NFL Player News

The Browns promoted Jackson from the practice squad to the active roster Friday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Jackson, a quarterback in college at Mary-Hardin Baylor, had been signed by the Browns as a wide receiver. He was added to the 53-man roster after Cleveland placed linebacker Tanner Vallejo (hamstring) on injured reserve.

Agnew (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Agnew was a limited practice participant this week to earn the questionable tag but won't be available for Week 17. The 23-year-old was activated off injured reserve last week after missing nine games as he partially tore a ligament in his knee. It remains unclear if Agnew aggravated that injury or is dealing with a new issue, but he'll nonetheless be sidelined for the season finale.

McCaffrey was promoted to the 49ers' active roster Saturday.

McCaffrey was waived by San Francisco in late August and received a four-game suspension shortly thereafter before joining the team's practice squad in November. Marquise Goodwin (calf) was ruled out for Sunday and Dante Pettis (knee) is now on injured reserve, so there could be some offensive opportunities for the 24-year-old in the finale.

Pettis (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

The move means little for the status of Pettis' sprained MCL -- he was already ruled out for Week 17 on Monday -- as the 49ers are just clearing roster space for healthy players prior to the season finale. The rookie second-round pick caught 27 passes for 467 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games, coming on strong towards the end of the season. Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are likely to start at wide receiver Sunday against the Rams, with Marquise Goodwin (calf) also sidelined.

Jones was promoted to the Jets' 53-man roster Saturday.

Jones signed with the Jets' practice squad in October after being waived by the Chargers, and now makes his way to the active roster. The 26-year-old is likely to be buried on the depth chart, but Quincy Enunwa (ankle) is now on injured reserve and Jeramaine Kearse (Achilles) was already ruled out for Week 17. The Jets have no remaining established options at wide receiver behind Robby Anderson, which could lead to a few offensive opportunities for Jones in the finale.

Davis was placed on injured reserve Saturday due to a dislocated patella, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Giants announced earlier Saturday that Davis was placed on IR with a knee injury, but the specifics were previously undisclosed. The 23-year-old apparently suffered the minor dislocation while dancing in the locker room, bringing a bizarre end to his 2018 season.

Russell was promoted from the practice squad Saturday.

Russell will take the place of Jawill Davis (knee) on the 53-man active roster. Davis' injury leaves the Giants without a suitable punt returner, but Corey Coleman appears set to fill in at the role while Russell will act as depth at the wide receiver position.

Davis (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

It's unclear how Davis injured his knee, but he'll finish his rookie campaign with just four catches across seven games, as the Giants primarily used him on special teams. Alonzo Russell will take his place on the 53-man roster.

Smith expects to handle a sizable workload Sunday against Carolina, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. "With Ted [Ginn] being down this week, I'm going to be taking the majority of the load," Smith said after Friday's practice.

Smith's comment provides a strong hint that the Saints plan to rest Ginn, not to mention top target Michael Thomas and star running back Alvin Kamara. With Teddy Bridgewater already confirmed as the starter, it makes sense for players like Smith, Keith Kirkwood and RB Dwayne Washington to get most of the snaps while the team's starters get some rest before the playoffs. The rookie third-round pick made some noise during the middle part of the season, but he's caught just three passes in four games since his 10-catch, 157-yard explosion against the Eagles in Week 11.

Bourne may be the 49ers' de facto No. 1 wide receiver Sunday against the Rams with Marquise Goodwin (calf) and Dante Pettis (knee) sidelined, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bourne has handled at least 74 percent of the offensive snaps in six of the last eight games, a span in which he compiled 27 catches (on 41 targets) for 308 yards and one touchdown. With Goodwin and Pettis out of the picture, Bourne's primary competition for the attention of Nick Mullens will be tight end George Kittle. Also helping Bourne's cause is a Rams defense that has given up 9.1 YPT and 18 TDs to wideouts this season.