NFL Player News

Waddle is in uniform for Friday's preseason game versus the Packers, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

After dealing with muscle tightness in his leg in early August, Waddle got back on the practice field Monday and progressed to team drills one day later. With his health seemingly not in question, he's poised to see his first game action with QB Bo Nix after Denver traded for the wide receiver's services back in March.

Height (elbow) recorded one tackle for a loss in Thursday's 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers.

Height did not play in the 49ers' preseason opener against the Titans due to an elbow issue, but the rookie third-rounder was cleared to play in Thursday's exhibition game, when he logged 13 snaps on defense. Height figures to be a contributor on special teams this season, though he could also see rotational reps as a pass rusher depending on the health of Mykel Williams (knee), Nick Bosa (knee) and Keion White (groin).

Okuayinonu recorded two solo tackles in Thursday night's 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers.

Okuayinonu played 17 defensive snaps in the contest. The defensive end appears to have recovered from his minor ankle issue and is back in action. The 28-year-old will likely see a similar number of snaps in next Thursday's preseason game against the Raiders.

Mayer did not play in Thursday's 22-20 preseason loss to the Texans.

Mayer has fully recovered from the nose injury that plagued him in early August, but the tight end remained sidelined during Thursday's contest. The 2023 second-rounder joined fellow tight end Brock Bowers on the sideline Thursday, and it appears unlikely he will play any more snaps until the regular season commences.

Vidal turned four carries into six yards while catching both targets for 10 yards during the Chargers' 41-17 preseason loss to the 49ers on Thursday. He also returned one kickoff for 27 yards.

Vidal was the third running back with a touch behind Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell, and Vidal's 19 snaps on offense were most among Chargers running backs. Vidal's production Thursday was not as good as his performance in the Chargers' preseason opener against the Texans, and it looks like Mitchell is in the lead for the RB2 job behind Hampton. The Chargers wrap up their preseason this Thursday against the Rams.

Whittington (ankle) is regarded as day-to-day as of Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Whittington injured his ankle in Thursday night's 22-20 preseason victory over the Raiders. The running back logged nine carries for 11 yards in the contest, adding two kick returns for 44 yards as well. The undrafted free agent out of Oregon will need to recover quickly to continue making his case for a 53-man roster spot.

Woodaz (thumb) is considered day-to-day, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Woodaz was the hero of Thursday night's 22-20 preseason victory over the Raiders. The fourth-round rookie snagged an 80-yard pick-six against 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Woodaz hurt his thumb at some point during the game, but he should return to form shortly as he attempts to win a backup middle-linebacker role in a stacked Texans defense.

The Eagles signed Hayes to a contract Friday.

Haynes was waived by the Eagles last Saturday but has quickly found his way back to the team. The wide receiver likely gains another chance at the active roster due to Johnny Wilson (knee) being waived with an injury designation. Haynes may see some reps in Saturday's preseason game against the Patriots even though last Saturday made it clear he is one of the more expendable players currently on the roster.

The Titans placed Johnson (ankle) on injured reserve Friday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Johnson underwent ankle surgery Tuesday, so a move to IR isn't a surprise. The cornerback was set to serve a six-game suspension at the start of the regular season as well, which will be considered served even if he does not actively participate in practice. If Johnson thinks he can play in 2026, he will need to reach an injury settlement with the Titans to be released from the team's IR.

McCormick rushed six times for 53 yards and a touchdown in Thursday night's 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers.

McCormick was the 49ers' leading rusher in the contest despite receiving fewer attempts than Kaelon Black or Zamir White. The running back is currently competing with Black and White to be a potential backup to Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) while Jordan James (ribs) and Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) are sidelined with injuries.