NFL Player News

Love (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Love's status for Week 1 has been murky since he emerged from the Cardinals' preseason opener with a high-ankle sprain, which coach Mike LaFleur downplayed for most of the past month. When LaFleur discussed Love ahead of Wednesday's session, he told PHNX Sports "don't look too far into that" when discussing the rookie's listing as the No. 2 RB on the team's unofficial depth chart, while at the same time telling Brack that "there's no limit on our end" to Love's activity level. Considering Love's listing of "limited" Wednesday, he still has some work to do to be available for Sunday's game at the Chargers. Tyler Allgeier would serve as Arizona's lead back Week 1 if Love is operating with a cap on his reps or doesn't suit up, while Bam Knight would be in line for some work as well.

Woodaz (thumb) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Woodaz broke his thumb during the Texans' preseason game at Las Vegas in August, but it doesn't look like that will keep him out in Week 1 versus the Bills. The rookie fourth-rounder projects to start his career in a rotational role at linebacker.

Evans (neck) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Evans was held out of the Panthers' preseason finale against the Texans on Aug. 28 after aggravating a neck injury during practice. However, his absence from the first injury report of Week 1 prep indicates that he'll be available to play against the Bears on Sunday. Evans contributed mostly on special teams during the 2025 regular season, finishing with 12 tackles (six solo) across 16 games.

Clowney (hip/ankle) was not listed on Houston's official injury report Wednesday.

Clowney sustained a soft-tissue injury to his hip during the Texans' preseason game at Las Vegas, but it appears he'll be available for Week 1. The veteran figures to settle into a rotational role on the edge behind All-Pro Will Anderson and five-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.

Manning (undisclosed) was waived from the Bears' injured reserve Wednesday with an injury settlement, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Manning reverted to the Bears' IR on Aug. 31 after clearing waivers. The cornerback played in the first two preseason games with the team, logging 11 tackles (nine solo) and two passes defensed. The second-year player out of Oregon has already cleared waivers and is now a free agent able to sign with any franchise.

Dyson's practice squad contract with the Vikings was disapproved by the NFL on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The issue comes from the timing of Dyson's contract, as he was waived from the Vikings' injured reserve Saturday with an injury settlement, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Dyson is a free agent again, and it's possible that he returns to Minnesota once the terms of the settlement have been satisfied.

Brooks (hand) was not listed on Houston's official injury report Wednesday.

Brooks broke his hand during a practice back in early August, but it doesn't look like it's holding him back anymore. He's not likely to see many snaps on offense in Week 1, barring an injury to David Montgomery or Woody Marks.

Banks (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.

Banks is battling a case of tendinitis. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated Banks would start regardless of how much practice time he gets ahead of Sunday's matchup with Minnesota, meaning he may remain limited for the rest of the week.

Hoecht (Achilles) wasn't listed on Buffalo's injury report Wednesday.

Hoecht had been working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 9 of last season but is now healthy again. The 28-year-old is expected to serve as a depth pass rusher behind Greg Rousseau and Bradley Chubb during Sunday's matchup against the Texans.

Porter (back) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Porter is still "ramping up" to full practice, so it's unclear exactly when the cornerback will return to the field. If the Steelers' program intends for the 26-year-old to be a full participant by Friday's session, Porter could be cleared and ready to play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Falcons.