NFL Player News

The Buccaneers have ruled out Winfield (ribs) for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, Winfield is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks due to a "slight rib fracture" that he sustained during the Buccaneers' loss to the Packers this past Sunday. It's unclear whether he needs a stint on IR, but for as long as he's sidelined, Ifeatu Melifonwu figures to start alongside Tykee Smith at safety.

Branch (Achilles) had his 21-day practice window opened by the Lions on Sunday, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports.

Branch was limited in Wednesday's practice, but it was an encouraging sign to see the fourth-year pro back on the field following a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles that he sustained in early December of 2025. The Lions' secondary has been one of the worst in the league this season, and while Branch's return would be a significant upgrade to the unit, he'll likely need to log multiple full practices before being activated from the reserve/PUP list. While unlikely, Branch's first opportunity to make his 2026 debut is Sunday against the Cardinals.

Barkley (hamstring) officially didn't practice Wednesday

Barkley lasted just four offensive snaps before exiting this past Sunday's loss to the Rams in the first quarter due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Nick Sirianni remained mum Monday regarding Barkley's status, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic, though Ian Rapoport of NFL Network later reported that the running back is considered week-to-week with an injury that's not deemed to be long term. As a result, Barkley's lack of activity Wednesday isn't a shock, and if he indeed sits out Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London, he likely will pass off the No. 1 spot in the Eagles backfield to Will Shipley, with Dameon Pierce backing him up.

The Ravens signed Scott to the practice squad Wednesday.

Scott failed to make the Ravens' 53-man roster out of training camp, but he's back with the organization as a member of the practice squad. The Ravens don't have a fullback on the active roster, so Scott could be elevated from the practice squad should the team require a specialized blocker out of the backfield.

The Ravens signed Vannett to the active roster off their practice squad Wednesday.

The move gives Baltimore depth at tight end following Durham Smythe's placement on injured reserve due to a torn Achilles tendon. Vannett opened the season on the Ravens' practice squad, and he'll now operate as the team's TE4 behind Mark Andrews and rookies Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas.

Gronowski signed with the Texans on Wednesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Texans had an open roster spot, so the move was made to sign Gronowski. However, with C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills in the equation, Gronowski likely won't see the field.

Hooker is in the league's concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday, Easton Freeze of AtoZSports.com reports.

Hooker presumably sustained the concussion during the Titans' Week 4 loss to the Ravens, when he played nearly every single defensive snap and finished with six solo tackles. There's two more chances for the veteran safety to return to practice, but even if he logs a full session, he would need to pass an evaluation from an independent neurologist before being cleared to play. Tony Adams would likely start next to Kevin Winston (shoulder) if Hooker is not cleared to play against the Texans on Sunday.

The Packers designated Williams (ankle) to return from injured reserve ahead of Wednesday's practice session.

Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain toward the tail end of training camp, which prompted the Packers to place the second-year wide receiver on injured reserve. He's progressed enough in his recovery to participate in practice, and the Packers have 21 days to activate Williams from IR. He'll likely need to log multiple full practices before being moved to the 53-man roster, but he could make his 2026 regular-season debut as soon as this Sunday's NFC North showdown against the Bears.

McNichols (quadriceps) had his 21-day practice window opened prior to Wednesday's session, during which he was a limited participant.

McNichols injured his quad during training camp in mid-August, and the injury was severe enough for the veteran running back to open the regular season on injured reserve. He's progressed enough in his recovery to return to practice, though he'll likely need to log multiple full sessions before being the green light to be activated from IR. The Commanders currently have four running backs on the 53-man roster, which consists of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), Rachaad White (shoulder), Austin Ekeler and rookie sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen.

Wise (quadriceps) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday.

Wise opened the regular season on the reserve/PUP list due to a quadriceps injury, which prevented him from practicing during training camp. He was cleared to participate in Wednesday's session and was listed as limited. Wise likely needs to log multiple, consecutive full practices before being cleared to play, but the earliest he could make his 2026 regular-season debut is against the Giants on Sunday.