NFL Player News

Kupp (knee) worked out on a side field at Thursday's practice, Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic reports.

The Rams made the decision to rule out Kupp last Wednesday before Sunday's Week 7 matchup with the 49ers, so the fact coach Sean McVay hasn't done the same this week implies the wide receiver has progressed in his recovery from an MCL sprain. During Thursday's workout, Kupp was wearing a sleeve on his left leg, which may be his reality even when he's cleared to return. With a recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks, it wouldn't shock if Kupp was downgraded Friday with an eye on a return Week 9 at New Orleans or Week 10 against the Seahawks.

Robinson (groin) was held out of Thursday's practice, Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Robinson was in good standing within the Bears passing attack after five games, posting at least 50 yards four times and reaching the end zone twice while leading the team in targets (38). However, a groin injury didn't allow him to practice beyond limited last week, and he proceeded to haul in just one of five passes for four yards this past Sunday against the Patriots. With no practice reps yet this week, Robinson's status is looking a bit precarious. Friday's injury report could indicate whether an absence is possible Sunday versus the Jets.

Crowder (ankle) didn't take part in Thursday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

With a pair of absences from practice to begin Week 8, Crowder looks likely to end up on the inactive list for a third straight game Sunday against the Giants. Meanwhile, fellow starter Paul Richardson (shoulder/knee) remains "hopeful" to play this weekend, per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, which would be a boon for a Washington passing attack that sputtered in the Week 7 win over Dallas while its top two wideouts were sidelined.

Smith (knee) missed his second straight practice Thursday, but said he remains optimistic that he'll be ready to play Sunday against the Ravens, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

A decision on Smith's availability for Week 8 won't ultimately be up to him, but the wideout noted that his track record of rarely missing games -- even with limited practice time in advance -- gives him confidence he'll be ready to go by Sunday. With a matchup against one of his former teams on the docket, Smith probably has more incentive than usual to fight through the right knee injury and play, though he would likely be less than 100 percent healthy if he does so. The Panthers will reveal whether Smith carries an injury designation into the weekend at the conclusion of Friday's practice.

McCloud (undisclosed) was removed from the injury report and will be available to play Monday against the Patriots.

The rookie didn't make the trip to Indianapolis in Week 7 because of an undisclosed reason. It's at least worth noting the Bills pulled the rookie from return duties after he fumbled twice on returns in Week 6 against the Texans. McCloud and the team have seemed to move past the issue, but it's unclear what sort of role McCloud will have Monday.

Anderson (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Anderson's lack of involvement in practice for the second straight day is worrisome enough, but coach Todd Bowles fueled further concern about the wideout's outlook for Sunday's game in Chicago with his comments to the media after the session. Per Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, Bowles said Anderson's injury is "in between" a high-ankle and low-ankle sprain. While Bowles essentially covered all his bases with that comment, the mere possibility that Anderson is dealing with a high-ankle sprain leaves the door open for a potential multi-week absence. The Jets must first decide on his fate for this weekend, with Anderson's activity in Friday's practice likely to have significant say in the matter.

The Broncos signed McKenzie off their practice squad Thursday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

McKenzie signed to the Broncos' practice squad Sept. 12 and finally got promoted to the 53-man roster Thursday. The Georgia product could immediately fill in on both kick and punt returns in some capacity. If rookie DaeSean Hamilton (knee) is unable to go Sunday, McKenzie could also see snaps at wide receiver.

Smith (knee) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Smith hasn't required crutches or a brace to support the right knee he injured in the Week 7 win over the Eagles, suggesting that he's not dealing with too serious of a concern. However, the wideout's absences from the first two practices of the week nonetheless cast some doubt about his availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The Panthers will see what Smith is able to do at their final practice session Friday before deciding on his fate for the weekend.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday that Cobb (hamstring) is "on course to play" in Sunday's game against the Rams.

Cobb was limited in Wednesday's practice, but head coach McCarthy appears to have liked what he saw out of the wideout during the session. Cobb still has some work to do before he is fully cleared, but McCarthy has very little doubt surrounding the status of Cobb and fellow wideout Geronimo Allison (hamstring). Expect Cobb's status for this weekend to be confirmed in the next day or two.

Crowder (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday.

Crowder has already missed two games and likely will sit out at least one more due to the lingering ankle injury, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. Supporting this notion is the fact Crowder needed a scooter and walking boot to get around the Redskins' facility last week. Fellow wide receiver Paul Richardson (shoulder/knee) is a better bet to return Sunday against the Giants after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday, which would bring some relief to the Washington passing attack.