NFL Player News

Doubs' suspension was lifted by the Packers on Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Doubs missed practice last Thursday and Friday due to a personal matter, and he was suspended for Week 5's contest against the Rams on Saturday. Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, a meeting Monday between Doubs and members of the Packers organization went well. Coach Matt LaFleur later told Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site, "I'm not gonna get into the specifics, but I think it was productive, and we look forward to getting him back on Wednesday." Doubs is in line to rejoin his teammates at Wednesday's practice as the Packers prepare for a second straight game without wide receiver Christian Watson, who is tending to a high-ankle sprain.

Jones' suspension was lifted Monday, but the Cardinals were granted a one-game roster exemption for him, giving the team a deadline of Monday, Oct. 14 to either reinstate him to the active roster or release him, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Jones opened the 2024 campaign with a five-game ban for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. With five games behind Arizona, the team can evaluate him in practice this week and bring him back to the active roster at any point in the next week, including in advance of Sunday's contest at Green Bay. Coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday he's "excited about Zay adding in here. We'll find the right ways to deploy him, and he's a playmaker for us, can play all three positions, and he can make plays." Releasing Jones doesn't seem to be a likely option for the Cardinals, so he should make his debut for the team this weekend or in Week 7 against the Chargers.

Hardman (knee) is active for Monday's contest against the Saints.

Hardman will be able to go after popping up on the injury report Thursday with a knee issue. With Rashee Rice (knee) out for the foreseeable future, Hardman will look to carve out an offensive role for himself moving forward. To this point in the season, the wide receiver has yet to garner a target while playing 12 offensive snaps.

Rice will require surgery to repair his right LCL, but there's a chance that's the only ligament that needs to be repaired, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Adam Schefter of ESPN echoed Rapoport's report while noting that there was "optimism" that Rice's knee issue isn't as significant as initially believed. Tuesday's procedure will determine the precise nature of the injury and his recovery timeline. It remains unclear if Rice has any chance of returning to action this season, whether by Week 18 or during the playoffs, but he must reside on injured reserve until at least Nov. 10.

Hodge caught both his targets for 67 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay.

Hodge played only 16 offensive snaps, the fewest among Atlanta's wideouts. However, he ended up playing hero after taking a checkdown pass from Kirk Cousins the distance during the first drive of overtime. Hodge also had a 22-yard catch in the second quarter and was called for offensive pass interference in the red zone during the third quarter. Before Thursday's game, Hodge played primarily on special teams and hadn't recorded a target through four games.

McCloud caught six of nine targets for 66 yards during Thursday's 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay.

McCloud played nearly every single offensive snap for a fourth straight game. He recorded season-high marks in receptions, targets and yards, but the veteran has yet to catch a touchdown this season. McCloud set career highs in Pittsburgh during the 2021 season, posting 39 catches for 277 yards. He already has 21 receptions for 229 yards this season. With Rondale Moore (knee) out for the season, McCloud is locked in as Atlanta's No. 3 wideout behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

Duvernay sustained a lower-body injury in Sunday's 37-34 win over the Colts, Garry Smits of The Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reports.

Duvernay played a significant role in the Jaguars' Week 5 win, as his 53-yard punt return set up a Tank Bigsby touchdown run in the third quarter. Head coach Doug Pederson sounded concerned about Duvernay when discussing the Jaguars' injuries Monday, explaining that Duvernay is "going to be the big one." If the Texas product is unable to suit up in Week 6, expect Parker Washington to assume Jacksonville's top kick- and punt-return duties.

Shepard brought in one of two targets for a four-yard touchdown in the Buccaneers' 36-30 overtime loss to the Falcons on Thursday night.

Shepard commemorated his signing to the active roster earlier in the week by getting into the end zone for the first time since Week 10 of last season, while with the Giants. The veteran had logged five targets and turned them into a 3-51 line four days earlier against the Eagles as well, but once Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) are healthy again, it's difficult to see Shepard retaining any appreciable, reliable fantasy value.

Smith (ankle) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.

The 2024 fifth-round pick has been sidelined for the first five weeks of the Eagles' 2024 campaign after sustaining an ankle injury in late August. However, with his practice window being opened Monday, it appears he's nearing a return to the field. Philadelphia will now have 21 days to activate Smith to its active roster before he reverts back to IR. Given the injuries in the Eagles' wide-receiver room, Smith could have the opportunity to see some offensive work as soon as he returns from injury.

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Whittington is contending with a shoulder issue following Sunday's 24-19 loss to the Packers, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

On the plus side, McVay noted that Whittington's availability following the Rams' Week 6 bye shouldn't be affected by the issue. That said, the wideout's status will be worth tracking once the team returns to practice ahead of an Oct. 20 home contest against the Raiders. Whittington has led the Rams with a 13-151-0 line on 18 targets over the past two weeks, but he could lose out on some looks if Cooper Kupp (ankle) and/or Puka Nacua (knee) are able to return to the lineup coming out of the bye week.