NFL Player News

Bowers (knee) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

Since undergoing a meniscus trim in his left knee on Tuesday, Sept. 8, Bowers hasn't been able to practice in any capacity and sat out a Week 1 win against the Dolphins. He thus has just one more chance to mix into drills Friday before the Raiders potentially make a ruling on his status for Sunday's game at the Chargers. If Bowers ultimately can't go this weekend, Michael Mayer will be the primary beneficiary at tight end for Las Vegas.

Kittle (Achilles) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Kittle continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps in the early going this season, which isn't a surprise considering he tore his right Achilles nine months ago. In Week 1 against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia, he recorded two catches (on five targets) for 12 yards on a 46 percent snap share, more or less looking like his normal self. Because WRs De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Christian Kirk (calf) are all sidelined for varying lengths of time, Kittle stands to benefit in the 49ers' passing game, assuming he's active on a weekly basis.

Johnson (illness) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Johnson took a step in the right direction after sitting out practice entirely Wednesday. He still has a chance to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens if Johnson can upgrade to full participation Friday. Johnson caught three of seven targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' Week 1 overtime loss at Detroit.

Okonkwo (hamstring) is officially listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Okonkwo has missed Washington's first two practices ahead of a Week 2 clash with the NFC East rival Cowboys. The offseason acquisition was injured in his Commanders debut against the Eagles. John Bates would take on an expanded role if Okonkwo sits out Sunday against Dallas, with more snaps likely available for Ben Sinnott as well.

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.

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.

Okonkwo (hamstring) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Okonkwo exited Washington's 24-22 Week 1 loss to the Eagles due to a hamstring injury after catching two of three targets for 16 yards. That injury has sidelined him for practice both Wednesday and Thursday. If Okonkwo doesn't recover in time to face the Cowboys on Sunday, John Bates would be in line to work as the top tight end for the Commanders.

Johnson did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Johnson's absence from Wednesday's practice was likely a precautionary measure, and the veteran tight end will have two more chances to return to practice ahead of the Saints' Week 2 road tilt against the Ravens on Sunday. Johnson had a career year in 2025 and produced a 3-54-1 receiving line (on seven targets) during the Saints' 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions in Week 1. With rookie first-round wideout Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on injured reserve, Johnson, Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele are likely going to be the go-to targets in the passing game for quarterback Tyler Shough.

Delp (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Delp has been working through a hamstring injury since late August, which prevented him from playing in the Saints' 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions in Week 1. His return to practice, albeit in a limited capacity, is a good sign, and the rookie third-rounder will have two more chances to log a full session and avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's road tilt against the Ravens.

Whyle (neck) was not listed on the injury report Wednesday.

Whyle injured his neck in Sunday's 39-22 loss to Minnesota, but it appears it wasn't anything too serious. The 27-year-old is currently on track to play in Week 2 against the Jets, though he isn't expected to be much of a contributor behind Tucker Kraft and Jonnu Smith.