NFL Player News

West (thumb) is active for Thursday's game against the Rams, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

West underwent surgery to repair a thumb injury that he sustained during the 49ers' Week 3 win over the Cardinals. He was unable to play against the Jaguars on Sunday, but the rookie fourth-rounder has been cleared to play in Thursday's road tilt. West has two tackles (one solo) through the first three regular-season games of his NFL career.

James (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Rams, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

Thursday marks the fourth consecutive game that James has been a healthy scratch after missing Week 1 due to a finger injury. The 49ers will once again roll with a three-man backfield of Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo for Thursday's NFC West bout. James' next chance to make his NFL regular-season debut is Week 6 against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 12, though he's unlikely to play in that game unless McCaffrey, Robinson or Guerendo were to miss time.

Higbee (hip) is listed as inactive Thursday against the 49ers, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Despite playing through a hip injury this past Sunday versus the Colts, Higbee missed Tuesday's walkthrough and Wednesday's practice due to the same health concern and thus will sit out on a short week between games. Some combination of Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson and rookie second-round pick Terrance Ferguson will man tight end for the Rams in Week 5.

Anderson (rest) was not listed on the Texans' injury report for Thursday's practice.

Anderson was held out of Wednesday's practice for rest purposes, but the 2023 first-rounder is on track to play against the Ravens on Sunday. The third-year pass rusher has opened the regular season with 14 tackles (10 solo), including 3.0 sacks, across four games.

Awuzie (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Awuzie has missed the first two practices of the week due to a hamstring injury that he may have sustained during the Ravens' 37-20 loss to the Chiefs in Week 4. He'll very likely have to practice in a least a limited fashion Friday to have a chance at playing against the Texans in Sunday's home tilt. With Awuzie, Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Nate Wiggins (elbow) all working through injuries, the Ravens may have to turn to some combination of Jaire Alexander, T.J. Tampa and Keyon Martin to fill the void at outside and slot corner.

Wiggins (elbow) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Wiggins appeared to suffer a severe elbow injury during the Ravens' Week 4 loss to the Chiefs after he was carted off the field. He was unable to practice Wednesday, but his ability to practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday is a sign that the injury is not as serious as once feared. Friday's practice report will provide insight on Wiggins' chances of suiting up for Sunday's home bout against the Texans. Jaire Alexander, T.J. Tampa and Keyon Martin could play a key role in the Ravens' secondary for Sunday's game if one or more of Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) and Marlon Humphrey (calf) were to be sidelined.

Walker (oblique) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Walker is recovering from an oblique injury that he likely sustained in Week 4 against the Chiefs. He has opened the week with a DNP-LP practice log, and Friday's injury report will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Texans on Sunday. The 2024 fourth-rounder has three catches on as many targets for 60 yards and two touchdowns through the first four games of the regular season.

Van Noy (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Van Noy has been sidelined for the Ravens' last two games due to a hamstring injury that he picked up during Baltimore's Week 2 win over Cleveland. He opened the week with a limited practice, and ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he is on track to play against the Texans on Sunday. David Ojabo and rookie second-rounder Mike Green will likely see a decrease in snaps on defense if Van Noy is cleared to play against Houston.

The Saints signed Pettis to the practice squad Thursday.

Pettis signed a one-year deal with the Saints in March but was unable to make the team's practice squad at the end of training camp. He was without a team for just over a month, but he has opted to return to New Orleans as a member of the team's practice squad. Pettis would be a candidate to be elevated to the active roster for the Saints' Week 5 clash against the Giants on Sunday if fellow wide receiver Trey Palmer (ankle) is unable to play.

Fehoko (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Fehoko was diagnosed with a concussion during the Cardinals' Week 4 loss to the Seahawks. His ability to practice in full Thursday is a positive sign, but the 2021 fifth-rounder will need to clear the league's five-step concussion protocol in order to play against the Titans on Sunday. Fehoko has played 38 snaps on special teams through three games this season.