Crowder will miss practice for the rest of the week, putting his availability in doubt for the Jets' Sept. 12 season opener at Carolina. While general manager Joe Douglas doesn't believe the current issue is serious, Crowder has a noteworthy history of upper-leg injuries, including two missed games last October with a groin issue. Any missed time this season would free up snaps and targets for Elijah Moore, Keelan Cole and/or Braxton Berrios, all of whom are potential options in the slot. Denzel Mims (hip) could also pick up some snaps if Moore and Cole end up spending more time inside.

Pittman is expected to step in as the Colts' No. 1 receiver for at least the first three weeks of the season with T.Y. Hilton (neck) headed to injured reserve after undergoing surgery Wednesday, Michael Baca of NFL.com reports.

Even before he had the procedure to address a disc issue, Hilton was no longer the undisputed top option in the Indianapolis wideout room, but his absence nonetheless boosts early season target projections for Pittman, Zach Pascal and Parris Campbell. Given that he's locked in as a starter on the heels of a solid rookie campaign, Pittman looks like the upside play out of that group, though he profiles as a possession receiver more so than a big-play threat. He showed strength and elusiveness after the catch last season, creating some fantasy intrigue even if downfield targets are few and far between. The Colts expect Hilton to return this season, possibly as soon as October.

The Bears claimed Webster off waivers from the 49ers on Wednesday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Webster appeared in 21 games with the Rams from 2019-20, in which span he contributed almost exclusively on special teams. He should handle a similar role with the Bears, but Webster will nonetheless remain firmly off the fantasy radar.

The Patriots will place Harry (shoulder) on injured reserve in the coming days, Andrew Callahan of Boston Herald reports.

Once the move is official, the wideout won't be eligible to return to action until Week 4 at the earliest, but a stint on IR should give Harry the time he needs to recover from a shoulder injury. When he rejoins the roster, the 2019 first-round pick will rejoin a New England wideout corps currently headed by Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne.

Crowder isn't present at Wednesday's practice, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

Crowder hasn't been listed among the Jets' injured players of late, making his absence Wednesday somewhat notable. Of course, the 28-year-old wideout could simply be dealing with a personal matter or a minor injury. With teams around the league also tinkering with initial 53-man rosters, and rookie second-round pick Elijah Moore competing for slot reps, Crowder could still be a trade candidate.

Smith-Marsette is slated to operate as Minnesota's top return man after the team released Ameer Abdullah on Tuesday, Arif Hasan of The Athletic reports.

Smith-Marsette has been explosive while fielding both kicks and punts through the preseason, and the Vikings are hoping the rookie fifth-round pick from Iowa can maintain his momentum into the regular season. If Smith-Marsette can continue to progress in his development, he could also earn designed opportunities as a field stretcher on offense.

Boykin (hamstring) is not practicing Wednesday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Boykin got some work in on a separate field Wednesday, but a timetable for his return remains undisclosed. Even if Boykin manages to gain clearance in time for the Sept. 13 season opener in Las Vegas, he no longer has a clear path to offensive touches in Baltimore's crowded receiver corps. On the other hand, while rookie first-round pick Rashod Bateman (groin) works his way back to health, Boykin could handle an increased role if available.