NFL Player News

Bryant (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Washington, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

The Falcons apparently weren't encouraged by what they saw when Bryant tested out his hamstring Thursday. The team will once again rely on Giorgio Tavecchio, who doesn't hold much fantasy appeal in a matchup with a Washington defense that ranks fourth in yards allowed (322.4 per game) and fifth in points allowed (19.1) this season. Washington's opponents have attempted just seven field goals and 14 extra points in seven games.

Coach Dan Quinn said Bryant (hamstring) would kick during Thursday's practice and remains a possibility to play Sunday against the Redskins, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

Quinn relayed that Bryant is "certainly close" to a return after missing the Falcons' last game Week 7 versus the Giants, with the kicker's performance during Thursday's session likely to be a major factor in his status for Sunday. Bryant will be confined to a side field during the workout, so it won't be known until after practice concludes whether his activity constituted full, limited or non-participation. If Bryant is forced to miss another contest while he works through the sore right hamstring, Giorgio Tavecchio would handle kicking duties for a second straight game.

Badgley cleared waivers and is expected to be signed to the Chargers' practice squad, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Badgley was waived by the Chargers following Caleb Sturgis' return to full health, and the rookie will likely find a place on his former team's practice squad. The Miami product converted all three of his field-goal attempts and was perfect on extra-point tries during his two starts with the Chargers.

Sturgis (quadriceps) isn't listed on the Chargers' initial injury report for Sunday's game in Seattle.

The Chargers telegraphed Sturgis' return when they waived fellow kicker Michael Badgley on Tuesday, though they did act quickly to add the 23-year-old to their practice squad in light of his strong performance in the past two games. Sturgis could be on the hot seat if he endures any further accuracy issues, which put his job in question before he succumbed to the quad injury. Through the Chargers' first five games, Sturgis missed three field goals and four extra-point attempts.

Bryant (hamstring) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Dan Quinn already said Bryant would wait until Thursday to test out his sore right hamstring. It isn't a great sign that the 43-year-old kicker is still limited after a bye week, but his outlook would change if he feels comfortable during Thursday's session. Giorgio Tavecchio will step in as Atlanta's kicker if Bryant isn't ready for Sunday's game at Carolina.

Joseph missed one of his three field-goal attempts as well as his lone extra-point try in Sunday's 33-18 loss to the Steelers.

Joseph converted from 34 and 45 yards, but missed wide right from 41 yards on his final field-goal effort. With a missed extra point as well, Joseph is left with 36 points through six games.

McManus missed one of his two field-goal attempts but made both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Chiefs.

McManus converted from 36 yards after missing wide right from 55 yards on his first attempt of the game. His 56 points thus far are tied for 13th among kickers.

Sanders made all three of his field-goal attempts and both his extra-point tries in Week 8 versus the Texans.

Sanders converted from 37, 41 and 46 yards on his respective three field goals. His 11 points tied a season high, bringing his total to 46 through eight appearances.

Badgley was waived by the Chargers on Tuesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

With Caleb Sturgis (quadriceps) nearing his return, the Chargers no longer had a need for Badgley, despite his strong showing with the team. The rookie kicker converted all three of his field-goal attempts and didn't miss an extra point. It's likely Badgley will be called upon for a tryout the next time a team is searching for a kicker.

Sturgis (quadriceps) looks like he will be available for Sunday's game in Seattle after the Chargers waived Michael Badgley on Tuesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Sturgis missed the Chargers' past two contests due to a strained quadriceps, but on the heels of a bye week, he seems to be trending toward a return. The release of Badgley, his replacement, is the best sign that Sturgis is closing in game action. Sturgis will end all speculation if he's listed as a full participant on Wednesday's injury report.