NFL Player News

Olave cleared concussion protocol and will be available for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Olave already looked on track to be available this weekend after turning in a full practice Thursday, but Terrell's report confirms that the wideout now has received clearance from an independent neurologist, the final stage of the five-step protocol. After sitting out last week's loss to the Broncos, Olave should be ready to reprise his usual duties as the Saints' No. 1 wideout, though he'll be on the receiving end of passes from rookie Spencer Rattler rather than Derek Carr (oblique), the latter of whom is expected to miss a third straight start. Olave suited up in Rattler's first NFL start back in Week 6, but the former played just two snaps before exiting with the concussion.

Legette is in position for a larger role Sunday against the Broncos, as the Panthers will be without Diontae Johnson (rib) and Adam Thielen (hamstring), Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.

Legette could work as the top option in a depleted Panthers receiving corps that also includes Jalen Coker, David Moore and Jonathan Mingo. Denver boasts one of the league's stingiest secondaries, and the Broncos could get top cornerback Patrick Surtain (concussion) back from a one-game absence. Legette has caught 18 of 28 targets for 177 yards and two touchdowns through seven games. The Panthers will have Bryce Young rather than Andy Dalton (thumb) at quarterback Sunday.

Nailor had two receptions for 16 yards on four targets in Thursday's loss to the Rams.

Nailor was second on the team in targets and played on 21 of the offense's 50 snaps. He's stayed involved in moving to the third receiver role, but his role also could be reduced if T.J. Hockenson is able to return from a knee injury in a Week 9 matchup against the Colts.

The Steelers signed Isabella to the practice squad Friday.

Isabella, who spent time with the Bills during the offseason, will now get a chance to operate in an emergency depth role for Pittsburgh. The 2019 second-round pick has appeared in four combined regular-season games with Buffalo over the last two years.

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.