NFL Player News

Samuel (undisclosed) returned to practice Wednesday, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Samuel was limited to working out on the side during Tuesday's practice while he contended with some unspecified muscle tightness, but his return to the field Wednesday indicates that the issue was minor. Assuming his health and availability remain intact, Samuel is being counted on to be a key target in the 49ers' passing game in 2021 alongside fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk and star tight end George Kittle.

Beckham (knee) is expected to join team drills next week, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.

While all reports about Beckham's progress have been positive, the Browns will wait a little bit before throwing him into full-team contact work. Coming back from an ACL tear, the 28-year-old is well on his way to making a Week 1 appearance against the Chiefs, as he's been practicing in at least a limited capacity since June minicamp. Clearance for full-team contact work will be the final step in his rehab/return process, apart from actually playing in a football game.

Arcega-Whiteside has been comfortable while playing more in the slot to begin training camp, Martin Frank of The Delaware News Journal reports.

Arcega-Whiteside appeared in just eight games last year, and he hauled in four of his eight targets for 85 yards. The 24-year-old has largely disappointed across his first two NFL seasons, as he's totaled 14 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown. He lined up in the slot for 55.3 percent of his snaps in 2020, and he'll attempt to carve out a larger target share after he focused on getting back to basics during the offseason.

Smith (undisclosed) isn't practicing Wednesday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Smith left Tuesday's practice early, further depleting the Saints' already-thin wideout corps. Michael Thomas (ankle) won't be ready for the early part of the regular season, so Smith could be the No. 1 receiver once he recovers from his current issue.

Reynolds has not been at practice since Thursay, likely due to an undisclosed injury, John Glennon of BroadwaySportsMedia.com reports.

Reynolds was seen leaving practice early Thursday, though it didn't stand out as an issue at the time because the team has given veterans days off throughout camp. However, it may now be worth noting his absence, as it has extended to five days after he remained out Tuesday. Reynolds was viewed as the team's No. 2 receiver until the addition of Julio Jones. While he should still have a role as the Titans' third wideout, this missed practice time is concerning given that he just joined the team this offseason.

Harris (core muscle) participated in full pads at Tuesday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Harris underwent core muscle surgery this summer, which delayed his introduction to on-field work at training camp. Before the injury, he handled significant reps during the offseason program. A fourth-round rookie who is transitioning from wide receiver to tight end, the 6-foot-5, 219-pounder has a chance to move up the depth chart in a TE group that lost Gerald Everett in the offseason. Now that he's inched closer to full health, Harris will compete with Johnny Mundt and Brycen Hopkins for depth chart slotting behind top option Tyler Higbee.

The Cardinals signed Dortch on Tuesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Dortch's only NFL action came in 2019, when he logged two appearances with the Panthers. In those games Dortch only contributed on special teams, returning four punts and five kicks. He'll likely spend training camp in Arizona competing for touches in the return game.

Patrick (leg) returned to practice over the weekend, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official website reports.

Patrick was held out Friday with a sore leg but apparently didn't miss much time. He's competing with KJ Hamler (reserve/COVID-19) for the No. 3 receiver job, though the loser of the battle also figures to have a role of some sort in the Denver offense.

Samuel is dealing with muscle tightness and was limited to side work during Tuesday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Durability has been a major concern for Samuel through two pro seasons, with the most recent issue being a hamstring injury that cost him the final three weeks of 2020. He returned healthy for the offseason program and is locked in alongside WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle as a crucial component of the San Francisco passing game. Samuel's medical history may not be ideal, but coach Kyle Shanahan suggested the current injury is minor.

Ridley is back at full strength and says his practice reps have been managed as part of a long-term plan, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Ridley had minor foot surgery this spring and was held out of Atlanta's offseason program, but he doesn't appear to have any restrictions at camp, apart from the Falcons limiting his reps in anticipation of a busy season. He put up 90-1,374-9 on 143 targets last year, and with Julio Jones now out of the picture, Ridley is among the favorites to lead the NFL in targets and receiving yards.