NFL Player News

Gross-Matos (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

It's a step in the right direction for the 2020 second-rounder, who was unable to practice Wednesday due to a lingering knee injury. His practice participation Friday will indicate his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Seahawks. Robert Beal, Bryce Huff and Sam Okuayinonu would be candidates to see an increased snap count at defensive end behind starters Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams if Gross-Matos is not cleared to play.

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

The rookie fourth-rounder is working through a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the 49ers' preseason game against the Broncos in early August. He didn't practice Wednesday, but his ability to practice in a limited capacity Thursday indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Friday's practice report will provide added clarity on his status heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against Seattle. If he's cleared to play, Watkins could see a fair number of snaps on offense if Jauan Jennings (calf) is sidelined.

James (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

James broke his finger in early August and has been a limited participant in each of the first two practices of the week. The rookie fifth-rounder figures to see minimal work out of the backfield this season. However, with Christian McCaffrey popping up on Thursday's injury report due to a calf injury, James could be thrust into the RB3 role behind Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) if McCaffrey is unable to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Seahawks.

Carter was ejected from Thursday's game after appearing to spit on Dak Prescott, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Carter didn't record a snap before being ejected. He approached the Cowboys' huddle as an injured player was being evaluated by trainers. Carter then exchanged words with Prescott and appeared to spit on the quarterback directly in front of an official. Carter's absence will leave a significant hole along the Eagles' defensive line.

The Buccaneers waived Majors (knee) from injured reserve with an injury settlement Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Majors was slated to miss the entire 2025 season after reverting to the Bucs' injured reserve. Now that he's been let go with an injury settlement, he'll have the chance to sign with a team in need of depth at center once he's fully recovered from his knee injury.

Robinson (illness) returned to practice Thursday as a full participant.

Robinson was idle Wednesday. The veteran tackle signed with the Texans back in March but lost the starting left tackle job to second-round rookie Aireontae Ersery.

Jennings (calf) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Jennings has sandwiched capped sessions around getting $3 million in play-time incentives added to his current contract Wednesday evening. With one of his recent issues resolved, his calf injury continues to hinder his on-field work ahead of Week 1, though he did tell Wagoner on Thursday that it's "been feeling a lot better" and that he's "ready to go" for Sunday's game in Seattle. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will reveal whether or not Jennings enters the weekend with a designation for the season opener.

Rodriguez (ankle) was not listed on the Vikings' injury report Thursday.

Rodriguez suffered an ankle injury during the Vikings' preseason opener against the Texans, but his absence from Thursday's injury report indicates that he'll play against the Bears on Monday. The 2024 seventh-rounder appeared in just two regular-season games during his rookie year, when he logged one solo tackle and one pass defense.

McCaffrey was limited at Thursday's practice due to a calf injury, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

McCaffrey's sudden appearance on the 49ers' Week 1 practice report with the same listed health concern that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis and eight games missed to begin last season isn't a great sign. While the team may merely be managing his workload, his status now will be one to monitor closely ahead of Sunday's game at Seattle. With rookie Jordan James (finger) dealing with an injury as well, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the current healthy running backs on San Francisco's active roster.

Boyd (hand) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Boyd suffered a hand injury in the Saints' preseason finale against the Broncos in August. He was limited in Wednesday's practice but was able to practice in full Thursday, indicating that he is on track to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Cardinals. The 2024 sixth-round pick played in just six regular-season games in his rookie season, when he logged three tackles (two solo) across 72 defensive snaps.