NFL Player News

Lee (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Lee sustained a hamstring injury during the loss to the Packers in Week 8. Now, he's in danger of missing his first game of the 2026 campaign, which wouldn't be an ideal scenario for a Carolina team that is already thin at the cornerback position. If Lee is ruled out against the Broncos, the Panthers may need to look to the practice squad to fill the void.

Kirk (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

Kirk kicked off Week 9 prep with a limited session Wednesday due to a knee injury, so his downgrade one day later may be cause for concern. Friday's practice report could provide some clarity surrounding his status ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Hufanga (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

After being listed as DNP on Wednesday, Hufanga's return to practice will give him a chance to play Sunday against the Panthers after he's missed the past three contests.

Okereke (foot) did not practice Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

It was a second consecutive DNP for Okereke, who has yet to miss a game this season. The 30-year-old has one more opportunity to practice ahead of Sunday's game versus Denver or he could carry an injury designation. Okereke has 49 total tackles (31 solo), 1.0 sacks and one interception in his seven appearances during the 2026 campaign.

Samuel (hamstring) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

Prior to the 49ers' Week 8 bye, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism that Samuel may be able to return in Week 9, but the tide turned Thursday, when GM told KNBR radio that the wide receiver isn't likely to play Sunday against the Raiders, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. With two DNPs under his belt so far and one more chance to practice Friday, Samuel appears to be in line for his third missed game in a row due to a right hamstring injury.

Evans (Achilles) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

After back-to-back DNPs to open Week 9 prep, Evans technically has one more chance to mix into drills this week, but GM John Lynch said on KNBR radio Thursday that the wide receiver likely won't be available Sunday versus the Raiders due to his lingering right Achilles issue, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. The 49ers may make a ruling on Evans' status as soon as they post Friday's injury report.

Hood (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Hood was limited by an illness Wednesday, though he was back out there for a full session Thursday, suggesting he will be good to go for the Week 9 divisional clash with the Eagles. The 21-year-old rookie has appeared in six regular-season games in 2026, garnering 10 tackles (seven solo).

Wicks (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

Wicks appears headed for a third straight absence Sunday against the Giants. DeVonta Smith (hamstring) also continues to miss practice time. It could again be Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore at receiver for the Eagles in Week 9.

McCaffrey (hamstring) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

McCaffrey followed up Wednesday's lack of activity with some on-field work one day later, but he may need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid a designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders. He's tending to a left hamstring injury from a Week 7 loss in Atlanta, when he managed just a 52 percent snap share and churned out 100 yards from scrimmage and a rushing TD on 13 touches.

Alford (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Alford was inactive for Sunday's win over the Ravens, though it appears he will be back on the field when the Bills face the Vikings on Monday night. With the 28-year-old back in the equation, Te'Cory Couch and Maxwell Hairston will likely see fewer snaps.