NFL Player News

Pickett (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

Prior to being traded from the Browns to the Raiders on Aug. 25, Pickett had been managing a hamstring issue. The QB's full practice participation Wednesday, however, paves the way for him to serve as Geno Smith's backup in Week 1 against the Patriots. Meanwhile, fellow signal caller Aidan O'Connell (wrist) is on IR and will miss at least four games out of the gate this season.

Gardner (fibula) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Gardner dealt with a calf issue earlier in the summer, and it's unclear when he picked up the fibula injury. However, a limited start to the practice week would seem to put Gardner on track to play in Sunday's Week 1 opener against the Steelers.

Walker (groin) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Walker had been dealing with a groin injury since mid-August, but his absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates that the rookie first-rounder is past the issue. Barring any setbacks, Walker is in line to make his NFL regular-season debut against the Buccaneers on Sunday, when he'll work in a pass-rush rotation with Leonard Flloyd, Arnold Ebiketie and James Pearce.

Watkins (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

In the wake of the 49ers' preseason opener on Aug. 9, Watkins was revealed to have a high-ankle sprain that would require one month to recover from. Until he gets back on the practice field, he's an unlikely candidate to play on game days, and his listing on Friday's injury report may reveal that the rookie fourth-rounder isn't in line to make his pro debut Sunday at Seattle.

Horn (thumb) was not listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.

Horn had been tending to a thumb injury he sustained a couple weeks into training camp as a result of a car accident, but it appears he'll be ready to suit up in Week 1. He figures to see a lot of Brian Thomas in Carolina's regular-season opener.

Agnew (oblique) was not listed on the Falcons' injury report Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

An oblique injury prevented Agnew from suiting up for any of the Falcons' three preseason games. His absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates that he's past the issue and on track to suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener against Tampa Bay. The veteran wideout is expected to see most of his playing time on special teams as a returner on kickoffs and punts.

Buckner (back) did not appear on the Colts' injury report Wednesday.

Buckner was dealing with a back injury late in the preseason, but he appears to have fully recovered from it and he'll be all set to play in Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. The defensive tackle recorded 61 total tackles (24 solo), including 6.5 sacks, over 12 regular-season contests in 2024.

Thompson (hamstring) is not listed on Buffalo's injury report Wednesday.

Thompson hurt his hamstring early in training camp and didn't play in any preseason contests. However, his ability to practice Wednesday suggests he should be good to go for Sunday's Week 1 matchup versus Baltimore. Thompson is slated to work in a depth role at linebacker for the Bills this season.

Benford (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Benford hasn't fully practiced since Aug. 21, but a limited session to start the week would seem to put him on track for Sunday night's Week 1 opener against the Ravens. With Maxwell Hairston (knee, IR) and Tre'Davious White (groin, DNP) ailing, the Bills badly need Benford to be ready.

White did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury.

White was diagnosed with a lower-body injury toward the end of training camp, but the veteran corner appears to be dealing with a groin issue. His practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his status heading into the Bills' regular-season opener against the Ravens on Sunday. The Bills may have to turn to Taron Johnson, Dorian Strong and Ja'Marcus Ingram to slide in at outside corner if White and Christian Benford (groin) are unable to play.