NFL Player News

Gardner (calf) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report for Sunday's game versus Baltimore.

Gardner was bothered by a calf issue during the preseason. However, his omission from the injury report indicates he will be good to go for the Week 1 meeting with the Ravens. The 2022 No. 4 overall pick appeared in 11 regular-season games for the Jets and Colts during the 2025 campaign, amassing 36 total tackles and nine passes defended.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Wednesday that Smith is "getting his cleats underneath him," and it's unclear whether the veteran safety will play in Sunday's regular-season opener agains the Packers, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Smith reunited with the Vikings on a one-year contract Saturday after being released by the team in March and not catching on with another organization during the offseason. The 2012 first-rounder is still getting into game shape, and his status for Week 1 will be better known once he gets more practice reps under his belt over the coming days.

Ward (back) was not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game versus the Ravens.

Ward was battling a back injury. However, his absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates he should be good to go for the opener versus Baltimore. The 30-year-old veteran appeared in seven regular-season games for the Colts during the 2025 campaign, compiling 25 total tackles.

Harris (undisclosed) is not listed on the Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

Harris dealt with an unspecified injury last month but is fine for Sunday's season opener against the Cardinals. He's expected to fill the WR3 role behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnson this season, but the Chargers also figure to use plenty of TE-heavy sets with Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku.

Jeanty (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

When Jeanty left practice on Aug. 23, the initial concerns were significant because the running back wasn't able to put much pressure on his right leg as he exited the field. Adam Schefter of ESPN subsequently reported that Jeanty wasn't dealing with a long-term issue, and the diagnosis eventually revealed a low-ankle sprain. After logging all activity at Wednesday's session, Jeanty now is in the clear for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Dolphins, though he may still yield some RB reps to reserves Mike Washington and even Dylan Laube.

Noel (hamstring) is not listed on the Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

Noel dealt with hamstring and finger issues early on in camp but is ready to go for Sunday's season opener against Buffalo. The second-year wideout is competing with Xavier Hutchinson for snaps behind Nico Collins and trade pickup Kayshon Boutte.

Walker (groin) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter isn't sure if Walker will be available for Week 1 versus the Colts, though his limited participation in Wednesday's practice is at least keeping hope alive. The 25-year-old appeared in 12 regular-season games for the Ravens in 2025, totaling six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns. If Walker can't get on the field for the opener, it could mean more targets for Rashod Bateman.

Mitchell (hamstring) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Mitchell returned to practice earlier this week, and a limited session to open the week gives him a good chance to take the field Sunday against the Cardinals. Mitchell is expected to serve as the big-play complementary back behind Omarion Hampton this season. He's worthy of a bench stash in most fantasy leagues.

Murphy (undisclosed) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Murphy was injured during training camp, but it appears he will be on the field for Week 1 against the Buccaneers, barring a setback. Murphy is coming off a productive 2025 campaign, appearing in 17 regular-season games, starting 10 of them, and accruing 52 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.

White (hamstring) wasn't listed on the Commanders' initial Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

White had been tending to a hamstring issue since mid-August, but his ability to avoid the practice report entirely Wednesday indicates he's put the injury behind him. Meanwhile, Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was limited to kick off Week 1 prep, leaving one big question mark in Washington's backfield ahead of Sunday's game in Philadelphia.