NFL Player News

The Chargers placed Lambert-Smith (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Lambert-Smith suffered a significant hamstring injury during the Chargers' Week 1 loss against the Cardinals, warranting a stint on the IR. As such, the second-year pro will be required to miss at least the next four games and is eligible to return for Week 6 against the Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 18, though he may need more time to recover. Gary Jennings was signed to the Chargers' 53-man roster in a corresponding move.

Fitzpatrick (groin) is expected to miss two to three weeks, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.

Fitzpatrick suffered a groin injury during the 23-10 victory over the Titans in Week 1. For now, the 29-year-old should at least be considered doubtful for the Week 2 meeting with Green Bay, though he isn't expected to be back on the field until Week 4 versus the Bears, at the earliest. There's also a chance Fitzpatrick is added to the Injured Reserve list.

The Chargers signed Jennings to a contract Tuesday.

Jennings was cut from the Chargers' practice squad Sept. 7, but he's back with the team on the 53-man roster to add depth at wide receiver after KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve. Jennings has not played in a regular-season game since 2019 as a member of the Dolphins, but he could see some reps in the Chargers' Week 2 tilt against the Raiders on Sunday if one or both of Ladd McConkey (ribs) and Derius Davis (undisclosed) were ruled out.

The Browns signed Gray to the practice squad Tuesday.

Gray has appeared in 34 career regular-season games, rushing 31 times for 79 yards and catching 16 passes for 104 yards in his career. The special teamer has also amassed 653 kick return yards over 206 special-teams snaps.

Abanikanda was waived by the Cowboys on Tuesday.

Abanikanda was signed from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, but he did not appear in Sunday night's 28-20 loss to the Giants. The running back will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, there's a strong chance he returns to the practice squad with Dallas. In a corresponding move, running back Tyler Goodson was signed to the Cowboys' active roster Tuesday after opening the 2026 season as a member of the Falcons' practice squad.

The Jets signed Shepard to the practice squad Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Shepard failed to make the Texans' 53-man roster at the end of training camp after signing with the team Aug. 21. He'll get a fresh opportunity with the Jets, and he's a candidate to be elevated to the active roster for Week 2 against the Jets if rookie first-rounder Omar Cooper (ankle) is unable to play. Shepard appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Buccaneers in 2025, finishing with a 39-371-1 receiving line on 53 targets while adding four carries for 19 yards.

Goodson was signed to the Cowboys' active roster Tuesday.

Goodson signed with the Falcons' practice squad Aug. 31, but he will now head to Dallas ahead of Week 2. The running back will provide the team with an additional depth option behind starter Javonte Williams and primary backup Emari Demercado against the Commanders on Sunday. In a corresponding move, fellow running back Israel Abanikanda was waived Tuesday.

The 49ers signed Willis from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Willis will occupy the spot on the 53-man roster vacated by Alfred Collins (knee, IR). The former's addition to the active roster provides extra depth at tight end, with Jake Tonges expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time due to a knee injury he sustained in the 49ers' Week 1 win over the Rams. Willis has appeared in 23 regular-season games since being selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with the Oklahoma product mostly serving as a contributor on special teams and as an occasional blocker on offense.

Johnson (hamstring) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice.

Johnson has opened Week 2 prep with back-to-back limited practices, and Wednesday's report will provide clarity on whether he'll be available for Thursday night's home tilt against the Lions. The veteran running back is currently working through a right hamstring injury, and he's been dealing with lower-body issues since early training camp. Frank Gore would likely be elevated from the practice squad and serve as Buffalo's RB3 behind James Cook and Ray Davis if Johnson is not cleared to play against Detroit.

Lane (wrist) is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days, potentially as soon as Wednesday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports.

Lane suffered a fractured wrist in the Ravens' Week 1 win over the Colts on Sunday, and now that he's set for surgery, the rookie is hoping to miss only "about a month," according to Zenitz. With Zay Flowers (hamstring) also less than 100 percent, the Ravens could be dipping into their wideout depth early in the 2026 campaign. Rashod Bateman, Chris Moore and LaJohntay Wester picked up the slack against Indy, but Devontez Walker (groin) and rookie Elijah Sarratt could join the mix Sunday against the Saints.