NFL Player News

Lamb (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

According to Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, Lamb continues to focus on resistance training versus actual drills on the practice field, and he'll have just one more chance for on-field work Friday before the Cowboys potentially make a ruling on his availability for Week 6 action. If Lamb is listed as out ahead of Sunday's game at Carolina, wideouts George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy, tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Javonte Williams will be the primary pass catchers at quarterback Dak Prescott's disposal.

Watson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Since the Packers designated him for return from the reserve/PUP list Monday, Watson has operated with a cap on his practice reps through two sessions, giving him just one more chance to prove his health this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his availability for Sunday's contest against the Bengals. Watson is seeking his first game action since tearing the ACL in his right knee Week 18 of last season.

Brown (groin/knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Head coach Dan Quinn clarified that Brown's absence, which dates back to Week 2 against the Packers, has been related primarily to his groin injury rather than the knee injury that bothered Brown during camp, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Brown seems to be a step ahead in his recovery compared to Terry McLaurin (quadriceps), who was listed as a non-participant Thursday. Both receivers are hoping to return from multi-week absences Monday against the Bears.

Pearsall (knee) was working on the side with a sleeve on his right leg during Thursday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Pearsall has yet to practice since picking up a minor PCL injury in his right knee during a Week 4 loss to the Jaguars, but GM John Lynch said Thursday that the second-year wide receiver "hasn't given up hope" on playing Sunday in Tampa Bay, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com. In the end, though, Pearsall likely will need to mix into drills Friday to put himself in a position to do so.

Jennings (ankle/rib) returned to practice Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

This marks Jennings' first on-field work since Week 4 prep as he tends to lingering ankle and rib injuries. GM John Lynch said earlier Thursday that Jennings may be limited at the 49ers' upcoming session and also return for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. The team's second Week 6 practice report will reveal Jennings' activity level Thursday, but he likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid a designation entering the weekend.

St. Brown (wrist) practiced fully Thursday.

After sitting out Wednesday's session due to a wrist injury, St. Brown was spotted on the practice field Thursday, and his activity level indicates that the issue isn't much of a concern. He'll thus turn his focus to a Chiefs defense Sunday that has allowed 7.5 YPT (21st in the NFL) and just four touchdown catches to wide receivers in five games this season.

Pierce (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Pierce has missed two straight games but has now logged back-to-back full practices sessions, so he appears to be nearing a return from the concussion protocol. Friday's practice figures to be key for Pierce, who will also need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before being eligible to return to the starting lineup alongside Michael Pittman and Josh Downs. He's working to gain clearance in time for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals.

Skowronek (illness) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Skowronek was a full go Thursday after being limited by an illness Wednesday. He could see additional opportunities Sunday against the Browns if Calvin Austin (shoulder) is unable to play. Austin didn't practice in any capacity Wednesday or Thursday.

Austin (shoulder) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin injured his shoulder in Pittsburgh's Week 4 win over the Vikings, and he has now missed the team's first two practices coming out of a Week 5 bye. Head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that Austin could ramp up his practice participation as the week progresses, but Austin will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to give himself a chance to suit up for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Samuel (neck/ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Samuel played a season-high 49 percent of offensive snaps during Buffalo's loss to New England in Week 5, in which he secured both of his targets for 26 yards and one score, but he appears to have picked up a pair of injuries in the process. He also racked up 86 yards across three kick returns versus the Patriots. Samuel will figure to handle a similar role on the road against Atlanta on Monday night, as long as he can gain clearance to suit up.