NFL Player News

McConkey (rib) is working off to the side with a trainer at Thursday's practice, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

McConkey doesn't appear ready to take any contact yet after absorbing a big hit on an attempted catch over the middle in this past Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, which forced him out of the game. If McConkey isn't ready to play Sunday against the Raiders, Brenen Thompson, Derius Davis and Gary Jennings could take on larger roles alongside Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris.

Pittman (foot) was listed as a non-participant at practice Thursday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Pittman took a step in the wrong direction Thursday after being listed as a limited participant Wednesday. The starting wide receiver's participation level during Friday's practice and subsequent injury status on Friday's injury report will bear monitoring as the Steelers prepare for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots.

Johnson (illness) returned to practice Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

After missing Wednesday's practice due to an illness, Johnson got back in the mix Thursday. The Saints' injury report will clarify whether he was a limited or full participant. Regardless, this is a good sign for Johnson's availability heading into Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Richardson (groin) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Richardson didn't practice Wednesday due to a groin injury but resumed practicing without limitations Thursday, suggesting the backup QB isn't in danger of missing Sunday night's game at Kansas City. Daniel Jones struggled in the Week 1 loss to the Ravens but remains locked in as the starter for the Colts.

Coker (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice.

The Panthers continue to cap Coker's practice participation as he works through a left ankle injury that put him in a boot earlier in the week. Coker has logged a pair of limited sessions to begin the week, and Friday's session could give more clarity on his status going into Week 2. The Holy Cross product is coming off a massive outing Week 1 when he popped for 138 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers head to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Sunday.

Pierce (heel) didn't participate in practice Thursday.

Pierce was a full participant at Wednesday's session but was unable to take the practice field Thursday. The banged-up wide receiver played through his heel injury in the Week 1 loss to Baltimore, during which he also sustained a wrist issue. The latter concern doesn't seem to be bothering him any longer, but Pierce likely will need to upgrade back to full participation Friday to avoid being listed with a designation for Sunday night's game against the Chiefs.

Monangai (hamstring) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Monangai has been a limited participant in Chicago's first two practices heading into Sunday's battle with the NFC North rival Vikings. The second-year pro no longer seems bothered by the knee injury that forced him to miss time during the preseason, and Monangai is coming off a strong season opener in which he produced a 61-yard touchdown run. D'Andre Swift (ankle/knee) also was listed as limited Thursday, so the health of Chicago's top two running backs will bear monitoring on Friday's injury report.

Swift (ankle/knee) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Swift has been limited the last two days due to a pair of lower-body injuries to his knee and ankle. Both he and Kyle Monangai (hamstring) are on the injury report, which puts the Bears' backfield outlook in question as Sunday approaches. Friday's injury report will give firmer confirmation on Swift's status going into the Week 2 divisional matchup with the Vikings.

Tagovailoa (oblique) was listed as a non-participant for Thursday's practice., D. Orlando Ledbetter of BowTieSports.com reports.

Tagovailoa officially goes down as a non-participant for a second consecutive practice. He's likely to miss a second consecutive game to begin the season Sunday against the Panthers, though Tagovailoa has one chance left to practice before then. Michael Penix (knee) would get the nod Sunday if he's cleared to suit up and Tua isn't. Otherwise, Cooper Rush would make his second start of the season.

Bowers (knee) is not participating during the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Bowers has a chance to play Sunday against the Chargers after sitting out the Week 1 win over the Dolphins due to a meniscus trim in his knee just before the start of the season. Bowers' inability to practice in any capacity Wednesday or Thursday suggests he may be heading toward a second consecutive absence to begin the season, though a return to practice in at least some capacity Friday could create some optimism regarding the star tight end's status. Michael Mayer caught six of a team-high seven targets for 32 yards during Bowers' absence in the season opener.