NFL Player News

Rice's suspension has been lifted by the NFL, per the league's official transaction log, which paves the way for the wideout to be available for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

While the Chiefs have been granted a roster exemption for Rice that expires Oct. 20 and thus will need to officially activate him by Saturday in order for him to play Week 7, at this time there's no reason to believe that won't occur. The looming return of Rice should provide a major boost to the offense of the 3-3 Chiefs, and assuming no issues at practice this week, the 2023 second-rounder should immediately step into a prominent role in a WR corps that also includes Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Aiyuk (knee) is getting "closer and closer" to being able to practice, but the 49ers don't have a specific timeline for the wide receiver to do so, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Aiyuk remains in recovery mode from the ACL and MCL tears that he suffered in his right knee Week 7 of last season, instead residing on the reserve/PUP list to this point in the campaign. Per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, Shanahan added, "I always look around Week 10, but I'm not putting an exact date on it." As of Week 6, Aiyuk's only notable on-field work occurred in mid-September, when he was seen running while fellow 49ers wide receivers worked in individual drills, per Wagoner.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Pearsall (knee) will be evaluated Wednesday to see if he'll be able to practice this week, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Pearsall has missed two weeks of practice since injuring the PCL in his right knee Week 4 against the Jaguars, but like QB Brock Purdy, the wide receiver resumed conditioning work on the side last Thursday, indicating that he's making progress in his recovery. Wednesday's practice report will reveal whether or not Pearsall was able to mix into drills, but the 49ers appear to be getting healthier, with Purdy and TE George Kittle (hamstring) all potentially returning to practice in the near future.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Purdy (toe) will be evaluated Wednesday to see if the quarterback will be able to practice this week, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Since aggravating a turf toe injury Week 4, Purdy hasn't mixed into any drills, but he resumed conditioning work on the side last Thursday, signaling that he's making progress in his recovery. He's missed four games in all due to the health concern (Weeks 2-3 and 5-6), with backup Mac Jones filling in well during Purdy's absence. If Purdy is able to practice Wednesday, he could be on a path to return to action this coming Sunday versus the Falcons.

An MRI revealed that Wilson suffered a hyperextended knee Sunday, with the wideout reportedly expected to miss a couple of weeks, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Confirmation from the team has yet to come, but at a minimum it looks like the Jets are in line to be without their top pass catcher this weekend against the Panthers. If that's the case, Josh Reynolds, Arian Smith, Allen Lazard (personal) and Tyler Johnson would be candidates to see added WR reps in Wilson's absence.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that the 49ers expect Kittle (hamstring) to practice this week, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

San Francisco has yet to designate Kittle to return from injured reserve, which will need to happen for the tight end to mix into drills. The team resumes practicing Wednesday in advance of next Sunday's game against the Falcons, meaning the aforementioned transaction may transpire before then. In any case, Kittle appears poised to put the finishing touches on his recovery from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since Week 1.

New York signed Wells to the practice squad Monday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Wells spent the offseason with New York but was cut in advance of Week 1. He and Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart demonstrated clear chemistry during their time together at Ole Miss, and given that New York is in need of added playmakers at the wide receiver position with Malik Nabers (ACL) done for the year, it's conceivable that Wells could earn an opportunity to make an impact.

Knox figures to see added opportunities Monday night against the Falcons, with fellow TE Dalton Kincaid (oblique) inactive for the contest.

With Kincaid, who leads the Bills with 287 receiving yards through five games, unavailable, Knox -- who has logged a 6-54-0 receiving line in that span -- represents a late plug-in option for fantasy managers who would normally rely on Kincaid. Jackson Hawes (four catches for 54 yards and a TD thus far) is Buffalo's other active tight end Monday.

Moore is active for Monday night's game against the Falcons.

Moore was healthy inactive in the Week 5 Sunday night loss to New England, but with Curtis Samuel (neck) out Monday night, Moore will draw back into the lineup. Moore has four catches for 64 scoreless yards this season.

Brooks (concussion) is active for Monday night's game against the Bills.

Brooks was placed in the concussion protocol after being injured in Week 4, but the Week 5 bye came at the right time for the cornerback. He's logged 26 special-teams snaps this season.