NFL Player News

Head coach Andy Reid suggested that Hardman will likely play in Sunday's game against the Chargers, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports. "We'll see, but it's going in that direction [of Hardman playing]," Reid said, when asked about the receiver's Week 7 status.

Hardman was acquired via trade from the Jets on Wednesday. He spent the first four seasons of his career in Kansas City, eclipsing 500 yards in three of them, so he likely doesn't need much time to pick up the playbook. While the speedster could get a chance to shine right away against a Chargers defense that's allowing a league-high 220.8 receiving yards per game to wide receivers, Hardman would likely have a limited role Sunday if he's given the green light to play.

The Steelers plan to release Olszewski, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Per Pryor, the looming move likely paves the way for fellow WR Diontae Johnson (hamstring) to be activated off IR ahead of Week 7 action. In two games this season, Olszewski, who has also seen work as a returner, has one catch for zero yards.

Pierce (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns after practicing fully Friday.

Pierce's ability to log every on-field rep Friday would seem to bode well for his chances of suiting up Sunday, but Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star relays via coach Shane Steichen that the wideout's Week 7 status has yet to be determined. If Pierce is limited or out this weekend, Amari Rodgers, Isaiah McKenzie and Juwann Winfree would be candidates to log added WR snaps behind Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

Watson (elbow) remained sidelined at practice Friday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Watson hasn't practiced this week and seems likely to be ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers. In Watson's looming absence, Mecole Hardman -- who was recently reacquired by the Chiefs -- is a candidate to be active this weekend in order to bolster the team's Week 7 WR depth.

Ridley rushed once for no gain and secured one of four targets for five yards in the Jaguars' 31-24 win over the Saints on Thursday night.

Ridley's catch and yardage totals were season lows in an utterly forgettable night for the veteran speedster. Ridley opened the season with a stellar 8-101-1 line against the Colts -- his first game action since Oct. 2021 -- but outside of a seven-reception, 122-yard tally in Week 5 against the Bills in London, he's been quiet since, even with fellow receiver Zay Jones (knee) missing multiple games. Ridley inconsistent production but high ceiling makes him a relatively frustrating asset for fantasy managers heading into a Week 8 road matchup against the Steelers.

Thomas secured three of seven targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 31-24 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday night.

Thomas was quiet for the majority of the game, but his night took a positive turn with his 17-yard touchdown grab just past the midway point of the fourth quarter. The veteran wideout has been filling a more complementary role than earlier in his career before multiple injuries struck, but he's still recorded at least 40 receiving yards in each game while logging no fewer than six targets. Thomas next faces a vulnerable Colts secondary in a Week 8 road matchup Sunday, Oct. 29.

Olave secured seven of 15 targets for 57 yards in the Saints' 31-24 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday night.

Olave's target tally led the Saints on the night and served as a season high. The second-year wideout has now logged double-digit targets on five occasions in seven games, but some occasional chemistry issues with Derek Carr has prevented Olave from fully capitalizing. The speedster was particularly inefficient with his opportunities Thursday night, but he did manage a second straight seven-catch effort and will face a more palatable matchup in a Week 8 road date against the Colts secondary on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Kirk secured all six targets for 90 yards and a touchdown and lost a fumble in the Jaguars' 31-24 win over the Saints on Thursday night.

Kirk led the Jaguars in receptions and receiving yards on the night, with his 44-yard catch and run touchdown just before the three-minute mark of the fourth quarter ultimately proving to be the difference in the game. The reception was Kirk's second of over 40 yards this season and helped atone for a first-quarter lost fumble that didn't lead to any points for New Orleans. Kirk's yardage total was his highest since Week 2, and he'll next take on the inconsistent Steelers secondary during a Week 8 road matchup a week from Sunday.

Nailor (hamstring) was a limited participant at the Vikings' practice Thursday.

Nailor was able to log a second straight day of practice with Minnesota after being designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday. The wide receiver has been unavailable since Sept. 21 while dealing with a hamstring injury. If Nailor can increase his workload at practice the rest of the week, he could return for Monday's matchup with San Francisco.

Lockett (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Lockett has opened Week 7 preparations with back-to-back capped sessions due to a hamstring injury, which is more than DK Metcalf has managed with his rib and hip issues. Metcalf has been able to gut them out so far this season, but Friday's practice report could be telling for their respective odds to play Sunday versus the Cardinals. There doesn't seem to be any indication that Metcalf will be limited or sidelined this weekend, but Lockett would stand to benefit if either scenario comes to pass.