NFL Player News

Collins (calf) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Collins was a limited participant Wednesday, so the wideout's absence a day later makes Friday's session a pivotal one in terms of deciding his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals. On the plus side from the Texans' perspective, wideout Robert Woods (foot) was taking part in practice Thursday for the first time since Week 6 and could have a chance at putting an end to his two-game absence this weekend.

Downs (knee) didn't practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Downs was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, so the wideout's continued absence Thursday clouds his availability for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The Colts' final injury report of the week will be released Friday and will add further context regarding Downs' chances of suiting up Sunday. If Downs ends up sitting out, Isaiah McKenzie could be in line for an expanded role at receiver behind Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce.

Woods (foot) was spotted at practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Woods, who last played Week 6, didn't practice Wednesday, but the wideout's return to the field a day later offers the potential that he could be back in action as soon as Sunday's game against the Bengals. The Texans' upcoming injury report will clarify Woods' official participation level Thursday.

Coach Brandon Staley declined Wednesday to offer an expected recovery timetable for Palmer (knee), Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Palmer, who is already on IR, will need to miss at least the Chargers' next three games but could be out longer as he works his way back from a right knee sprain. His absence creates space for rookie first-round pick Quentin Johnston and veteran Jalen Guyton to work behind top wideout Keenan Allen in three-receiver sets.

The Texans cut Wayne from their practice squad on Wednesday.

Wayne signed with Houston as an undrafted free agent in late April after he wasn't selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was waived in late August and was subsequently added to the team's practice squad, but he's now been let go. Houston signed Alex Bachman to its practice squad in a corresponding move.

McCloud didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness, Josh Dubow of The Associated Press reports.

The 27-year-old receiver will have two more chances to practice this week before the 49ers decide whether he takes a designation into Sunday's game against the Jaguars. In addition to averaging two targets per game over the 49ers' last five contests while operating as a depth wideout, McCloud also served as the team's top kickoff and punt returner.

Smith-Njigba was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice due to a hip injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Since tending to a slight fracture in his wrist late in the preseason, Smith-Njigba has avoided the injury bug en route to a collective 29-272-2 receiving line on 43 targets in eight games to begin his career. Most of that production (17-210-2 on 23 targets) has come over the last four contests, but the rookie first-round draft pick now is dealing with a new health concern as Seattle prepares to host the Commanders on Sunday. As a result, Smith-Njigba's status should be watched as the week goes on to ensure his status for Week 10 isn't in any danger.

Lockett (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

For the fourth week in a row, Lockett is making an appearance on Seahawks practice reports due to a lingering hamstring issue. In three games playing through the injury, he's racked up a 15-151-1 receiving line on 22 targets. Because he avoided a designation on the final report of the week twice during that span, Lockett's status for Sunday's game against the Commanders likely isn't in question. Still, his status should be monitored to ensure he trends in such a direction.

Nailor (hamstring) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

After missing Minnesota's last seven games with a hamstring injury, Nailor now looks poised to make a return in Week 10. With K.J. Osborn working his way back from a concussion, Nailor could find himself with a significant role at receiver Sunday versus the Saints.

Palmer was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice by a neck injury.

Palmer has been a regular in the Buccaneers offense all season, but his production has gone from a 6-42-2 line on nine targets in the first four games to 9-125-0 on 19 targets over the last four contests. The rookie sixth-round pick is now dealing with a health concern for the first time in his career, so his status will be one to monitor as the week continues to get a sense of his potential to suit up Sunday against the Titans.