NFL Player News

Sherfield had a 10-yard touchdown reception on his only target in Thursday's loss to the Rams.

Despite the touchdown, Sherfield has a minimal role in the passing game. He played just three snaps on offense and has just five targets this season. His touchdown likely won't earn him more playing time as the No. 4 wide receiver barring injuries in the receiving corps.

Ridley (foot) returned to practice Friday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Ridley didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so his presence at Friday's session is a good sign ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions. The Titans' upcoming injury report is destined to reveal whether Ridley heads into the weekend with an injury designation or cleared to face Detroit.

Coach Sean McDermott relayed Friday that Samuel (pectoral) may be out "more than one week," but McDermott doesn't believe Samuel will go on injured reserve, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel has already been ruled out for Sunday's game in Seattle, and it sounds like he's far from a lock to return Sunday, Nov. 3 against the Dolphins in Week 9. He's unlikely to play a significant role even when healthy, as Samuel has exceeded 22 receiving yards only once for a Bills passing game that likely will have even fewer targets to go around after trading for Amari Cooper last Tuesday.

Pittman (back) wasn't participating in Friday's practice, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

After missing Wednesday's practice, Pittman worked fully Thursday. However, Atkins suggests that the wideout's apparent non-participation Friday could be rest-related, rather than indicative of a setback with the back issue he's been working through. Either way, the Colts' upcoming injury report will reveal whether Pittman carries an injury designation in advance of Sunday's game against the Texans.

Hill (foot) wasn't spotted during the initial portion of Friday's practice, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Hill was added to Miami's Week 8 injury report after being limited at practice Thursday due a foot issue. His absence from the early stage of Friday's session is notable but may be precautionary, with head coach Mike McDaniel having previously noted that he was very optimistic that Hill and Jaylen Waddle (quad) would both be available Sunday against the Cardinals.

Thielen (hamstring) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Thielen, who remains on IR, logged two limited sessions after having his 21-day practice window opened, but he downgraded to a DNP listing Friday. With Diontae Johnson (rib) also ruled out for Week 8, quarterback Bryce Young will have to overcome a depleted receiving corps in his return to the starting lineup. Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore and Jonathan Mingo will have to serve as Young's available wideouts versus a stingy Denver secondary led by star cornerback Patrick Surtain.

Johnson (ribs) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Johnson missed a trio of practices leading up to Week 8 action, and despite saying Thursday that he believed he'd be available versus Denver, the No. 1 wideout officially will be sidelined. Adam Thielen (IR, hamstring), who returned to practice this week, also has been ruled out, while second-year quarterback Bryce Young will start. That will leave Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore and Jonathan Mingo as the Panthers' top available wide receivers Sunday, with Johnson's next chance to take the field coming Week 9 against the Saints.

Flowers (ankle) returned to practice Friday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Flowers didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but the wideout's return to the field Friday is a good sign regarding his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns. The Ravens' upcoming injury report will clarify whether Flowers heads into the weekend with an injury designation or fully cleared for Week 8 action.

Thornton, who has been a healthy scratch the last two games, is in line to be active Sunday against the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Per head coach Jerod Mayo, Thornton has "had a great week of practice. Hopefully it translates." With Ja'Lynn Polk dealing with a concussion, Thornton should have an opportunity to work into the Patriots' wideout rotation Week 8 behind DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne, but until the speedster puts up some consistent production he's off the fantasy lineup radar. In five games thus far, Thornton has caught two of his five targets for 27 yards.

Head coach Sean McDermott noted Friday that Samuel (pectoral) will be out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Samuel didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday due to a pectoral injury, with his next chance to see game action arriving Nov. 3 against the Dolphins. In his absence this weekend, Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman are in line to lead the Bills' Week 8 WR corps, with Mack Hollins (shoulder) -- if available -- and presumably a practice-squad elevation or two on hand in reserve.