NFL Player News

James caught six of seven targets for 31 yards in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cowboys.

James led all 49er receivers in targets and receptions, but he was unable to do much with the opportunities. The 23-year-old has an uphill battle if he wants to carve out a role on offense this season after the club used two high draft picks on wideouts. James may have caught a break after projected starting slot receiver Trent Taylor needed to undergo surgery to his foot this weekend. If the latter heals up before the regular season, then James' best shot to make the 53-man roster will be on special teams.

Gibson (ankle) was waived/injured by the Eagles on Sunday.

Gibson is currently dealing with an ankle injury, but he'll head to the free-agent pool following Sunday's move. He was competing for a spot as a wideout and as a return man prior to being waived.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to challenge Pettis to earn a starting job this preseason, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

It was initially assumed that Pettis was the lone wideout to have a starting job secured heading into the 2019 season, but his head coach's statement puts that notion into question. The 23-year-old started Saturday's preseason opener, playing 17 snaps and failing to haul in his lone target. Rookie wideouts Deebo Samuel (two receptions for 61 yards) and Jalen Hurd (three receptions, 31 yards and two touchdowns) had far more promising games -- albeit against second-string defenders -- so Pettis will have to step things up in order to fend for his projected starting role this preseason.

Ridley (hamstring) returned to practice Sunday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The wideout, who suffered a hamstring injury back on July 25, missed the Falcons' first two preseason games, but he was back on the field, in full pads, Sunday. It's unclear if Ridley will suit up for Thursday's exhibition tilt against the Jets, but assuming no setbacks, the second-year player -- who hauled in 10 TD passes last season -- is on line to serve a key pass-catching role in an Atlanta wideout corps led by Julio Jones, one that also includes veteran Mohamed Sanu.

Gibson is dealing with an ankle injury and is considered week-to-week, Mike Kaye of NJ.com reports.

Gibson had been dealing with a foot injury in recent days and will likely continue to be sidelined. This news will hurt Gibson's chances as he tries to make the team as a depth receiver and on special teams.

Grayson suffered a knee injury that forced him to leave Saturday's preseason game against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

The Chiefs had waived Grayson just last season with an undisclosed injury, and it's unclear if this is a new injury. The depth wide receiver's absence shouldn't have an effect on the offense, but expect the team to update his status in the coming days.

St. Brown exited Sunday's practice early with a knee injury, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

St. Brown's injury hasn't been clarified and may be a minor issue. His absence will open up extra reps for Jake Kumerow, J'Mon Moore and Darrius Shepherd.

Taylor didn't play in Thursday's preseason win over New Orleans until the fourth quarter, which may indicate he's fallen down the depth chart, Chad Graff reports. Taylor had one reception for five yards on his lone target.

Taylor was seen as the early leader for the third-receiver role after spring workouts, but there hasn't been as much buzz about him in training camp. Chad Beebe looks to have passed him for the third-receiver role, but it's still early in the preseason.

Kirkwood hasn't practiced in the last week due to an undisclosed injury, Herbie Teope of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Kirkwood looked strong to start camp, but the longer he remains out the harder it will be for him to secure a role with the team to start the season. He should be considered questionable for the time being until more information is available. His absence will continue to mean increased reps for Austin Carr, Simmie Cobbs, and Emmanuel Butler.

Samuel caught two of four targets for 61 yards and carried one time for an additional 14 yards during Saturday's 17-9 win over the Cowboys.

Although Samuel received just three touches, he was perhaps his team's most impactful offensive player. He drew a deep pass interference call in the third quarter before taking a 45-yard reception into the red zone on the next play. Samuel also ripped off an impressive gain on the ground and will look to build off an excellent debut next Monday against Denver.