NFL Player News

Samuel (groin) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel suffered a groin strain during Sunday's 20-7 road win against the Rams and hasn't taken the practice field in the meantime. While his status for Week 7 at Washington may be threatened, the 49ers will give a sense of his availability on Friday's injury report.

Valdez-Scantling (ankle/knee) didn't practice Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Valdez-Scantling suffered undisclosed ankle and knee injuries when he was rolled up on during Monday's last-second victory against the Lions. While he was compromised, health-wise, he still played 77 percent of the snaps on offense en route to two receptions (on two targets) for 48 yards. The Packers' receiving corps is littered by injuries this week -- also, Davante Adams (toe), Geronimo Allison (concussion/chest), Jimmy Graham (ankle) and Robert Tonyan (hip) -- so whoever suits up could have plenty of opportunity to produce against the Raiders' 22nd-ranked pass defense.

Kirk (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Kirk continues to have a cap on his reps, but at least he's practicing as his right ankle gets healthier. On Wednesday, coach Kliff Kingsbury even told Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com that Kirk is "closer than he was last week." Kirk still must display an ability to cut while running, though, so he may have to progress to full participation Friday to get the all-clear for Sunday's road game versus the Giants.

Smith (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Smith hasn't practiced since injuring his ankle in the Week 5 win over the Buccaneers and looks to be trending toward his fourth absence of the season Friday in Chicago. If that's the case, Austin Carr and Lil'Jordan Humphrey could split No. 3 receiver duties again, but that duo has combined to draw only one target across 144 offensive snaps this season.

Cobb (back) was held out of practice Thursday, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

As expected, the Cowboys opted to rest Cobb as he tends to a back injury. Both Cobb and Amari Cooper (ankle/quadriceps) have been DNPs this week, while No. 2 wide receiver Michael Gallup (knee) logged back-to-back limited showings Wednesday and Thursday. Friday's injury report will give a sense of Cobb's potential to play Sunday versus the Eagles, but the dual absences from he and Cooper are opening the door for Tavon Austin and Cedrick Wilson to have significant roles yet again.

Hopkins (ribs) practiced fully Thursday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The same applies to Will Fuller (calf, oblique), which sets the stage for the Texans' top two pass catchers to play Sunday against the Colts. Hopkins will thus continue to operate in a high-volume role in the Texans offense this weekend, on the heels of being targeted 12 times (for nine catches and 55 yards) in Week 6's 31-24 win over the Chiefs.

Grant (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Grant sat out Week 6 against the Redskins despite practicing in a limited fashion all week, and he's yet to take a tangible step forward in his recovery. His availability for Sunday's tilt against the Bills will likely be determined based on what he's able to do in Friday's practice. If Grant is able to suit up, he'll serve as Miami's top kick and punt returner.

Dorsett (hamstring) was limited at Thursday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Jim McBride of The Boston Globe previously noted that Dorsett was moving well during Thursday's practice, which bodes well for the wideout's chances of playing Monday night against the Jets. If he suits up for the contest and Josh Gordon (knee/ankle) -- who didn't practice Thursday -- ends up sidelined, Dorsett could potentially be busy in Week 7.

Gallup (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Gallup maintained his activity level for a second consecutive day, which cannot be said for Amari Cooper (ankle/quadriceps) and Randall Cobb (back). Cooper intends to attempt to practice Friday, but also admitted that he's unsure if he'll be able to suit up Sunday night against the Eagles, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Even if a compromised Cooper does so, Gallup seems poised to be the top receiving option for Dak Prescott this weekend.

Adams (toe) wasn't present Thursday for the Packers' practice session, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Though Adams was a spectator for the Packers' second consecutive practice of Week 7, the wideout noted after the session concluded that his sprained right toe feels "a million times better" compared to when he initially got injured Sept. 26 against the Eagles, per Schneidman. That said, Adams wasn't willing to speculate on when he might return to action, suggesting he's likely trending toward a third straight missed game Sunday against the Raiders.