NFL Player News

Downs left Wednesday's practice with an apparent lower leg or ankle injury, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

Downs reportedly wasn't putting any weight on his injured leg when he was helped off the field to the medical tent. He'll likely miss the rest of practice, potentially freeing up more reps for Adonai Mitchell, Alec Pierce and/or Ashton Dulin.

Nailor and Brandon Powell are both listed as the No. 3 receiver for the Vikings on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. In 11 personnel groupings this summer, Nailor has been the primary No. 3 receiver, The Athletic reports.

Nailor has had a strong camp and is seen by most observers as having the job to lose at this point. However, it's still early in camp as preseason games begin. Whoever wins the role could have significant fantasy value early in the season with the Vikings possibly utilizing a third receiver more than in the recent past with tight end T.J. Hockenson likely to miss several games in coming back from January surgery for a torn ACL. Also, No. 2 wideout Jordan Addison is facing a potential suspension.

Jalen Nailor and Powell are both listed as the No. 3 receiver for the Vikings on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.

Powell was seen as the leader for the No. 3 role heading into training camp, but Nailor has drawn raves this summer and is seen by most observers as leading the competition. Whoever wins the role could have significant fantasy value early in the season with the Vikings possibly utilizing third-receiver sets more often, as tight end T.J. Hockenson is likely to miss several games as he recovers from January surgery on a torn ACL.

Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell are listed as co-starters at the third wide receiver spot on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart.

Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout. Pierce has underwhelmed in his two seasons with the Colts, averaging just 554 yards and two touchdowns a year, so there's some risk he could quickly lose playing time to Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick.

Mitchell and Alec Pierce are listed as co-starters at the third wide receiver spot on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart.

Mitchell and Pierce have been splitting time with the first-team offense so far in training camp, with reports suggesting Pierce has been more productive but Mitchell has had impressive moments. It's still early in the competition for playing time, but it's notable that the Colts are giving the rookie equal billing so soon rather than deferring to the more senior wideout.

Jeudy, who participated in a full practice Sunday, was limited to individual drills Monday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Jeudy made a splash Sunday, catching a 40-yard sideline route from quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he appears to be on a practice pitch count. That's likely in deference to the minor knee issue that caused him to miss the beginning of camp. The Browns immediately extended Jeudy's contract after he was acquired in March, and the team is expected to use his top-end speed on both downfield passes and quick throws out of the slot. The belief is that Jeudy and Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku can line up all over the formation, allowing Watson to pick out mismatches on short, safe throws that could turn into big plays.

The 49ers placed Turner (undisclosed) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Turner signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on July 25, but he will now be forced to miss the entire 2024 season unless he is waived with an injury settlement. Turner last saw NFL action in 2022 with San Francisco, when he played 49 snaps on special teams across three regular-season outings.

Cowing (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Cowing's return to practice is timely, given that fellow rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall re-aggravated the shoulder injury Tuesday that forced him to start training camp on the active/NFI list. With trade rumors circulating around Brandon Aiyuk and injuries piling up for the 49ers, Cowing has an opportunity to earn more reps on offense and on special teams as a kick returner.

Hayek did not participate in Tuesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Hayek signed with the Chiefs in May after attending Kansas City's rookie minicamp. He's battling for a depth spot at wide receiver, but missing practices and games due to injury will make his slim chance at making the 53-man roster even smaller.

Stanley did not participate in Tuesday's practice session due to a hamstring injury, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Stanley signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in May. Green Bay's first preseason game is Saturday against the Browns, and missing that contest would severely hurt Stanley's chance of making the 53-man roster at the conclusion of training camp.