NFL Player News

Brown (ankle/knee) isn't present for the portion of Thursday's practice open to media viewing, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Brown appears set for a second straight missed practice after sitting out Wednesday's session on the heels of his absence during New England's Week 8 win over Miami. He'll have one more chance to practice Friday and will likely have to participate in some capacity to avoid being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Smith (hamstring) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

Smith hasn't practiced or played since he suited up for Philadelphia's Week 6 loss to the Panthers. He's trending toward a third consecutive absence Sunday against the Giants. With Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) also yet to resume practicing, Makai Lemon looks set to lead Philadelphia's receiving corps for a third consecutive game.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch both declined to get into specifics when discussing the future of Aiyuk, who has filed his paperwork for reinstatement and plans to show up to the 49ers' facility Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Lynch previously stated "I think it's safe to say that he's played his last snap with the Niners" regarding Aiyuk in January, but the GM was much less definitive Thursday when asked about a reunion with Aiyuk, responding with "I think everything's possible." Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave a similar answer Wednesday, stating "There's no absolutes in life." The 49ers are working with the NFL management council to find a resolution to Aiyuk's situation, so the team's front office and coaching staff are treating this situation as an ongoing legal matter. If Aiyuk is successfully reinstated, the 49ers could trade him, release him or add him to the active roster.

Moore (knee) is line to practice in some capacity Thursday, Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo reports.

Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network previously reported that Moore downplayed his late-game exit from this past Sunday's 36-10 win over the Ravens, which aligns with his looming practice presence. The Bills' Thursday injury report will reveal the wideout's official participation level, either way.

Nabers had his jersey and helmet on but worked with the training staff in the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

Nabers may be dealing with an injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles, so Thursday's injury report will be worth monitoring, as that will reveal the extent of Nabers' practice participation as well as the nature of any injuries that may be bothering the star wide receiver. He was on a roll prior to the Giants' Week 8 bye, recording at least 111 receiving yards in four consecutive games.

Watson (ribs) is wearing pads for Thursday's practice, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Watson was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice after sustaining a rib injury in Green Bay's Week 8 win over the Panthers. His participation level Thursday has yet to be revealed, but it's a good sign that Watson is able to practice in pads and take contact as the Packers prepare to face the Patriots on Sunday.

Wilson, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol, wasn't seen at Thursday's practice, , Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News reports.

Wilson also logged a 'DNP' on Wednesday, so the wideout's apparent absence from Wednesday's session sets the stage for Friday's practice to loom large in terms of his availability for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. In the event that Wilson isn't cleared to play, added targets would be available for some combo of WRs Omar Cooper, Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams, as well as tight ends Mason Taylor (back) and Kenyon Sadiq.

Egbuka, who was present for practice Thursday, was spotted testing his injured foot, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

While Egbuka opened up the practice week with a 'DNP' on Wednesday, Auman relays that the wideout was running full speed on the side during that session. The Buccaneers' upcoming official practice report will reveal the official Thursday participation level of Egbuka, who last saw game action in Week 6.

According to GM John Lynch, Samuel (hamstring) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The same applies to fellow WR Mike Evans (Achilles), but on the plus side for the 49ers, Demarcus Robinson (ankle) has been designated to return from IR and could be activated ahead of Week 9 action. In any case, the official game status' of the team's top two WRs will be clarified upon the release of Friday's injury report.

Evans (Achilles) isn't expected to play Sunday against the Raiders, 49ers GM John Lynch said on KNBR radio Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 49ers were initially optimistic that Evans would return after the team's Week 8 bye following an absence during the Week 7 loss to Atlanta, but the veteran wide receiver apparently needs more time to recover. While official confirmation on Evans' status is unlikely to come prior to game designations being released Friday, Lynch's comments coupled with Evans' inability to practice Wednesday suggest that the wideout's fantasy managers should have an alternative option in place for Week 9.