NFL Player News

Watkins (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The rookie fourth-rounder is working through a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the 49ers' preseason game against the Broncos in early August. He didn't practice Wednesday, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity Thursday indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Friday's practice report will provide added clarity on his status heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against Seattle. If he's cleared to play, Watkins could see a fair number of snaps on offense if Jauan Jennings (calf) is sidelined.

Jennings (calf) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Jennings has sandwiched capped sessions around getting $3 million in play-time incentives added to his current contract Wednesday evening. With one of his recent issues resolved, his calf injury continues to hinder his on-field work ahead of Week 1, though he did tell Wagoner on Thursday that it's "been feeling a lot better" and that he's "ready to go" for Sunday's game in Seattle. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Jennings enters the weekend with a designation for the season opener.

Pierce (groin) is not listed on the Colts' Week 1 injury report.

Pierce dealt with a groin issue last month, but is practicing without restrictions and poised to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Dolphins. The 2022 second-rounder finished the 2024 campaign with career highs in receiving yards (824) and touchdowns (seven) on 37 catches across 16 games. Looking ahead, Pierce is slated to start the season as a key cog in a Colts pass-catching corps that also features fellow WRs Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, along with TE Tyler Warren, a group that will now be working with Daniel Jones, the team's new QB1.

Davis (knee) was placed on the Bills' practice squad injured list Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Davis agreed to sign with the team's practice squad Tuesday, but the wideout will reside on the injured list while he continues to bounce back from a torn meniscus he sustained last season, per Joe Buscagliaof The Athletic. Down the road, Davis could find himself back in the Bills' WR mix, and his familiarity with the offense (the 26-year-old played for Buffalo from 2020 through 2023) would no doubt ease his transition to a return to action in such a scenario.

Felton (arm) was not listed on Thursday's injury report.

The rookie third-rounder was dealing with arm soreness in the tail end of training camp, but he appears to be past the issue given his absence from Thursday's injury report. Felton is on track to play Monday against the Bears, when he'll make his NFL regular-season debut. With Jordan Addison (suspension) missing the first three games of the season, Felton is in line to see rotational snaps at wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor.

Nailor (hand) practiced fully Thursday.

Nailor suffered a hand injury in practice Aug. 14 and was sidelined until getting back on the field for Wednesday's unofficial session. With no limitations to speak of one day later, he's set to handle WR reps behind veterans Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen to begin the season due to Jordan Addison's three-game suspension. In a part-time role last year, Nailor gathered in 28 of 42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.

Jefferson (hamstring) wasn't listed on the Vikings' initial Week 1 injury report Thursday.

Jefferson suffered a mild left hamstring strain in practice July 24, and while he was able to begin working out on the side with team trainers within one week, he didn't return to the practice field until Aug. 18. The Vikings kept him out of all three of their preseason games with an eye toward him being healthy Week 1. He more or less confirmed as much Thursday, telling Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune that his hamstring feels great entering the season. "Missing the whole training camp and just staying in that training room definitely gets [to be] dark days, being by yourself and competing with yourself, but you got to think about the ending result: having a healthy body, having a strong body to maintain a full season," Jefferson said. He thus is poised to serve as the Vikings' top target for second-year pro and first-year starting QB J.J. McCarthy on Monday in Chicago and beyond.

Thornton is listed as a starter on the Raiders' unofficial depth chart heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against the Patriots, Levi Edwards of the team's official site reports.

Thornton is set to start alongside Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker at wide receiver. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Alabama beat out Jack Bech for a starting role, even though Bech was selected two rounds earlier than Thornton in the 2025 NFL Draft. Vegas currently has only four wide receivers on the 53-man roster after veteran Amari Cooper announced his intention to retire Thursday.

Williams (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Since coming down with a hamstring injury Aug. 19, Williams was sidelined until returning to the field Wednesday with a cap on his reps. He maintained that activity level one day later, giving himself just one more chance to return to full Friday before the Packers potentially make a ruling on his availability for Week 1. If he's able to suit up Sunday against the Lions and Jayden Reed (foot) and/or Dontayvion Wicks (calf) are limited or sidelined, Williams would be in line for an elevated snap count behind the top healthy WR duo of Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs.

Boutte projects to start on the outside opposite Stefon Diggs against the Raiders on Sunday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

DeMario Douglas is set to handle slot duties, with Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism on hand to provide depth in New England's wide receiver room. The Patriots figure to rely primarily on the ground game, but Boutte's role in the offense opposite Diggs could give him some occasional fantasy utility.