NFL Player News

Austin was released from the Saints' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Austin returned to the team's practice squad after being waived by the Saints on Oct. 10. He will now head back to the open market, and his next destination will likely be with another team's practice unit.

Rucker (undisclosed) was waived from injured reserve by the Raiders on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Rucker has been on IR with Las Vegas since suffering an undisclosed injury in June, and he will now have a chance to be claimed on the open market. If he goes unclaimed, the wide receiver and the team will work toward an injury settlement.

The Patriots waived Webb (arm) from injured reserve Tuesday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Webb landed on the Patriots' injured reserve during training camp in late July due to an arm injury. That move meant that the South Alabama product would have missed the entire 2026 season, but now that he's been cut by the Patriots, Webb will have the opportunity to sign with a team once he's fully healthy.

NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports that teams seeking help at wide receiver will likely call the Eagles about the status of Brown before the Nov. 10 deadline.

Brown's lone regular-season game this season was in Week 2 against the Titans, when he rushed for 12 yards on two carries and did not record a target. He missed the next three games due to an ankle injury and was a healthy scratch for Week 6 against the Panthers, and the veteran wide receiver doesn't appear to be in the Eagles' offensive gameplan moving forward. The Eagles have a 2-4 record, and with franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts (calf) likely out for the rest of the season, the team could be looking to trade Brown and other players by the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

Watkins caught his lone target for 22 yards during the 49ers' 23-17 win over the Commanders on Monday.

Watkins connected with Brock Purdy on a 22-yard pass early in the second quarter, and all three of the former's catches this season have been for 20-plus yards. Watkins' 47 offensive snaps ended up leading all 49ers wide receivers, and the second-year pro's role in the passing game could expand in Week 8 against the Falcons on Oct. 25, depending on the availability of Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring).

The Browns placed Means (knee) on the practice squad injured list Tuesday.

Means appeared in seven regular-season games for the Saints in 2024. Since then, he's been trying to find a spot on an NFL roster, though injuries have been a significant barrier along the way. The 25-year-old is now ineligible to be elevated ahead of Cleveland's next four regular-season games.

Pancol was cut from the Colts' practice squad Tuesday.

Pancol spent time with the Colts during training camp but was waived ahead of the 2026 campaign. Indianapolis signed him back to the practice squad on Sep. 23, though he will now presumably look for work with a new team.

The Colts signed Hardman to the practice squad Tuesday,

Hardman spent time with the Bills during training camp but was released ahead of the 2026 campaign. The veteran will get a chance to continue his NFL career with the Colts, and his services on special teams could be needed sooner rather than later if Ashton Dulin (hamstring) and Anthony Gould (concussion) can't suit up for the Week 7 meeting with the Vikings.

Brown (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's practice report.

Brown returned from a four-game absence this past Sunday against the Jets, and with no reported setbacks, his limited participation Monday and Tuesday is likely maintenance-related. Wednesday's injury report should clarify whether the Patriots' top WR will be fully cleared for Week 7 action.

Cowing accrued zero targets during Monday's 23-17 win against Washington.

Despite the absence of Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and the premature exit of Mike Evans (Achilles), Cowing went without a catch for the fifth time this season. With neither Samuel nor Evans a lock to suit up in Week 7 versus the Falcons, Cowing might see more snaps alongside Brandin Cooks and Jordan Watkins. However, that may not be the case if Demarcus Robinson (ankle) can manage to get on the field after spending time on injured reserve since the Week 2 win over Miami.