NFL Player News

Hopkins was limited at Wednesday's practice for a non-injury-related reason, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hopkins missed some practice reps in the second half of August due to a tight hamstring, but the injury hasn't followed him into the regular season. With no health concern to speak of, Hopkins can begin to the live up to the two-year, $54.5 million extension he inked with the Cardinals on Tuesday. Prior to joining the team back in March, Hopkins managed a huge burden for the Texans, handling 162.9 targets per 16 games during his last six seasons in Houston. He may not sniff that number in 2020 in an offense that also includes Kenyan Drake, Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald, but yet another 1,000-yard campaign is a logical goal for Hopkins as he works with ascending quarterback Kyler Murray.

Samuel (foot) didn't practice Wednesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Prior to drills, coach Kyle Shanahan gave Samuel a "small chance" to practice, but ultimately, the second-year wide receiver didn't fit in any reps. Samuel is in the final stages of his recovery from a Jones fracture in his left foot. That said, he likely has to prove he can operate somewhat close to normal to get the all-clear from the 49ers' medical staff. Samuel has two more chances to take the practice field before San Francisco opens its season Sunday against the Cardinals.

Bourne is listed as a starter on the unofficial depth chart released by San Francisco on Wednesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bourne's standing above rookie first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) could be attributed in part to veteran deference, but it's worth noting that neither Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel (foot) can be considered a lock for Week 1. If any combination of Samuel and Aiyuk were forced to sit out Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, Bourne would certainly see increased work, and the depth chart has him ahead of both Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis. Bourne showcased a knack for the red zone in 2019, with five scores on just 30 receptions, so he could be a sneaky fantasy option for Week 1 if he's indeed handed a starting role.

Johnson (undisclosed) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Johnson was plagued by an undisclosed injury throughout much of training camp, but he now looks on track for Sunday's season opener in New Orleans. The rookie fifth-round pick is listed behind Justin Watson as a backup to Mike Evans (hamstring) on the Buccaneers' unofficial depth chart, and as the overall co-No.5 receiver overall alongside Jaydon Mickens.

Crowder (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Costello believes the hamstring issue is also what caused Crowder to be pulled from practice last week. Given his full participation in the Jets' first official session of Week 1, Crowder should be out there Sunday in Buffalo, even though he might not be operating at 100 percent.

Coach Bruce Arians told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Evans, who didn't practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, may be a game-time call Sunday at New Orleans.

Arians relayed Evans doesn't have to practice this week in order to play, but the decision will "go all the way to the wire." It should be noted Evans missed the final three games of last season due to a strained right hamstring, so his status will be watched closely as Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff draws closer. If he's unable to suit up, his absence would free up reps for Justin Watson, and perhaps rookie Tyler Johnson, who sit directly behind Evans on the depth chart.

Reagor (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Reagor has been labeled week-to-week due to the shoulder injury he sustained in late August, but the Eagles have thus far resisted ruling him out for Sunday's season opener at Washington. To that end, it was very encouraging to see the rookie first-round pick take part in Wednesday's padded practice in some fashion. As Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com notes, Reagor's return to practice at least leaves the door open for him to possibly take the field this weekend. Of course, the Eagles could also choose to take a cautious approach to Reagor's recovery and hold the rookie out for at least one game if there's any lingering concern about his shoulder.

Cooper (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Cooper has spent the last few weeks dealing with a hamstring injury, but he's now managed to resume handling unrestricted reps. Barring any setbacks, Cooper is fully on track to suit up against the Rams on Sunday Night Football. He'll lead a dangerous Dallas receiving group also consisting of Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb and tight end Blake Jarwin against Los Angeles' formidable secondary.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he doesn't expect Aiyuk (hamstring) to practice Wednesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

The 49ers' first official injury report of the season will be released later Wednesday, revealing whether or not Aiyuk was actually able to put any work in. Even if he's listed as a non-participant Wednesday as expected, the rookie first-round pick would still have a shot at playing in Sunday's season opener against the Cardinals with limited activity in session Thursday or Friday.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Samuel (foot) has "a small chance" to practice Wednesday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Wednesday's first official injury report of the season will ultimately reveal the extent of Samuel's activity, but Shanahan's comments suggest the wideout is trending toward either limited participation or none at all. Ideally, Samuel would put in a full practice by week's end for fantasy managers to feel good about his chances of suiting up in Sunday's season opener versus the Cardinals.