NFL Player News

Smith (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Smith logged a pair of limited practices Thursday and Friday following a DNP due to rest Wednesday. If the veteran tight end is unable to play in Dublin, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington would handle tight-end duties for Pittsburgh. Smith is averaging a career-worst 5.4 yards per catch this season but does have 12 grabs for 65 yards and one touchdown through three games.

Sanders (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at New England.

It's a mere technicality, with Sanders a candidate to miss multiple games after suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 3. The Panthers are left with Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell as their top tight ends, making Tremble a clear favorite to start even if he's unlikely to see more than a few targets.

Wonnum (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

The 27-year-old was unable to practice all week after likely sustaining a hip injury in the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Sunday. Wonnum has played 134 defensive snaps over Carolina's first three games, recording six total tackles and one pick-six. With Patrick Jones (hamstring) and him sidelined in Week 4, the Panthers' top edge-rush duo is expected to be rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

Brown (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Atlanta, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

With Brown missing a second straight game and Terry McLaurin (quad) now unavailable, the Commanders are left with Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey and Chris Moore as the healthy wide receivers on their active roster.

Wharton (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

Wharton upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to limited sessions Thursday and Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest. Prior to sustaining a hamstring injury, the first-year Panther tallied four total tackles across 20 defensive snaps in the team's regular-season opener. If Wharton is unable to return in Week 4, Jaden Crumedy will likely serve as Carolina's top reserve defensive end.

Bates (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Atlanta, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Bates hasn't practiced the past two weeks and will now miss a second straight game. Ben Sinnott figures to step up as the No. 2 tight end again, with playing time largely depending on the gameplan (and then game script).

Legette (hamstring) won't play Sunday against the Patriots.

Legette, who was unable to practice this week, thus will target a potential return to action Sunday, Oct. 5 against the Dolphins. In Legette's absence this weekend, David Moore, Hunter Renfrow and Brycen Tremayne are candidates to see added Week 4 snaps alongside fellow WR Tetairoa McMillan (calf, questionable).

McMillan (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New England.

McMillan didn't practice Wednesday but managed limited participation Thursday and Friday. He said Wednesday that he'll be fine for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers should still keep an eye out for additional updates before the Panthers post their inactive list around 11:30 a.m. ET this Sunday.

Jones (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

The first-year Panther is now in line to miss his second consecutive game after likely sustaining a hamstring injury in Carolina's Week 2 loss to the Cardinals. While Jones remains sidelined in Week 4, expect 2025 third-round pick Princely Umanmielen to play an increased role as one of the Panthers' starting edge rushers.

Hubbard (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New England.

The Panthers added Hubbard to their injury report Thursday as a limited participant. He was limited again Friday, suggesting the injury probably isn't serious, although the failure to return to full participation leaves some question about his Week 4 status ahead of a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. Should Hubbard end up inactive, the Panthers will bump up Rico Dowdle to the starting lineup and Trevor Etienne to the No. 2 role.