NFL Player News

Wonnum (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

The veteran edge rusher upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full-go Friday, suggesting he's trending toward playing in Sunday's contest. Wonnum's return would be a huge addition to the Panthers' defense, as he recorded six total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, over the team's first three games. If he's active in Week 5, he'll likely serve as Carolina's top edge rusher and start opposite Patrick Jones.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Kittle (hamstring) is considered a "long shot" to be available for the team's Week 6 game against the Buccaneers, but the tight end could be more likely to return from injured reserve for a Week 7 matchup with the Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 19, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After missing the requisite four games upon being placed on IR following Week 1 action, Kittle will be eligible for activation during the upcoming week, but he seemingly hasn't made enough progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury to put himself in consideration for a return just yet. The 49ers could still elect to open Kittle's 21-day practice window next week, though Shanahan hinted that the team may prefer to wait until Week 7 before having the 31-year-old get back on the field, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. While Kittle has been out for the past four weeks, the 49ers have had Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell share snaps at tight end, with the former player proving to be the more formidable pass-catching threat.

Head coach Sean McVay said Ferguson "is only going to get more opportunities going forward", Greg Beacham of the Associated Press reports.

McVay's comments come after Ferguson was active for the first time in three games. Given only four snaps on offense on Thursday against the 49ers, the rookie managed to turn his only target into a healthy 21-yard gain, which helped set up a Kyren Williams receiving touchdown a few plays later. Ferguson's second-round pedigree and a Rams' tight end room currently struggling to make much of an impact may help him quickly leap up the pecking order at tight end, and a Ravens defense struggling to keep points off the board may mark an opportunity for Ferguson to produce if McVay's comments bear fruit.

Smith-Wade (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Smith-Wade didn't practice all week after sustaining a chest injury in the Panthers' Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. The second-year pro has impressed in his first season as a full-time starter, recording 10 total tackles and one pick-six through Carolina's first four games this season. While he's out in Week 5, Akayleb Evans and Corey Thornton could see increased reps with the Panthers' first-team defense.

Waller (hip/rest) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Waller, who made his regular-season debut Week 4, was listed as a limited participant in practice this week, with the Dolphins managing his practice reps after the tight end parlayed his 16 snaps in Monday's 27-21 win over the Jets into a 3-27-2 line on four targets. On the heels of that effort, Waller is a candidate to see his snap share increase this weekend, and with WR Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season, he should have an opportunity to claim a key role in Miami's passing offense going forward in the absence of any injury setbacks.

Dean (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 28-year-old from Auburn didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a hip injury, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined in Week 5. Through four games, Dean has tallied 12 total tackles and four passes defended, including one pick-six. While he's out Sunday, Zyon McCollum and Josh Hayes will likely serve as the Buccaneers' top outside cornerback duo.

Parkinson failed to secure his only target during Thursday's 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Even with Tyler Higbee (hip) out of action, Parkinson took a back seat to Davis Allen in terms of snap count (41 to 25) and overall production, with Allen turning his two targets into 24 yards. The goose egg marks Parkinson's second fruitless outing in three weeks, and his four receptions this year have combined for just 11 yards. Terrance Ferguson also got into the mix with a catch of his own, and the quartet of Rams tight ends will remain difficult to use for fantasy purposes even with the Ravens and their league-worst 133 points allowed next on the schedule in Week 6.

Robinson (pectoral) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Robinson sustained a pectoral injury in the Cardinals' Week 4 loss to the Seahawks and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Sunday. The 2024 first-round pick has tallied five total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, through Arizona's first four games this season. While he's sidelined in Week 5, Dante Stills is likely to start as one of the Cardinals' top defensive ends.

Juszczyk had one carry for a loss of one yard and three receptions on four targets for 21 yards in Thursday's 26-23 overtime win over the Rams.

Juszczyk set a new high-water mark in combined touches (four) with the 49ers operating at less than 100 percent on a short turnaround for Thursday Night Football. The slight uptick in usage for the fullback still couldn't produce a stat line worthy of consideration in standard fantasy formats. Look for Juice to get loose out of the backfield once or twice, but not much else, against the Buccaneers in Week 6.

Jones (Achilles) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions.

Although Jones logged three consecutive DNPs during the Bengals' week of practice, he's got a chance to suit up Sunday. The Purdue product has tallied 238 total return yards over Cincinnati's first four games this season. If he's sidelined in Week 5, Jermaine Burton is likely to serve as the team's top return specialist.