NFL Player News

Bennett is set to work as the Rams' backup quarterback behind Matthew Stafford on Thursday versus San Francisco, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.

Rookie Ty Simpson has been deemed Los Angeles' emergency third quarterback for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, leaving Bennett to serve as Stafford's backup. Bennett has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap and doesn't figure to see action Thursday unless Stafford has to exit early or the game turns into a blowout by either side.

Bethune (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bethune finished the 2025 campaign on the 49ers' injured reserve, and he'll have to wait at least one more week to make his return to game action. In his absence, Garret Wallow could see an increase in playing time in Week 1.

Hargrave (knee) was a limited participant at the Packers' practice Thursday.

Hargrave has opened the week with back-to-back limited practices as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of training camp. The defensive tackle will have one more chance to log a full practice Friday before potentially making his regular-season debut with the Packers on Sunday against Minnesota.

Watkins (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

After flashing during the preseason, Watkins will be a healthy scratch to begin the regular season. Presumably, veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel and rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling will see the lion's share of the 49ers' snaps at wide receiver in Week 1.

Brown is expected to miss four weeks with the ankle injury he suffered in Monday night's loss to the Seahawks, Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reports.

Brown is believed to be dealing with a high-ankle sprain that may require a stint on injured reserve, per NFL reporter Jordan Schultz. The good news is he suffered the injury on a Wednesday, which gives him a few extra days to rehab this week, but it's still looking like the star wideout will miss multiple games. While Brown is sidelined, the Patriots will need to lean on Romeo Doubs at wideout, while DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams all figure to take on larger roles. Hunter Henry is also a candidate to see a bigger target share while Brown is sidelined.

Tranquill (back) did not appear on Kansas City's injury report Thursday.

The linebacker seems ready to play in the Chiefs' season opener against the Broncos on Monday night after missing time during training camp with back spasms. Tranquill recorded 103 tackles (55 solo), including 2.0 sacks, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during the 2025 regular season.

Moss (ribs) wasn't listed on the Broncos' injury report Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Moss dealt with an injury to his ribs at the end of August, but his absence from Denver's injury report Thursday suggests he's clear of the issue. He should thus be ready to start at cornerback in Monday's season opener against Kansas City.

James (coach's decision) is officially inactive for Thursday's game against the Rams, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 2025 fifth-rounder will not suit up in Week 1, leaving Christian McCaffrey and rookie third-rounder Kaelon Black as the only healthy running backs active for the 49ers on Thursday. James' role moving forward may depend on how effective Black is to start the season.

Bain (shoulder) was a full participant at the Buccaneers' practice Thursday.

Bain was able to increase his participation Thursday after opening the week with a limited practice Wednesday. The 22-year-old suffered an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in late August, but he now appears on track to make his NFL regular-season debut Sunday in Cincinnati.

Sanders (knee) did not participate at practice Thursday.

Sanders recorded a limited practice Wednesday, but it seems he may have suffered some sort of setback during the week. He'll likely need to return to practice Friday to give himself a chance to be active in Week 1 at Houston.