NFL Player News

The Chiefs placed James (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

James failed to log a practice all week while dealing with an MCL injury. He played in just three offensive snaps in Week 2 against the Jaguars but plays an important role as the Chiefs' primary returner on special teams. He'll be forced to sit out for at least the next four games and is eligible to return in Week 7 against the Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Hopkins (ankle) is in line to play Sunday at Cleveland, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Hopkins has been tending to an ankle injury since the beginning of Week 2 prep, but he was able to suit up last Sunday against the Chargers and hauled in four of five targets for 40 yards. He opened this week with a full practice Wednesday, only to be limited Thursday before sitting out Friday's session entirely. Despite the lack of activity to end the week, Hopkins was given a questionable designation for Sunday, and it appears active status will be confirmed for him about 90 minutes before a 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

The Vikings elevated Jackson to their active roster Saturday, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The move corresponds with the Vikings placing wide receiver Jalen Nailor (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday. Nailor played all 35 of his snaps on special teams in the first two games of the season and it's likely that Jackson will fill in that role for the Vikings' Week 3 contest against the Chargers on Sunday.

The Dolphins elevated Chosen to the active roster Saturday.

The move corresponds with Jaylen Waddle (concussion) being ruled out of Sunday's contest against the Broncos. Chosen was cut by the Dolphins on Aug. 29 but opted to join their practice squad Sept. 4. He played for the Cardinals and Panthers last season and registered 20 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown in 16 games.

Waddle (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Waddle was unable to pass the five-step concussion protocol, so expect River Cracraft and Braxton Berrios to see more playing time. The Dolphins also called up Robbie Chosen from the practice squad, and it's possible the speedster could also be used as the Dolphins attempt to get by without their stud receiver.

Watkins (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's contest against the Buccaneers.

Watkins wasn't able to practice all week, so it's not entirely surprising to see him ruled inactive for Monday's matchup. Expect Olamide Zaccheaus to see a significant bump in playing time, specifically in three-wideout sets.

Smith (hamstring/thigh) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Monday's game against the Buccaneers.

Smith was a full participant in Saturday's practice, paving the way for the star wideout to be cleared ahead of the primetime matchup. He already has nearly 200 receiving yards and 11 receptions through two games, though the Buccaneers' formidable secondary could prove to be troublesome come Monday.

The Jaguars elevated Harris to the active roster Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The move corresponds to Zay Jones (knee) being ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Texans. Harris joined the Jaguars' practice squad Aug. 30 after being cut by the team the day before. Harris played 16 games for the Rams the past two seasons, with most of his snaps coming on special teams.

Winfree was elevated to the Colts' active roster Saturday.

This is the third time Winfree has been promoted to the roster. This is the last time the Colts can elevate Winfree from the practice squad and will have to add him to the 53-man roster if they wish for him to be active on game day past Week 3. The 2019 sixth-round pick has played 11 snaps over two games, splitting time on offense and special teams.

Although Nacua (oblique) has been given a questionable designation for Monday's matchup with the Bengals, head coach Sean McVay "expects him to play," Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Nacua logged back-to-back limited practice sessions to close out the week after being a non-participant Thursday. McVay's optimism regarding his status for MNF is promising, but the rookie pass catcher still needs to continue progressing in the right direction in order to ultimately get the green light. More clarity on his status will presumably come Monday.