NFL Player News

Pierce (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday.

Pierce, who has missed two straight contests, practiced fully last Wednesday and Thursday before downgrading to a 'DNP' listing Friday, so his return to a full session this Wednesday's bodes well for his chances of returning to action Sunday against the Cardinals. In that scenario, Pierce would be in line to reclaim his role alongside fellow WRs Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, which thus far has yielded him a 9/171/0 receiving receiving line (on 13 targets) through three contests.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy (toe) won't practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Purdy aggravated a turf toe injury Week 4 against the Jaguars and missed last Thursday's win at the Rams. After the latter contest, Shanahan relayed to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that Purdy was "week-to-week," and on Wednesday, Shanahan added that the quarterback is "progressing," and the 49ers haven't thought about placing him on injured reserve, according to David Lombardi of SFStandard.com. Purdy seems to be trending toward another absence Sunday in Tampa Bay, something that the team may confirm as soon as it posts its final Week 6 practice report Friday.

Warren (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.

Warren was inactive for the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Vikings in Dublin on Sept. 28, but following his team's bye week, the running back is poised to return to action Sunday against the Browns. In Warren's absence in Week 4, Kenneth Gainwell carried 19 times for 99 yards and two TDs and caught all six of his targets for 35 yards, an effort that should keep him involved in Pittsburgh's Week 6 offense. However, assuming no setbacks, Warren should reclaim his lead role this weekend. In three games to date, he's logged 43 carries for 132 yards and caught 11 of his 12 targets for 142 yards and a TD.

St. Brown missed practice Wednesday due to a wrist injury.

Per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, St. Brown wasn't taking part during the media-access portion of Wednesday's session, and now the reason for his lack of work has become known. St. Brown will have two more chances to mix into drills this week ahead of Sunday's road showdown with the Chiefs. Through five games this season, he's reached 100 receiving yards two times while scoring six touchdowns.

Austin was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Austin is a player who could ramp up his practice activity "toward the latter part of the week," Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports, but it's nonetheless a bad sign to see the wideout absent from practice despite having had a bye to get right. Austin will presumably need to return to practice as at least a limited participant Thursday and/or Friday in order to have a chance at suiting up Sunday versus the Browns.

Coker (quadriceps) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

It was his first practice since Aug. 28, but the full participation suggests Coker has a chance to play this Sunday against the Cowboys. Carolina could certainly use his help, as the team is currently getting minimal production from any of the wide receivers behind No. 1 target Tetairoa McMillan. Coker split time between the slot and perimeter as a UDFA-turned-starter in 2024, presumably giving him a good feel for Dave Canales' offensive system as he prepares for a late start to his second NFL season. Coker soon figures to take playing time away from Xavier Legette and/or Hunter Renfrow.

Sanders (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

This marks Sanders' first on-field activity since he sustained a high right-ankle sprain Week 3 against the Falcons. He may need to practice fully by Friday in order to enter the weekend without a designation for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys. In three games this season, Sanders has hauled in 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns.

Bills coach Sean McDermott said Wednesday that the team has not yet decided whether Bass (left hip/groin), who remains on IR, could return for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Alec White of the team's official site reports.

Bass was eligible to have his 21-day practice window opened as early as last week, but Buffalo has yet to instigate such a transaction. While the Bills haven't yet ruled Bass out for Week 6, his availability will look increasingly unlikely the longer he remains off the practice field. Bass hasn't yet suited up for regular-season action this year, and until he's fully healthy Matt Prater figures to continue operating as Buffalo's starting kicker.

Hubbard (calf) didn't practice Wednesday.

Hubbard hasn't practiced since initially showing up on the Panthers' first Week 5 injury report last Wednesday due to a calf issue. On a positive note, he was seen working on the side this Wednesday, per David Newton of ESPN.com, so his health appears to be improving. In the end, though, Hubbard likely will need to mix into drills Thursday and/or Friday in order to have a chance to play Sunday against the Cowboys. With Hubbard out this past Sunday versus the Dolphins, fellow RB Rico Dowdle reeled off 206 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries to go with three catches (on four targets) for 28 yards.

Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Mayer has cleared the concussion protocol and is on track to practice in full, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Mayer has missed back-to-back games but now appears on track to return for Sunday's matchup against the Titans, while starting tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is considered week-to-week and could be rested in advance of the Raiders' upcoming bye in Week 7. With that context, Mayer could be positioned for a start at home against Tennessee, while Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon should handle reserve reps at the position.