NFL Player News

Wharton (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The 27-year-old hadn't practiced since sustaining a hamstring injury in Carolina's Week 1 loss to the Jaguars, but his limited participation Thursday suggests a return may be imminent. Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Wharton was expected to miss 2-4 weeks following his injury, making the Week 4 matchup against the Patriots a potential target return date. His participation in Friday's practice will likely provide the best indication of whether he'll be available Sunday.

Buckner (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Buckner didn't practice Wednesday due to a back injury that he likely picked up during the Colts' Week 3 win over the Titans. His ability to practice Thursday is a trend in the right direction, and Friday's injury report will provide clarity on his status heading into the Colts' road matchup against the Rams on Sunday. Buckner has 14 tackles (nine solo) through the first three games of the regular season.

Gordon (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

A mid-August hamstring injury has kept Gordon sidelined for the Bears' first three games of the regular season. He's unlikely to play against the Raiders on Sunday unless he can practice in at least a limited capacity Friday. Nick McCloud should continue to see additional snaps in the Bears' secondary for as long as Gordon is sidelined.

Lamb (ankle) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Lamb now has missed both practices this week due to the high left-ankle sprain that's expected to sideline him for 3-to-4 weeks. However, the Cowboys have yet to make a ruling on his status for a Week 4 matchup with the Packers, something that may be confirmed as soon as the team posts its final injury report of the week Friday, or as late as 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. No matter when it happens, the Dallas passing game likely will feature WR George Pickens and TE Jake Ferguson for at least the next few games, with WRs Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin also poised for larger roles.

Tillman (hand/hip) remained limited at practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

With back-to-back limited sessions thus far this week, Tillman probably will need to practice fully in order to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions. With a 10-100-2 line on 18 targets through three games, Tillman is on the fantasy lineup radar Week 4 while working alongside fellow starting WR Jerry Jeudy.

Edwards (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Edwards was unable to play in the Bears' Week 3 win over the Cowboys due to a hamstring injury that he suffered against the Lions in Week 2. He's opened the week with back-to-back DNPs, and he'll have to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday in order to have a chance at playing against the Raiders on Sunday.

Wonnum didn't practice Thursday due to a hip injury.

Despite playing 48 defensive snaps and recording two total tackles during the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, the South Carolina product appears to have sustained a hip injury. Wonnum has now logged consecutive DNPs to begin Carolina's week of practice, making it unlikely that he suits up for the Week 4 matchup against the Patriots. However, if the 27-year-old upgrades to limited or full participation in Friday's session, he could play in Sunday's contest.

Head coach Aaron Glenn relayed Thursday that Johnson is considered week-to-week due to an ankle injury, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson suffered an ankle injury during the first half of the Jets' Week 2 loss to the Bills. He wasn't able to play against the Buccaneers this past Sunday, and he has opened the week as a DNP on Thursday's practice report, per Cimini. Johnson will have two more opportunities to practice ahead of Monday's AFC East clash against the Dolphins in Miami. Braiden McGregor, Micheal Clemons and Tyler Baron will continue to see more work at defensive end alongside Will McDonald for as long as Johnson is sidelined.

Njoku (knee) upgraded to a full practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku was limited in Wednesday's session, but his return to full work puts him on track to play Sunday against the Lions. Njoku has turned 18 targets into a 12-117-0 receiving line on 81 percent of the offensive snaps through three games this season.

Likely (foot) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, offensive coordinator Todd Monken noted Thursday of Likely, "Hopefully we get (him) back this week. He adds another tool for us." The tight end has missed the Ravens' first three games this season while recovering from foot surgery, but his continued ability to practice -- albeit in a limited capacity -- has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Chiefs.