NFL Player News

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.

Moore (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Moore was limited in two practice sessions before being upgraded to a full participant Friday ahead of the Week 3 victory over Dallas. It appears the wideout is following the same path moving toward the Week 4 meeting with Tennessee, assuming he practices in full Friday. Moore's only target versus the Cowboys resulted in a touchdown, but he's been minimally involved overall while posting a 3-63-1 line on six targets.

Allen (hip) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Allen was limited for a second consecutive day. However, he should be good to go in Week 4 against the Bengals, assuming he doesn't suffer a setback along the way. The 2025 No. 236 overall pick hasn't had a productive 2026 campaign, amassing just two catches (three targets) for nine yards.

Kolar (forearm) didn't practice Thursday.

Kolar hasn't practiced in any fashion since fracturing his left forearm in a Sept. 20 loss to the Raiders and undergoing surgery two days later. The Chargers have avoided placing Kolar on injured reserve with the expectation that he'll return to action within four games, but he'll almost certainly miss a second straight contest this Sunday in Seattle.