NFL Player News

Royals (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Commanders.

Royals was a healthy scratch for the Chiefs' first three games of the regular season before making his NFL debut against the Ravens in Week 4. He hasn't recorded a target in each of Kansas City's last four games and will observe Monday's game on the sidelines in street clothes. Royals' next opportunity to play is Week 9 against the Bills on Sunday.

Payne (toe) is active for Monday's game against the Chiefs.

Payne was unable to practice all week due to a toe injury. Despite the lack of on-field reps during Week 8 prep, the veteran defensive tackle has been cleared to play in Monday night's game after going through pregame warmups. It's possible that Payne operates on a snap count, which would mean more rotational snaps at defensive tackle would be available for the likes of Jer'Zhan Newton, Sheldon Day and Eddie Goldman. Payne has 26 tackles (11 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass defenses and one forced fumble through seven regular-season games.

The Seahawks designated Ouzts (ankle) to return from injured reserve Monday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Ouzts missed the Seahawks' last four games due to an ankle injury that he sustained in Week 3 against the Saints. He has progressed enough in his recovery to return to practice, and the rookie fifth-rounder's practice participation this week will determine whether he will be activated off IR and cleared to play against the Commanders on Sunday. Ouzts' return would boost the Seahawks' backfield blocking and increase the effectiveness of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet in the rushing attack.

Jackson (hamstring) was a full participant at Monday's walkthrough.

Jackson's listed activity level to begin Week 9 prep backs up language from coach John Harbaugh earlier Monday, when he told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, "I feel very confident about it. I expect him to be out there Thursday." Jackson thus appears to have a good chance to put an end to a three-game absence due to a right hamstring injury for the Ravens' Week 9 contest at Miami.

The Vikings claimed Sims off waivers from the Packers on Monday.

Sims was waived by the Packers on Saturday, but he'll remain in the NFC North as a member of the Vikings, and his move corresponds with Carson Wentz (shoulder) being placed on injured reserve. Sims will give Minnesota added depth at tight end, and the third-year pro could have a somewhat meaningful role behind T.J. Hockenson and Ben Yurosek for this Sunday's game against the Lions if Josh Oliver (foot) is unable to play. Sims mostly played on special teams across his three-regular season appearances for the Packers prior to his removal from the roster.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that the 49ers don't intend to designate Aiyuk (knee) to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

On Friday, Shanahan told David Lombardi of SFStandard.com that Aiyuk's 21-day practice window may open this week, but even if it doesn't, the 49ers currently are in "week-to-week mode" with the wide receiver. Aiyuk is a little over one year removed from suffering ACL and MCL tears in his right knee during Week 7 of the 2024 campaign, so he's likely facing a significant ramp-up process even when he is cleared to practice.

The Browns claimed Bates off waivers from the Texans on Monday.

Bates was waived by the Texans on Saturday, but he has found a new home in Cleveland, where he'll provide depth at tight end behind David Njoku, Harold Fannin and Blake Whiteheart. Bates appeared in three regular-season games for Houston prior to being waived and logged two catches on as many targets for 23 yards while splitting his snaps between offense and special teams.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Jones suffered a bruised knee during Sunday's 26-15 loss at Houston and is "day-to-day," David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.

At the same time, Shanahan relayed to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com that he doesn't "think it's a long shot" for No. 1 QB Brock Purdy (toe) to return to action this coming Sunday at the Giants. As such, the signal-caller situation in San Francisco will be watched closely as the week goes on. In Week 8, Jones fell shy of 200 yards passing for a second straight game, but he tossed two touchdowns versus one interception and rushed twice for 23 yards. Undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez is third on the depth chart for the Niners should the unthinkable happen, and both Purdy and Jones are declared unavailable for Week 9.

The Raiders waived Shorter on Monday.

The move corresponds with the Raiders signing veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to the active roster. Shorter was signed to the Raiders' active roster in early September after initially failing to make the 53-man squad at the end of training camp, though he mostly saw the field on special teams. Assuming he clears waivers, the third-year pro will look to join a team in need of depth at special teams and wide receiver.

Purdy (toe) has a chance to return to action Sunday at the Giants, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports. "It's too early to say," coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. "I don't think it's a long shot. We'll see how he's doing on Wednesday."

One week removed from Shanahan saying it was a "stretch" for Purdy to play this past Sunday in Houston, the coach was more optimistic in his phrasing, indicating that the 49ers are keeping the door open for the fourth-year pro to see his first game action since Week 4. Shanahan also told David Lombardi of SFStandard.com that fill-in QB Mac Jones emerged from Week 8 action with a knee contusion and is "day-to-day." Should the worst-case scenario come to pass and both QBs get ruled out for the road contest against the Giants, undrafted rookie Adrian Martinez might be in line to make his first NFL start.