NFL Player News

Jones (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Packers.

The veteran offensive tackle was a limited participant in Thursday's practice before downgrading to a DNP on Friday, so he's trending in the wrong direction. Giovanni Manu will likely be the Lions' top reserve tackle with Jones sidelined in Week 1.

Brown (knee/rest) didn't practice Friday but doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Giants, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Listed as a limited participant the previous two days, Brown apparently showed enough to gain clearance for the season opener, although his knee requires maintenance. It's unclear if missing most of the summer will impact his depth-chart standing for Week 1; he entered training camp as the favorite for the No. 3 WR job but now could lose work to Jaylin Lane and/or Luke McCaffrey. Either way, Brown isn't likely to see many targets while both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel remain healthy.

Nowaske (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Packers.

The Saginaw Valley State product didn't practice all week due to an elbow issue, making it no surprise he'll be sidelined for Detroit's regular-season opener. In his absence, Grant Stuard will likely see increased work as the Lions' top rotational outside linebacker.

The Bills placed Bass (left hip/groin) on injured reserve Friday.

Bass dealt with what at the time was termed a pelvic injury in the early days of training camp but still was able to suit up in Buffalo's preseason finale, connecting on three of four field-goal attempts and both point-after tries. He then mustered just one limited practice during Week 1 prep due to left hip and groin concerns before the team made the decision to shut him down for at least the first four games of the season. The Bills will need to elevate Matt Prater from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday night's showdown with the Ravens.

Smith (illness) was upgraded to a limited practice Friday.

Smith was under the weather Thursday but has an extra day to get ready for Monday night's Week 1 opener against the Bears. The veteran safety is entering his 14th season in Minnesota and started 16 regular-season contests last season.

Kirk (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener versus the Rams.

After missing practice this week, Kirk was trending in the wrong direction. Now that Kirk's Week 1 status has been confirmed, rookie WRs Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are in a position to see added opportunities this weekend behind top target Nico Collins, with Xavier Hutchinson and Justin Watson also on hand. Looking ahead, Kirk's Week 2 availability remains cloudy, with DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com having previously suggested that it could be a two-week injury for the 28-year-old, while noting that the Texans figure to proceed with caution with the wideout at this stage of the season.

Hernandez (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Hernandez is still working his way back from a knee injury that held him to just five games in 2024, making it no surprise he's been ruled out for Sunday. The veteran offensive lineman did practice in a limited fashion throughout the week, which could be a positive sign for a potential return in the Cardinals' Week 2 contest against the Panthers.

Vaki (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds will handle backfield duties for the Lions against Green Bay. Vaki touched the ball just nine times last regular season.

Coleman (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Coleman was limited in practice by a groin issue Wednesday and Thursday but expressed optimism about his chances of suiting up Friday before proceeding to log a full session, which helped him avoid a Week 1 injury tag. Wide receivers Khalil Shakir (ankle) and Elijah Moore (personal) also avoided designations, so the position group will be at full strength for the regular-season opener.

Herbig (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year linebacker from Wisconsin was limited all week in practice due to a hamstring injury sustained in mid-August. Herbig has been productive throughout his two years in Pittsburgh, totaling 49 total tackles, including 8.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles across 30 regular-season contests. If he's unable to go in Week 1, Jack Sawyer will likely play as the Steelers' top rotational outside linebacker.