NFL Player News

Williams (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Williams downgraded from a limited practice session Wednesday to a DNP on Thursday, suggesting he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday. The first-year Patriot has tallied nine total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, through his first four games in New England. If he's sidelined for the Week 5 contest, Cory Durden is likely to star on the Patriots' defensive line.

Moore (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports.

Although Moore upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to a limited session Thursday, he won't return for the Colts' Week 5 contest. While he remains sidelined Sunday, newly signed Mike Hilton is likely to make his second consecutive start at slot corner.

Ray (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

The Alabama product was a full participant in practice throughout the week but must still be activated to the Panthers' active roster in order to play in Sunday's contest. If Ray suits up for Carolina in Week 5, he'll likely serve as one of the team's top reserve edge rushers.

Wonnum (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

The veteran edge rusher upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full-go Friday, suggesting he's trending toward playing in Sunday's contest. Wonnum's return would be a huge addition to the Panthers' defense, as he recorded six total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, over the team's first three games. If he's active in Week 5, he'll likely serve as Carolina's top edge rusher and start opposite Patrick Jones.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Kittle (hamstring) is considered a "long shot" to be available for the team's Week 6 game against the Buccaneers, but the tight end could be more likely to return from injured reserve for a Week 7 matchup with the Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 19, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After missing the requisite four games upon being placed on IR following Week 1 action, Kittle will be eligible for activation during the upcoming week, but he seemingly hasn't made enough progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury to put himself in consideration for a return just yet. The 49ers could still elect to open Kittle's 21-day practice window next week, though Shanahan hinted that the team may prefer to wait until Week 7 before having the 31-year-old get back on the field, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. While Kittle has been out for the past four weeks, the 49ers have had Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell share snaps at tight end, with the former player proving to be the more formidable pass-catching threat.

Head coach Sean McVay said Ferguson "is only going to get more opportunities going forward", Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

McVay's comments come after Ferguson was active for the first time in three games. Given only four snaps on offense on Thursday against the 49ers, the rookie managed to turn his only target into a healthy 21-yard gain, which helped set up a Kyren Williams receiving touchdown a few plays later. Ferguson's second-round pedigree and a Rams' tight end room currently struggling to make much of an impact may help him quickly leap up the pecking order at tight end, and a Ravens defense struggling to keep points off the board may mark an opportunity for Ferguson to produce if McVay's comments bear fruit.

Smith-Wade (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Smith-Wade didn't practice all week after sustaining a chest injury in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. The second-year pro has impressed in his first season as a full-time starter, recording 10 total tackles and one pick-six through Carolina's first four games this season. While he's out in Week 5, Akayleb Evans and Corey Thornton could see increased reps with the Panthers' first-team defense.

Waller (hip/rest) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Waller, who made his regular-season debut Week 4, was listed as a limited participant in practice this week, with the Dolphins managing his practice reps after the tight end parlayed his 16 snaps in Monday's 27-21 win over the Jets into a 3-27-2 line on four targets. On the heels of that effort, Waller is a candidate to see his snap share increase this weekend, and with WR Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, he should have an opportunity to claim a key role in Miami's passing offense going forward in the absence of any injury setbacks.

Dean (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 28-year-old from Auburn didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a hip injury, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined in Week 5. Through four games, Dean has tallied 12 total tackles and four passes defended, including one pick-six. While he's out Sunday, Zyon McCollum and Josh Hayes will likely serve as the Buccaneers' top outside cornerback duo.

Parkinson failed to secure his only target during Thursday's 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Even with Tyler Higbee (hip) out of action, Parkinson took a back seat to Davis Allen in terms of snap count (41 to 25) and overall production, with Allen turning his two targets into 24 yards. The goose egg marks Parkinson's second fruitless outing in three weeks, and his four receptions this year have combined for just 11 yards. Terrance Ferguson also got into the mix with a catch of his own, and the quartet of Rams tight ends will remain difficult to use for fantasy purposes even with the Ravens and their league-worst 133 points allowed next on the schedule in Week 6.