NFL Player News

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald suggested Friday that he's optimistic Metcalf (knee) will return after a Week 10 bye, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Metcalf hasn't practiced since suffering an MCL sprain Week 7 and will miss a second straight game when Seattle hosts the Rams this Sunday. An upcoming bye gives him a good chance to avoid a third absence, but Macdonald did seem measured in his optimism and said the wideout needs more time to recover. WR Jake Bobo figures to fill in again this Sunday alongside WRs Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett.

Cracraft (upper body) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Cracraft was limited in practice throughout the week, and despite his questionable designation, head coach Mike McDaniel suggested earlier Friday that he won't return for the Dolphins' Week 9 contest, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. If Cracraft is activated to Miami's active roster in time to play Sunday, he'll serve as a depth piece in the team's wide receiver room.

Smith-Marsette (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Commanders, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Smith-Marsette upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to consecutive limited sessions to end the Giants' week of practice, and Friday's injury report suggests that he's past his ankle issue in time for Week 9. Now that Smith-Marsette is back at full health, he's expected to serve as the Giants' top kick and punt returner.

Ford-Wheaton (Achilles) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Commanders, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Ford-Wheaton was able to play through his Achilles issue in the Giants' Week 8 loss to the Steelers, but he was held out of practice both Wednesday and Thursday, suggesting that his injury may have worsened. If Ford-Wheaton can't play in Week 9 as expected, the Giants will be without one of their top special-teams aces.

Thornton (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Titans.

After being limited Thursday, Thornton practiced fully Friday, which paves the way for him to be available Sunday against Tennessee. That said, the 2022 second-rounder isn't a high-percentage profile fantasy option these days while working in a wideout corps that also includes DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn.

Rice (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Browns.

Rice downgraded from a limited practice session Wednesday to DNPs both Thursday and Friday, suggesting that his shoulder injury may have worsened during the week. Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko could see increased work in the Chargers' wide receiver room with Rice sidelined Week 9.

Polk (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Polk was inactive for this past Sunday's game against the Jets, but after practicing fully both Thursday and Friday, he's been cleared for Week 9 action. However, while returning to a New England wideout corps that features DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne, Polk profiles as a hit-or-miss fantasy option versus Tennessee. Through seven games to date, the 2024 second-rounder has recorded 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets.

Boyd (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Boyd is one of four Titans listed as questionable after not practicing at all this week. His role didn't seem to change much after DeAndre Hopkins was traded, in any case, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine stepping in across from Calvin Ridley while Boyd continued working as a low-ADOT No. 3 receiver.

Whittington (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

Whittington was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday, after playing limited snaps Week 7 and sitting out Week 8 entirely. The participation level is an upgrade from last week, leaving both Whittington and fellow Rams wideout Puka Nacua (knee) questionable for Sunday's game.

Nacua (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Nacua banged his knee on the ground during Thursday's practice and was listed as a limited participant, with coach Sean McVay then saying Friday that the wideout didn't have any structural damage but wouldn't practice Friday. McVay also said he "wouldn't bet against" Nacua, noting that the 23-year-old would "do everything in is power to be ready," per Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. Fantasy managers should have another alternative ready in case Nacua ends up on the inactive list ahead of a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday. Candidates to take his snaps for the Rams include Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington (questionable, shoulder) and Tyler Johnson, although many fantasy managers will rightfully be more interested in the increased target projection for Cooper Kupp if Nacua isn't playing.