NFL Player News

The 49ers signed Kirklin on Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Kirklin most recently spent time on the Saints' practice squad and has yet to appear in an NFL game. The 25-year-old wide receiver out of LSU is expected to compete for a depth role in the 49ers' wide receiver room as the preseason progresses.

An MRI confirmed that Downs suffered a left high-ankle sprain during Wednesday's practice, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Downs' recovery time could fall in the 4-to-6-week range, though the Colts are hopeful that the wideout will be ready to go around the shorter end of the estimate. In any case, Downs' status for the Colts' Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Texans could be affected. if so, added opportunities would be available early on for fellow wideouts Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce behind No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman.

The Jets removed Williams (knee) from the active/PUP list Wednesday.

Williams' activation from the PUP list sets him up to practice for the first time in training camp, a notable step in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in his left knee back in Week 3 last season. The timing of Williams' activation perfectly aligns with the timetable provided by head coach Robert Saleh earlier this offseason, indicating that his recovery from knee surgery is continuing on schedule. The 29-year-old is in position to operate as one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets this season, behind No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson, with running back Breece Hall and tight end Tyler Conklin also in the mix as pass catchers. If he can quickly get back on the field without losing a step, Williams' upside in the Jets offense could entail a 1,000-yard receiving campaign and notable usage in the red zone. There's real risk, on the other hand, that Williams gets out to a slow start to the season even if he is cleared for action Week 1 against the 49ers.

Harley signed a contract with the Dolphins on Wednesday, Omar Kelly of The Miami Herald reports.

Harley has spent time with the Browns since going undrafted in 2022, but he has yet to find his way to the active roster on gameday other than in the preseason. The 26-year-old will now work to earn a depth role in Miami.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Wednesday that the deep-ball relationship between Ridley and quarterback Will Levis needs improvement, John Glennon of NashvillePost.com reports.

It's not time to panic this early in camp, as Levis has had relatively few reps as a pro and Ridley is new to Tennessee. However, the report still raises some concern, because Ridley was among the league leaders in deep targets and air yards last season. Meanwhile, Levis led the league in air yards per attempt. That combination suggests that the duo should be productive on deep shots down the field. Callahan noted that the two are working hard to get on the same page, including watching game film of other quarterbacks and wide receivers around the league.

Shorter (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Shorter spent the 2023 campaign on IR due to a hamstring injury after the Bills selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Florida product is a sizable target at 6-foot-4 and should be in contention for a depth role in Buffalo's receiving corps if he can get and stay healthy.

Isabella (leg) returned to practice Wednesday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Isabella was able to make a quick recovery after being carted off the field Monday. The 27-year-old is likely facing an uphill battle to make the Bills' final 53-man roster, but his speedy return to the field should keep him in contention for now.

Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain during Wednesday's practice, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Per Fowler, the initial outlook is that Downs could miss about a month, but that's not yet a concrete estimate, as the Colts are currently working to establish a timeline for the receiver's return. In any case, Downs' Week 1 status will be worth monitoring closely, and if he's out or limited early on this season, Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce could see added opportunities alongside Michael Pittman.

Reed won't practice Wednesday due to a calf injury, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Reed missed the start of training camp due to a toe injury, and the second-year wideout is now dealing with a calf issue. There's not yet any reason to believe that Reed is facing anything too significant, but it could be enough to prevent him from taking the field with Jordan Love and the rest of the starting offense to kick off Saturday's road exhibition matchup against the Browns. Any time Reed spends sidelined will provide a clearer path for Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton to take regular reps with the first-team offense.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that Toney missed practice Wednesday due to back tightness, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

The oft-injured wide receiver previously missed a few training-camp practices with an ankle injury but mostly has been available this summer. Toney is competing for a depth role and is also likely to get a look as a return man.