NFL Player News

Samuel (shoulder), who was officially listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's walkthrough practice, was seen working on a side field and took part in full-speed sprints during the portion of the session open to the media, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Prior to the 49ers taking the practice field, head coach Kyle Shanahan told David Lombardi of The Athletic that Samuel wouldn't take part in Wednesday's session, but the wide receiver was "feeling better" after making an early exit from the 49ers' divisional-round win over the Packers due to a left shoulder injury. Though Samuel avoided any structural damage after previously suffering a microfracture of the same shoulder in Week 6 and missing the 49ers' ensuing two games, the 49ers are reportedly viewing the wideout as having a "50-50" chance of playing in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Lions, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Samuel still has two more chances to mix into drills this week, including Thursday, when San Francisco will hold a more traditional practice. Wideouts Jauan Jennings (5-61-0 receiving line on six targets), Chris Conley (1-17-0 line on one target) and Ray-Ray McCloud (1-7-0 line on two targets) stepped up alongside starter Brandon Aiyuk after Samuel missed the entire second half of the divisional round.

Raymond (knee) didn't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice.

Raymond has remained out for both of Detroit's first two playoff games after injuring his knee in the team's Week 18 win over the Vikings. When healthy, the 29-year-old serves as a depth receiver and as the Lions' punt returner, but Donovan Peoples-Jones would see an expanded role on both offense and special teams if Raymond ends up sitting out Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the 49ers.

Toney (hip) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Toney has missed the last five games -- including two playoff contests -- due to a combination of a strained hip and an ankle injury. This week, the Chiefs are listing Toney with only the hip issue, and his ability to handle every rep at Wednesday's practice bodes well for him returning to action for Sunday's AFC Championship Game at Baltimore. Assuming he's available Sunday, Toney will have to contend with Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mecole Hardman for reps at wide receiver.

Reynolds was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a rib injury.

Reynolds previously tended to groin and back issues this season, but he's suited up for all 19 games, including playoffs. His snap share has wavered at times along the way, but he's surpassed 60 percent in five consecutive contests, a span in which he put together a 14-180-1 receiving line on 23 targets. The modest output comes as no surprise in a Detroit passing game that revolves around wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta (knee), and a new health concern now is affecting Reynolds as he prepares for Sunday's NFC Championship Game in San Francisco.

Samuel (shoulder) won't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel hurt his left shoulder on the opening drive of Saturday's 24-21 win over Green Bay in the divisional round and ended up playing three snaps in the first quarter, six in the second quarter and none after halftime. His absence Wednesday isn't the best sign for his chances of playing Sunday in the NFC Championship Game against the Lions, but the more important factor will be his participation -- or lack thereof -- Thursday, when the Niners hold a more intense practice rather than a walkthrough. No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings stepped up following Samuel's early exit against the Packers, playing 65 percent of snaps in the second half en route to a 5-61-1 receiving line on six targets. Chris Conley also played more, taking 51 percent of snaps post-halftime while catching his lone target for a 17-yard gain.

Wallace (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Wallace was a spectator in practice throughout last week before the Ravens made him inactive ahead of Saturday's divisional-round win over the Texans. The 24-year-old will likely need to put in a full practice by Friday to have a chance at being available for Sunday's AFC Championship Game matchup with the Chiefs, but even if he's cleared to play, Wallace will see the majority of his snaps on special teams.

Moore (knee) isn't participating in Wednesday's practice, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Though Moore was designated for return from injured reserve Jan. 17, the wideout hasn't been able to take part in practice in any fashion since having his 21-day evaluation window opened. As such, Moore is looking unlikely to be added back to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game matchup against the Ravens. It's quite possible that Kansas City is evaluating him with a potential return for the Super Bowl in mind, should the team get past the Ravens.

The Giants signed Cota to a reserve/future contract Tuesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports.

Cota will head to New York after spending this past season on both Kansas City's and Houston's practice squads. The rookie undrafted free agent will likely spend the offseason competing for a depth role.

Cooks wasn't targeted against the Titans in Week 18 and finished the season with three catches for 38 yards in nine games.

The rookie UDFA played in nine games but was only active in the passing game once, as all three of his catches came during Week 13 at Tampa Bay. Cooks is likely to fill a similar depth role with the Jaguars in 2024, assuming he retains his roster spot.

Washington caught his lone target for 11 yards Week 18 against the Titans and finished the season with 16 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.

Washington saw action in just one of Jacksonville's first nine games but was more involved during the second half of the campaign. The rookie sixth-round pick caught six passes for 61 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati in Week 12 but otherwise wasn't noticeably involved in the passing game. Jacksonville's receiving corps could look different in 2024 with Calvin Ridley set to become a free agent, though Christian Kirk (groin) and Zay Jones remain under contract.