NFL Player News

Pittman, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Dolphins, is expected to play this weekend as long as he doesn't have a setback with his back injury, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

After a back issue emerged for Pittman last week, there was a belief that he'd miss multiple weeks and perhaps even be placed on injured reserve. He was able to buck that report and suit up this past Sunday at Tennessee, logging a healthy 80 percent snap share and gathering in three of five targets for 35 yards and one touchdown. During Week 7 prep, Pittman sandwiched DNPs around a full practice Thursday, ultimately getting a questionable designation ahead of the weekend. Before Pittman was given that tag, though, coach Shane Steichen told Boyd, "Yeah, he'll be out there," in reference to the wide receiver's ability to suit up. A game-time decision thus seems likely for Pittman, and his status will be clarified about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If he's available, he'll be welcoming back franchise QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) for the first time since Week 4, and Pittman's usage could be impacted by the fact fellow WRs Josh Downs (toe) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also are listed as questionable.

Jennings (hip) isn't practicing Friday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall (chest) has a shot to make his NFL regular-season debut, but the 49ers probably will favor veteran Chris Conley in the No. 3 receiver role if Jennings doesn't play this Sunday against the Chiefs. A third straight missed practice has Jennings trending toward his first absence of the season.

Samuel (wrist) isn't wearing a non-contact jersey during Friday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

It's a strong hint he'll play Sunday against the Chiefs, although there's still some chance the 49ers give Samuel a game designation on their final injury report Friday afternoon. It's hard to imagine Samuel missing a Super Bowl rematch with any wrist injury short of a broken bone.

Pierce (shoulder) was a full participant in practice Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Pierce, Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman (back) all are listed as questionable. Coach Shane Steichen said Pittman will play despite logging a DNP on Friday, and Pierce also looks more likely than not to suit up, while Downs' status is up in the air after Friday's limited session. Of the Colts' top three wide receivers, Pierce will likely be the least negatively impacted by Anthony Richardson's (oblique) return under center Sunday, as Pierce has shown good downfield chemistry with both Richardson and Joe Flacco.

Watson (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Texans, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Both Watson and Jayden Reed (ankle) are good to go after three limited practices apiece, while Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) is listed as questionable after following the same practice routine. Watson posted a season-high 68 receiving yards thanks to a 44-yard touchdown catch in Green Bay's Week 6 win over the Cardinals, and he'll look to build off that strong outing against a Houston defense that has been more vulnerable through the air than on the ground.

Woods (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Woods will miss a second consecutive game due to a foot injury. Steven Sims filled in as Houston's kickoff and punt returner in Woods' absence in the 41-21 Week 6 win over the Patriots, so Sims likely will maintain those roles against the Packers, while Woods wasn't much of a factor on offense even before his injury.

Reed (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup with the Texans.

A limited practice participant all week, Reed never seemed in danger of missing the game. He hurt his ankle on a punt return in a 34-13 win over the Cardinals this past Sunday, but he returned to the game in short order and ended up coming pretty close to his normal workload, finishing with a 53 percent snap share and 66 percent route share (compared to season-long marks of 65 percent and 76 percent, respectively).

Downs (toe) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Downs was a limited participant both Thursday and Friday after failing to practice in any capacity Wednesday. Fellow Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) are listed as questionable as well, but Pierce logged a full practice Friday, and coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday that he expects Pittman to play while providing no such assurances regarding Downs. Even if Downs suits up Sunday, he'll have a low floor with the Colts switching back to Anthony Richardson under center against a Dolphins defense that has allowed only three passing touchdowns this season.

Pittman (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Pittman is expected to play, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Pittman played through the back injury and caught the game-winning touchdown in this past Sunday's 20-17 win over the Titans. He didn't practice Wednesday or Friday but logged a full session Thursday in between. The wide receiver should continue to tough it out Sunday, but he's less than fully healthy and will be catching passes from Anthony Richardson (oblique) rather than Joe Flacco against a Dolphins secondary that has allowed only three touchdowns through the air this season.

Lockett (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Atlanta, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Lockett has missed practice time throughout the season, first with a thigh injury and now due to a minor problem with his knee. He's played in every game since December 2022 and will keep the streak going Sunday in a game featuring two of the NFL's fastest-paced offenses.