NFL Player News

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.

Smith (hamstring) officially didn't practice Thursday.

Smith has yet to mix into any drills since his last appearance in Week 6 against the Panthers, missing the last two contests due to a hamstring issue. With a Week 10 bye on the horizon, the Eagles may be focusing on getting him healthy for the final eight weeks of the campaign. In any case, Smith's status for Sunday's contest against the Giants may gain some clarity once the team posts its final Week 9 injury report Friday.

Joseph (knee) remained limited in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Joseph remains on reserve/PUP, and coach Dan Campbell already said earlier this week that the safety will not play against Miami on Sunday.

Branch (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

It's unclear if Branch remains in the concussion protocol, but his full participation puts him on track to play Sunday against the Dolphins after he was injured last Sunday against Minnesota.