NFL Player News

The Eagles signed Covey to the practice squad Thursday, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Covey spent the last three seasons with the Eagles, and he has returned to Philadelphia as a member of the practice squad after failing to make the Rams' 53-man roster at the end of training camp. Covey appeared in five regular-season games for the Eagles in 2024 and finished with seven catches (on eight targets) for 34 yards.

The Texans signed Kelly to the practice squad Thursday.

Kelly was unable to crack the Cowboys' 53-man roster, but he'll stay in-state with the Texans on the team's practice squad. The undrafted rookie out of Texas Tech finished the preseason with two catches (on six targets) for 25 yards across 68 offensive snaps in three games.

As Week 1 approaches, Chad Graff of The Athletic notes that Hollins is a candidate to log early-season reps out wide opposite Stefon Diggs (knee).

While Diggs (assuming his health) and slot man DeMario Douglas profile as the team's top two wide receiver options, how things shake out beyond that duo remains to seen. Based on practices this summer, Graff guesses that Hollins could see the most snaps opposite Diggs early on this season. That said, Kayshon Boutte also is in the mix on that front, while third-rounder Kyle Williams projects as the upside play as the season progresses. In any case, clarity with regard to the exact Patriots' WR pecking order probably won't arrive until the team's Week 1 box score/snap counts are available to provide more concrete context.

Gage (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Gage re-signed with the 49ers on Thursday after being released Tuesday, but he isn't quite ready to practice, while still recovering from the MCL sprain he suffered last Thursday. He could get slot work Week 1 at Seattle if he's healthy enough to play, as the 49ers have a slew of other WRs dealing with injuries (or suspensions).

Watkins (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

The rookie fourth-round pick caught three passes for 56 yards in his preseason debut but came out of the game with a high-ankle sprain. The 49ers are hurting for help at WR right now, but Watkins doesn't appear likely to be ready for Week 1 at Seattle.

The Panthers signed Smith to the practice squad, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Smith suited up for nine regular-season games with Philadelphia last year, after the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He secured seven of nine targets for 41 yards and one score in that span, but after being waived by the Eagles on Tuesday, he'll now need to establish himself in a depth role for a new organization.

Gage (knee) is re-signing with the 49ers on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Gage was released Tuesday, likely with a verbal agreement in place to re-sign after cutdown day. He suffered an MCL sprain Aug. 21, but it isn't considered overly serious and may not keep him out for Week 1. Gage may have a meaningful role if the plays, given San Francisco's other injury and suspension issues at wide receiver. Only Ricky Pearsall appears locked in as a starter for the opener in Seattle.

Indianapolis signed Scott to the practice squad Thursday, Paul Bretl of USA Today reports.

Scott, a 2023 fourth-round pick, had spent his entire NFL career to date in Chicago before being waived by the team Tuesday. He suited up for 28 regular-season games with the Bears over the last two years, over which span he totaled 18 catches for 173 yards. Scott is still looking to score his first-regular season touchdown and will work to establish himself as a reserve option for the Colts.

Smith (groin) is practicing Thursday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Smith and A.J. Brown are both present at practice for a second consecutive day, as the star WR tandem continues to ramp things up ahead of the regular-season opener against Dallas on Thursday, Sept. 4. All indications remain that the Eagles expect both Smith and Brown to be available Week 1. A groin injury has hampered Smith's participation level since Aug. 19.

Brown (hamstring) is practicing Thursday, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Brown also took part in Wednesday's practice. Though the star wideout has spent most of August managing a lingering hamstring injury, all signs have continued to point to his being available Week 1 against the Cowboys. DeVonta Smith (groin) is also practicing Thursday.