NFL Player News

Coach Bruce Arians said Friday that he thinks Godwin (hamstring) will return for Sunday's game against Green Bay, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

It sounds like the wide receiver will be treated as a game-time decision, but with a general sense of optimism that he'll be able to suit up. Godwin was a limited practice participant both Wednesday and Thursday, taking a tangible step forward after he was a non-participant all last week. A 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff isn't ideal for fantasy purposes, but it is possible Godwin's status becomes clear before Sunday afternoon.

Coach Adam Gase said Friday that Perriman (ankle) is expected to suit up in Miami on Sunday, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Perriman began the week with back-to-back limited sessions, though the extent of his activity during Friday's practice won't be revealed until the Jets' final injury report of the week is released. After missing New York's last three contests due to a lingering ankle injury, it looks like Perriman is on track to step back into his usual starting role versus the Dolphins.

Beckham (illness) tested negative for COVID-19 but won't return to the team facility Friday due to the virus-related protocols, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The 27-year-old was sent home by the Browns due to an illness on Thursday, but he can't return to the facility Friday due to the protocols that are in place, even with the negative test. Beckham's status for Sunday's matchup with the Steelers should receive additional clarity when the team releases its official injury report later in the day, but the illness plus his lack of practice to finish the week likely means he'll at least receive the questionable tag.

Kirkwood (shoulder) is expected to be activated from injured reserve this week, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

The former Saint has yet to make his debut for Carolina after sustaining a broken clavicle during training camp. He was designated to return from injured reserve Sept. 30 upon resuming practice participation, beginning the three-week clock for the Panthers to either place him on season-ending IR or bring him onto the active roster. Carolina elected for the latter option, meaning that Kirkwood will add depth at receiver for the Panthers' top-five passing attack.

Osborn (hamstring) did not practice Thursday.

Osborn looks to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game against the Falcons. If he's forced to miss a second straight contest due to his hamstring injury, Chad Beebe will once again return punts while Ameer Abdullah takes back kickoffs.

Samuel (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Near the tail end of last season, Samuel tended to a knee injury in advance of two different games but still suited up. On this occasion, the Panthers capped his practice reps for a second day in a row, leaving him one more opportunity to elevate to full participation. During Christian McCaffrey's (ankle) absence, Samuel has been used as both a pass catcher and rusher, but he's only surpassed 50 yards from scrimmage two times and has no touchdowns through five contests.

Miller (hip/groin) remained limited at Thursday's practice.

Miller seemed to be the healthiest of the Bucs' available wide receivers last Thursday in Chicago, but he was blanked in the box score, despite earning 63 percent of the snaps on offense. With Mike Evans (ankle) logging a limited session for the first time in weeks Thursday and Chris Godwin (hamstring) maintaining that activity level, the group clearly is getting healthier as the team prepares for Sunday's showdown with the Packers. Friday's injury report will give a better sense of the trio's Week 6 availability.

Godwin (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday.

For the second day in a row, the Buccaneers listed Godwin with LP next to his name. He's working his way back from a right hamstring strain, so his Week 6 availability could come down to the wire, but Friday's practice report will give an indication of whether he's trending toward his first appearance since Week 3. Elsewhere in the Tampa Bay receiving corps, Mike Evans (ankle) returned to practice with a cap on his reps, Scotty Miller (hip/groin) again was limited, and Justin Watson (chest) remained a full participant.

Evans (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

After the session, Evans told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that he's "definitely feeling better" after last Thursday's loss at Chicago. "Still some soreness, but nothing I can't play through." Evans' ability to get on the field bodes well for his upcoming availability, and he may have Chris Godwin (hamstring) at his side after his teammate logged a second consecutive limited session Thursday. Meanwhile, Scotty Miller (hip/groin) also had LP next to his name, and Justin Watson (chest) continued to practice in full.

Gage (shoulder) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Gage received 62 percent of the snaps on offense during a Week 5 loss to the Panthers, but the workload didn't show up in the box score, as he managed two catches (on five targets) for 16 yards. The performance occurred in the midst of Julio Jones (hamstring) sitting out, so Gage himself may have been inhibited by his shoulder injury. Jones has been listed as a DNP this week, and if the absence continues into Sunday's game in Minnesota, Gage could be in line for a number of targets, assuming he's active.