NFL Player News

Hill (groin) practiced fully Wednesday.

Hill strained his groin late in the Chiefs' 30-23 win over the Broncos on Sunday, but his full participation in the first practice of Week 9 suggest the injury was only a minor concern. The speedy wideout should be ready to handle his usual workload this weekend against the Browns.

Robinson (groin) was held out of practice Wednesday.

During his current bout with a groin injury, Robinson suited up in Week 7 versus the Patriots, but his lack of production (one catch for four yards) was a reflection on his poor health. The Bears made Robinson inactive for Sunday's win over the Jets, and his absence for the first practice of Week 9 suggests the wideout's condition hasn't improved in any meaningful way. Robinson has two more chances to practice this week, at which point the Bears will touch on his chances to play this weekend in Buffalo.

Cobb (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

In his return from a three-game absence in Sunday's 29-27 loss to the Rams, Cobb ranked fourth in offensive snaps (24 of 52) among Packers wideouts, trailing Davante Adams (40), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (31) and Geronimo Allison (30). Cobb parlayed that usage into four catches (on five targets) for 40 yards. If he's able to increase his workload and suit up Week 9 in New England, he could take advantage of a Patriots pass defense that ranks 27th in the league (277.3 yards per game) this season.

Hopkins (foot) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

Hopkins was limited in practices with the same injury during Week 8, but he ultimately avoided an injury designation heading into the Texans' eventual victory over the Dolphins. It's assumed his limitations to open Week 9 were maintenance-related, so Hopkins should be in store for another high volume of targets Sunday in Denver. The Texans' wideout corps took a hit last week when Will Fuller (knee) suffered a season-ending ACL tear, but the team quickly filled the void by trading for Demaryius Thomas. The move shouldn't impact Hopkins' status as Deshaun Watson's go-to receiver, as Thomas' arrival is more likely to have negative consequences for rookie Keke Coutee and tight ends Ryan Griffin and Jordan Thomas.

Coutee (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

Coutee missed the Week 8 win over the Dolphins, but his return to a limited practice Wednesday suggests that he has a chance to play Sunday against the Broncos. If so, he'll work in a receiving corps that no longer includes Will Fuller (knee), but was bolstered by the acquisition Tuesday of Demaryius Thomas. Once fully healthy, Coutee will remain a key cog in the Houston passing game, but the presence of Thomas may cut into Coutee's weekly target share more than it would if the Texans had replaced Fuller with a lower-profile option. Meanwhile, top wideout DeAndre Hopkins will remain an unquestioned high-volume target for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Diggs didn't practice Wednesday due to a rib injury.

After taking a hit while hauling in a 19-yard reception this past Sunday against the Saints, Diggs conferred with Vikings trainers on the sideline before returning to the contest, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. A rib injury was ultimately the culprit and will seemingly impact Diggs' practice reps all week. The severity of the issue is unclear, so Diggs' status will be one to monitor as this weekend's matchup with the Lions approaches.

Evans was held out of Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Evans limped off the field late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 37-34 loss to Cincinnati, finishing with six catches for 179 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. There hasn't been anything to suggest he's dealing with a serious injury, but it's something that will need to monitored closely over the rest of the week. An absence for the Week 9 game at Carolina would free up more snaps for Chris Godwin and DeSean Jackson in an offense directed by newly installed starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Each of Evans' four touchdown receptions this season have come on Fitzpatrick passes, but the 25-year-old wideout has also been productive with Jameis Winston under center in the past.

The Seahawks promoted Turner from the practice squad Wednesday, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Turner's move to the 53-man roster comes after the team released veteran wideout Brandon Marshall in a corresponding move. The undrafted rookie out of Illinois probably won't have a regular role on offense for Seattle right away but could eventually make use of his 6-foot-2, 203 pound size to challenge Jaron Brown for the No. 4 spot on the receiver depth chart.

Thomas wasn't present during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

The reason for Thomas' absence won't be known until the Saints release their first Week 9 injury report. For the season, Thomas leads all NFL players with at least 15 receptions in catch rate at 90.6 percent (58 of 64).

Smith (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Smith has been held out of all football activities since injuring his right knee Week 7. Until he returns to practice, it'll be difficult to forecast an appearance on gameday. If Smith remains sidelined Sunday against the Buccaneers, rookie D.J. Moore will assume a starting role opposite No. 1 wide receiver Devin Funchess yet again.