NFL Player News

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday he considers Samuel (foot) to be healthy, but the wide receiver's focus now is "getting in game shape," David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

The 49ers opened a 21-day window Wednesday in which to activate Samuel from injured reserve. They'll use the next three days to get a sense of the "shape he's in, and if he can protect himself, he'll be out there," Shanahan told Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. As a result, Samuel may be able to rejoin a receiving corps that's been banged up throughout the season in Sunday's game against the Eagles. At the moment, Kendrick Bourne, Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Taylor, Mohamed Sanu and Dante Pettis are the wide receivers available for the 49ers.

Williams (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Williams' status will thus need to be tracked in advance of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. If he's limited or out this weekend, added snaps and targets behind behind top wide receiver Keenan Allen would be available for Jalen Guyton and KJ Hill.

The 49ers designated Samuel (foot) to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

The transaction opens up a 21-day practice window through which the 49ers will be able to evaluate Samuel for a return to the active roster. San Francisco could technically activate Samuel in time for him to suit up Sunday versus the Eagles, but the team is believed to be targeting its Week 5 game against the Dolphins for the wideout's 2020 debut. Kendrick Bourne and Brandon Aiyuk will continue to serve as the team's top wideouts until Samuel is able to return, with Trent Taylor, Mohamed Sanu and Dante Pettis all handling depth roles.

Edwards (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

With Ian Rapoport of NFL Network relaying earlier Wednesday that Edwards is considered week-to-week and is unlikely to play Sunday against the Bills, his absence from practice comes as little surprise. With Henry Ruggs (hamstring) also trending in the wrong direction for Week 4, the Raiders are expected to lean on the trio of Hunter Renfrow, Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones as their primary wideouts Week 4.

Sims (toe) didn't practice Wednesday, Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site reports.

Sims played through the injury in Sunday's 34-20 loss to Cleveland and handled his usual work in the return game, but his snap share on offense plummeted to 35 percent, way down from 83 and 91 percent over the first two weeks. The 23-year-old could bounce back into a larger role Week 4 against Baltimore, especially if fellow wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (wrist) isn't available. Inman also missed practice Wednesday.

Olszewski (foot) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Andrew Callahan of The Springfield Republican reports.

The Patriots have designated Olszewski to return from IR, meaning the team will have a 21-day window to add him to the active roster. He's expected to contribute as a depth wideout and option in the return game when healthy.

Kirkwood (shoulder) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.

The Panthers now have a 21-day window to decide whether to bring Kirkwood to the active roster or allow him to revert to season-ending IR. He'll play a depth role at wideout if activated.

Coach Bill O'Brien said Wednesday that he doesn't expect Coulter (neck) to come off injured reserve this week, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Coulter continues to nurse a neck strain he's been dealing with since late August. The rookie fifth-round pick's next opportunity to come off IR will come ahead of Week 5's game against the Jaguars.

Miller (hip/groin) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

The same applies to Chris Godwin (hamstring), who isn't expected to play Sunday against the Chargers. Miller's Week 4 status is less clear, but if both players end up sidelined this weekend and Justin Watson (shoulder) is also out, added targets would be available for rookie Tyler Johnson.

The Eagles placed Reagor (thumb) on injured reserve Wednesday, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Given that Reagor underwent surgery six days ago to repair a torn UCL in his right thumb, the Eagles' decision to delay his move to IR is a curious one. In any case, McManus relays that Reagor is doing well in his rehab, seemingly putting the rookie wideout on track for the three-week minimum stint on IR. The Eagles expect him to return to the lineup for their Week 7 game against the Giants on Oct. 22.