NFL Player News

Likely (foot) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Likely hasn't been able to practice in any fashion since undergoing surgery on his left foot Aug. 1, and while the Ravens have yet to officially rule him out for Week 1, the 25-year-old looks like a longshot to be available. With Likely expected to be inactive for Sunday's season opener in Buffalo, Charlie Kolar should be in line to see an enhanced role behind No. 1 tight end Mark Andrews.

Cooper announced Thursday that he does not intend to play for the Raiders this season and is instead retiring from the NFL, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Cooper signed with Las Vegas in late August and appeared primed to immediately operate as a key pass catcher for the team, but the veteran wideout has instead decided to hang up the cleats just ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Patriots. In the wake of Cooper's retirement, Tre Tucker, Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech are positioned for increasingly key roles behind No. 1 wideout Jakobi Meyers, with TE Brock Bowers still the focal point of the Raiders' aerial attack. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Cooper's abrupt retirement relates to difficulties he experienced ramping up after spending most of the offseason unsigned.

Smith-Schuster could be counted upon for an expanded role in Friday's regular-season opener against the Chargers, Bobby Kownack of NFL.com reports.

Smith-Schuster, Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton are all candidates for significant action Friday. Those receivers are next in line for opportunities behind Xavier Worthy while Rashee Rice serves a six-game suspension to begin the season, and rookie fourth-round pick Jalen Royals (knee) has been ruled out. Smith-Schuster had only 231 regular-season receiving yards with Kansas City in 2024, a far cry from the 933 he managed in his first year with the Chiefs in 2022.

Norman-Lott (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Chargers.

Norman-Lott was estimated as a limited participant in Thursday's walkthrough, matching his participation level Tuesday and Wednesday. The rookie second-round pick is expected to rotate in on the interior of Kansas City's defensive line if Norman-Lott gets the green light to make his regular-season NFL debut Friday in Brazil.

Sanders is listed as the Panthers' top tight end on the first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 regular season, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Sanders is listed above Tommy Tremble, who missed most of training camp and the preseason while recovering from offseason back surgery. While Sanders was always expected to handle the majority of pass-catching reps at tight end entering Year 2, while Tremble would see more blocking work, this development bodes well for the second-year pro's odds of leading the team in snaps at the position. With Jalen Coker (quadriceps) on IR to begin the season and Adam Thielen having been traded to Minnesota, Sanders' outlook in terms of volume has improved heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against the Jaguars.

Renfrow is listed as a starter on Carolina's first unofficial depth chart of the regular season.

Renfrow re-signed with the Panthers on Saturday after being released on cutdown day. He spent training camp with Carolina and is set to operate in the slot while Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette work on the outside. Renfrow's ascent up the depth chart was spurred on by the Panthers trading fellow veteran slot receiver Adam Thielen to Minnesota and Jalen Coker (quadriceps) going on IR.

Reed (foot) is taking part in Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

After sitting out the first practice of Week 1 prep Wednesday, Reed was back on the field as he continues his management of what has been reported to be a Jones fracture in his left foot, which he intends to play through this season. He was working in individual drills Thursday, per Bill Huber of SI.com, so he appears as if he'll go down as a limited participant, at the very least.

Kirk (hamstring) wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of practice Thursday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

After being held out of practice Wednesday, per Bien-Aime, Kirk wasn't present at the start of Thursday's session, which sets the stage for what he does Friday (if anything) to loom large in terms of his chances to play Sunday against the Rams. If Kirk ends up sidelined this weekend, added opportunities behind Nico Collins would be available for rookie WRs Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as Xavier Hutchinson.

Waller (hip) is not present for the early portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller didn't practice Wednesday, but coach Mike McDaniel said the veteran tight end was expected to be at least a limited participant Thursday. He could still take the field for drills, but if Waller is officially listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report it could be an indication he's suffered some sort of setback. Julian Hill and Tanner Conner are Miami's only available backups at tight end heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Colts.

Vaki (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network reports.

Vaki failed to practice for a second straight day. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to have a chance to suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Packers. Even if Vaki recovers, his usage is expected to be limited primarily to special teams.