NFL Player News

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that Gonzalez (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gonzalez hasn't practiced since sustaining a hamstring injury in late July, though he'll work off to the side during Wednesday's session. The third-year cornerback from Oregon was a standout in coverage in 2024, recording 59 total tackles and nine passes defensed across 16 games. If he's unable to suit up for Sunday's season opener versus the Raiders, Alex Austin could be called upon to start opposite Carlton Davis in the New England secondary.

Coach Sean McDermott noted that Shakir (ankle) will practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Shakir -- who suffered a high-ankle sprain Aug. 1 -- thus has two more opportunities to practice fully ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Ravens. When available, the 2022 fifth-rounder is on track to reprise his role as a go-to passing target for QB Josh Allen. Given that he'll be able to practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity, Shakir is trending toward suiting up this weekend, but until he logs a full session, his status will be worth monitoring.

Luepke signed a two-year extension with the Cowboys on Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old fullback will now remain in Dallas after spending the first two seasons of his career with the team. Over 33 regular-season appearances, Luepke has tallied 18 rushes for 57 yards and one touchdown to go along with 15 receptions for 129 yards. He's expected to serve as the Cowboys' top fullback throughout the 2025 campaign.

Vera-Tucker is believed to have sustained a potentially serious injury Wednesday and may be in danger of missing time, including Sunday's regular-season opener against the Steelers, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Vera-Tucker is dealing with an arm injury that may require surgery, and for which he's now seeking a second opinion. The starting right guard is coming off the best season of his career, and his loss for any amount of time would be a notable blow to quarterback Justin Fields, as well as running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.

Royals (knee) is ruled out for Friday's regular-season opener against the Chargers and will not travel with the team to Brazil.

Coach Andy Reid previously said he didn't expect Royals to be available Week 1, so his being ruled out doesn't come as a surprise. Kansas City didn't hold a practice session Wednesday, but he was a non-participant Tuesday due to lingering knee tendinitus. The rookie fourth-round pick's next chance to play will arrive Week 2 at home versus the Eagles. With Rashee Rice suspended the first six games of the season, Royals will have a path to compete with JuJu Smith-Schuster for snaps behind Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown once fully healthy.

Likely (foot) is not expected to suit up for his targeted return date of Week 1 on the road against Buffalo on Sunday, but his recovery is proceeding on track and the Ravens still expect him to be available early in the regular season, Jeremy Brener of SI.com reports.

Likely dodged IR to begin the regular season, confirming that Baltimore expects him to miss less than four games before he retakes the field. For at least Week 1, though, Mark Andrews appears in line to handle increased reps as the Ravens' clear top tight end, while Charlie Kolar steps into an expanded backup role. New No. 3 receiver DeAndre Hopkins will also figure to benefit from a slight uptick in target opportunities as long as Likely remains sidelined. Likely didn't practice Monday, but if he can return as at least a limited participant ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener, suiting up Week 2 against the Browns may be in play.

Likely (foot) is not expected to suit up for Sunday's regular-season opener on the road against Buffalo, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Likely, who is recovering from surgery undergone in late July to address a small fracture in his left foot, was a non-participant at Monday's practice and does not appear on track to play Week 1. His official injury designation for Week 1 will be disclosed Friday, but at this stage it won't be surprising if he sits out Wednesday's practice as well.

Chestnut is listed as the No. 2 RB on the Titans' unofficial depth chart released Tuesday.

Chestnut looked to be in position to earn the backup role to Tony Pollard after Tyjae Spears suffered an ankle injury in the Titans' first preseason contest, though he did split reps with Kalel Mullings (ankle) in the final preseason game. With Spears set to miss at least the first four games of the season, Chestnut should mix into the offense early in the campaign.

Ayomanor was listed as a starting wide receiver on the Titans' unofficial depth chart released Tuesday.

Ayomanor slipped to the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he's since had strong showings in training camp and the preseason. He showed rapport with Cameron Ward, delivering long gains of 35 and 13 yards in Tennessee's second and third preseason games, respectively. Ayomanor may begin the season behind Tyler Lockett in priority for targets, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him ascend to complement Calvin Ridley as the season wears on.

The Broncos signed Thomas to the practice squad Tuesday, Luca Evans of The Denver Post reports.

Thomas spent the offseason with Minnesota and the last two years on the team's practice squad, but he was cut late August and now gets an opportunity in Denver. The 27-year-old wideout is still looking for a chance to make his regular-season debut.