NFL Player News

Van Ness (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year defensive end will miss a third consecutive game due to a foot injury he sustained in Week 6 against the Bengals. He hasn't been able to practice in any capacity since the injury, so he would likely have to do so in at least a limited capacity to have a chance at returning for the Packers' Week 10 clash against the Eagles on Monday, Nov. 10. Kingsley Enagbare and rookie fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell will continue to see extra snaps at defensive end in Van Ness's absence.

Gay (back) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Gay didn't practice last Saturday due to a back injury and then was ruled out ahead of Monday's eventual loss at Kansas City. Matthew Wright filled in for Gay and connected on his only kick (a PAT), but the former reverted to the practice squad Tuesday and was promptly cut, signaling that Gay was set to return to action Week 9. After progressing from no activity Wednesday to limited Thursday and then full Friday, Gay has done just that and will resume placekicking duties for the Commanders on Sunday.

Stewart (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

After a pair of DNPs to start the practice week, Stewart was a full participant Friday, giving him a chance to play Sunday. Stewart has started all eight games this season, logging 27 tackles (12 solo) and three pass breakups, including his first career interception.

Smith is poised for more work Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) ruled out for that contest, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pacheco wasn't able to practice this week due to the right MCL sprain that he sustained during Monday's win against the Commanders. Kareem Hunt is the obvious player to help fill the void in Pacheco's absence, but Smith also should benefit in what has been mostly a two-pronged Chiefs backfield this season. While Smith hasn't been very productive on the ground through the first eight games of his career (25 carries for 75 yards), the rookie seventh-round pick has hauled in 14 of 18 targets for 122 yards. He's also still in search of his first TD as a pro.

Initial testing on Hunter's knee revealed that the wideout's ACL is intact, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site, coach Liam Coen announced Friday that Hunter is slated to go on IR, which will cause him to miss at least four games. Beyond that, the rookie first-rounder will need to go through additional testing to determine both the extent of his non-contact knee injury, as well as how long he'll be sidelined, with no answers on that front expected before next week. In Hunter's looming absence, the Jaguars' top three wide receivers likely will be Brian Thomas (shoulder), Dyami Brown and Parker Washington.

Cousins will move back to the No. 2 QB role Sunday at New England with Michael Penix (knee) not receiving a designation for that contest

Cousins earned a spot start for Penix this past Sunday against the Dolphins due to the latter's bone bruise in his knee, but the former didn't fare well, completing 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions and rushing twice for two yards in a 34-10 loss. This week, Penix followed up limited practices Wednesday and Thursday with a full session Friday, thereby clearing him to return to action. Cousins likely won't see the field Sunday, barring an injury setback to Penix or a garbage-time appearance.

Dissly (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.

With Oronde Gadsden taking over tight-end duties for the Chargers in recent weeks, Dissly has fallen out of favor in Los Angeles, as he was a healthy inactive in Week 8 against the Vikings.

Pearsall (knee) won't play Sunday against the Giants, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

He's ruled out for a fifth straight game and still hasn't returned to practice, but reports this week at least pointed to progress with Pearsall's side work. His lack of participation in actual practices nonetheless hints at significant risk of missing time beyond Week 9.

Still (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Still logged a trio of DNPs this week at practice and is dealing with a multi-week MCL injury. Ja'Sir Taylor and Benjamin St-Juste will be in line for increased defensive action behind Cam Hart and Donte Jackson at cornerback.

Jones will start Sunday's game at the Giants, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Brock Purdy (toe) is listed as questionable, but he'll only be the backup if he's declared active, per 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. Active or not, Purdy seems to be making progress and could return to the starting job as soon as Week 10 against the Rams.