NFL Player News

Hawkins (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Hawkins played through his hamstring injury in New England's Week 5 win over the Bills, recording three total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, across 68 defensive snaps. However, the injury likely worsened during the win, as he began the Patriots' week of practice with consecutive DNPs and has since been ruled out for Sunday's contest. While Hawkins is sidelined in Week 6, Kyle Dugger is expected to step in and start at strong safety.

Jennings (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The 2020 third-round pick from Alabama downgraded from a limited practice session Wednesday to a DNP on Thursday, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined for Week 6. Jennings has played 130 total snaps (65 on defense, 65 on special teams) through four appearances this season, recording seven total tackles. While he's out Sunday, Elijah Ponder could see increased defensive work as a reserve outside linebacker.

Wright is slated to kick for the Titans in Sunday's game against the Raiders, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Wright, who joined the Titans' practice squad Wednesday, is slated to be elevated ahead of Sunday's contest, with fellow kicker Joey Slye (calf) having been ruled out this week. Through five games to date, Slye has recorded a total of 43 points, including 10 in a Week 5 win over the Cardinals. With that pace in mind, Wright represents a lineup option for those scrambling for kicker help this weekend.

Slye (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

With Slye sidelined, fellow kicker Matthew Wright is slated to be elevated from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's contest. Slye's next chance to see game action will arrive Sunday, Oct. 19 against the Patriots.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that Sanders will back up Dillon Gabriel against the Steelers on Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Sanders will take on the top backup role after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Bengals on Tuesday. Cleveland will go with a pair of rookies as options under center on their game-day roster while Bailey Zappe remains on the practice squad. Sanders has yet to throw a regular-season pass in the NFL but could get an opportunity if Gabriel struggles or gets hurt.

Moore (Achilles) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

Coach Shane Steichen added Friday that "(Moore)'s making great progress" and the team is hoping that the cornerback will return soon, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. Moore hasn't played since injuring his Achilles in the Colts' Week 3 win over the Titans.

Goodson (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

Goodson will miss a second consecutive game due to the groin injury he sustained in Week 4 against the Rams. DJ Giddens will continue to work as the primary backup to workhorse running back Jonathan Taylor.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Pierce (concussion) will play Sunday against the Cardinals, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

Pierce has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol after missing the Colts' previous two games. He'll reclaim a role in three-receiver sets alongside Josh Downs and Michael Pittman, which will likely snuff out the limited fantasy utility Ashton Dulin and Adonai Mitchell had provided during Pierce's absence.

Godwin (fibula) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers and now considered week-to-week, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Godwin didn't practice at all this week, after topping 70 percent snap share Weeks 4 and 5. It appears the Bucs brought Godwin back too soon, though Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Friday that the wideout's current injury isn't to the part of his fibula that he broke last year. With both Godwin and Mike Evans (hamstring) out of the lineup again, Tampa Bay will turn to Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson alongside rookie standout Emeka Egbuka. Depth options include Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson.

Jackson (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Jackson carries an injury designation into Sunday's game despite being a full participant in all three of Carolina's practices. The starting outside cornerback looks more likely than not to suit up, but additional opportunities could be available for Corey Thornton if Jackson is sidelined or limited.