NFL Player News

Smith (hamstring) isn't expected to be available Sunday versus the Rams, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

For a second straight week, Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he was able to play through it during Monday's loss at Chicago, logging all 50 offensive snaps en route to six catches (on eight targets) for 65 yards. He hasn't practiced so far this week, and McManus' report indicates Smith likely will remain out Friday before the team eventually makes a ruling on his status for Week 4. If Smith doesn't suit up this weekend, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon would be the primary beneficiaries in the receiving corps.

Allar (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph are active for the AFC North showdown with the Browns, and Will Howard (coach's decision) will serve as the emergency quarterback. As a result, Allar will be a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive week.

Sanders (appendix) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Sanders underwent surgery to have his appendix removed on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and he didn't play in Week 3 against the Chargers. The second-year pro didn't practice Wednesday to begin Week 4 prep, but he was able to participate in a limited capacity Thursday. That's a good sign Sanders is healing well, though it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to suit up Sunday versus New England.

Howard (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against Cleveland. However, he is listed as the Steelers' emergency quarterback, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph occupy the top two spots on the depth chart, though if both of those players exit the game due to injury, illness or ejection, Howard will see the field as the emergency signal-caller.

Nacua (hip) officially was listed as a limited participant on Thursday's injury report, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Prior to Thursday's practice, offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase told Grosbard that Nacua was expected to be a full participant, and the wide receiver himself told Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com afterward that he was full. The resulting practice report said otherwise, and he thus still has some work to do potentially avoid a designation ahead of Sunday's game in Philadelphia.

Green (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Steelers, though he will serve as the Browns' emergency quarterback.

Green will be inactive for the fourth consecutive game but is listed as Cleveland's QB3. That means Green won't be on the field unless Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders exit the contest due to injury, illness or ejection.

Gilliam (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Gilliam was limited during Wednesday's practice, though he saw a worrisome downgrade Thursday. As a result, he may carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's AFC East showdown with Buffalo, assuming he's not ruled out altogether before then. The 29-year-old appeared in the Patriots' first three games of the 2026 campaign, catching one pass (two targets) for four yards.

Smythe (heel) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Smythe was limited during practice Wednesday, though he managed to participate fully Thursday. The 31-year-old veteran logged 108 offensive snaps for the Ravens throughout the first three weeks of the 2026 campaign, with fellow tight end Mark Andrews (hand) recording 123. However, Smythe hasn't done much of relevance in his three appearances, catching one pass (two targets) for four yards.

Ingold finished with three receptions for 35 yards on four targets in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Bills.

Ingold hadn't received any touches in the first two games of the season, but he saw a surprising amount of involvement as an underneath target during the Week 3 loss. With snap shares of at least 38 percent in every game thus far, Ingold plays more frequently than the typical fullback, but he's utilized as a blocker first and foremost and can't be counted on to regularly contribute as a pass catcher.

Evans (ribs) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Evans thus will have just one more chance to mix into drills Friday before the 49ers potentially make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos. If Evans ends up being inhibited or sidelined this weekend, Deebo Samuel and Brandin Cooks represent the notable names that remain healthy in San Francisco's WR corps.