NFL Player News

Highsmith (groin) returned to practice Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Highsmith was injured in practice a little over two weeks ago but was back on the field Tuesday, giving him plenty of time to get ready for the start of the regular season Sept. 7 against the Jets. Highsmith appeared in just 11 regular-season games last year, finishing with 45 tackles (28 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Guerendo (shoulder) participated in Tuesday's training camp practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Guerendo suffered a shoulder injury in practice in early August, which caused him to miss the 49ers' first two preseason games. He was back on the field Tuesday and was given the green light to participate in team drills, and Wagoner relays that Guerendo was heavily involved with the offense and on special teams as a kick returner. Barring any setbacks, the 2024 fourth-rounder is on track to be available for Saturday's preseason finale against the Chargers.

The 49ers placed Taylor (shoulder) on injured reserve Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Taylor suffered a dislocated shoulder in last Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders, and he'll now miss the 2025 season unless San Francisco cuts Taylor with an injury settlement at a later date.

The 49ers signed Sudfeld on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

With Brock Purdy unlikely to play, and Mac Jones (knee) and Kurtis Rourke (knee) injured, Sudfeld will help the Niners navigate their preseason finale. Sudfeld spent the 2024 season out of the league after he was released by the Lions last August.

Howard exited Tuesday's practice with an undisclosed injury and did not return, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Howard signed with Buffalo on Tuesday morning and was injured by the afternoon. It's unclear if he's going to be able to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Bucs, but Howard has next to no shot of making the Bills' 53-man roster.

Norman-Lott (ankle) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Norman-Lott has played in both of the Chiefs' first two preseason contests, logging 43 defensive snaps. The second-round rookie is expected to serve in a rotational role alongside Chris Jones on the interior of Kansas City's defensive line this season.

Bernard signed with the Patriots on Tuesday, Mike Kadlick of CLNSMedia.com reports.

Bernard doesn't stand much of a chance to make the Patriots' 53-man roster at this stage of the summer, and he's likely being signed just to serve as depth for the Patriots' preseason finale Thursday against the Giants.

Gardner (calf) returned to practice Tuesday, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Gardner missed some practice time last week and sat out the Jets' second preseason game this past Saturday. The newly minted highest-paid cornerback is expected to be fine for New York's season opener against the Steelers on Sept. 7.

Head coach Kellen Moore said Tuesday that he has not decided on who will be the Saints' starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Cardinals, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

After serving as the backup behind Spencer Rattler in the preseason opener against the Chargers, Shough drew the start in Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Shough didn't do much to make his case, going 9-for-12 for 66 yards and leading New Orleans to just one field goal on four possessions. It's unclear who Moore will go with as the starter for the Saints' preseason finale against the Broncos on Saturday, but that game will be the last opportunity for Shough to win the QB1 job before the start of the regular season.

Johnson (Achilles) participated in team drills at Tuesday's practice, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

It marks the first time Johnson has done team drills since being activated from the active/PUP list last week. Johnson tore his Achilles in Week 2 of last season but is expected to be available in some sort of capacity for Week 1 against the Steelers on Sept. 7.