NFL Player News

Valdes-Scantling (abdomen) returned to practice Friday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Valdes-Scantling, who was limited at Wednesday's practice, was deemed a non-participant Thursday, but his return to the mix Friday bodes well for his chances of playing Sunday against the Buccaneers. The Chiefs' upcoming injury report will reveal whether or not Valdes-Scantling approaches the contest with a Week 4 injury designation.

Coach Todd Bowles said Godwin (hamstring) will be a game-time decision Sunday against the Chiefs, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Bowles said the same is true for Julio Jones, who was a limited practice participant all week after missing the past two games with a hip injury. Breshad Perriman, meanwhile, will be listed as doubtful with a hamstring issue, though he might've been sliding back to a depth role this week even if he'd remained healthy. Godwin appears truly questionable entering the weekend and likely will be listed as such on the Bucs' final injury report.

Davis (ankle) was present for Friday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

It remains to be seen how the Bills list his participation level and subsequent Week 4 injury status, but Davis' presence on the field Friday nonetheless is encouraging after he was listed as a non-participant Thursday.

Higgins suffered an ankle injury during Thursday's win over the Dolphins, but it isn't major, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins will have 10 days to recover ahead of Cincinnati's contest against Baltimore in Week 5, which should boost his chances of not missing time. The third-year pro looked excellent versus Miami despite nicking up his ankle, securing seven of nine targets for 124 yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old's injury briefly forced him out during the second half of Thursday Night Football, but he was able to retake the field.

Coach Dan Campbell said Friday that Chark (ankle) will suit up versus Seattle on Sunday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Chark will get a chance to operate as Detroit's top wideout with Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) ruled out, and his target opportunities could rise further if D'Andre Swift (shoulder) is unable to go. Josh Reynolds (ankle) and T.J. Hockenson (foot) also may see increased volume in the passing game, though both likewise dealt with injuries in practice this week.

St. Brown (ankle) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown suffered a right ankle sprain Week 3 and will need to miss at least one game while he recovers, making his next chance to return Sunday, Oct. 9 at New England. Meanwhile, DJ Chark (ankle) is expected to suit up Sunday, while D'Andre Swift (shoulder) likely is out, per Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site. In St. Brown's stead, both Josh Reynolds (ankle) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (foot) could benefit from increased target volume, as long as they're also cleared to play.

Shenault (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Shenault returned to limited practice activity Friday after having missed Thursday's session, but his status still will need to be monitored as Sunday's 4:05 p.m. E.T. kickoff draws closer. He flashed big-play ability Week 3 while securing both of his targets for 90 yards and a score, so Shenault may have made a convincing enough case to see more than 19 percent of offensive snaps as long as he's cleared to play. Per Joe Person of The Athletic, coach Matt Rhule said Shenault is "probably" a game-time decision.

Smith (concussion) was a full participant in Friday's practice and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Smith made his season debut last week against Carolina and secured four of five targets for 105 yards before sustaining a concussion. Although he was limited at Wednesday's practice, he was a full participant Thursday and Friday and has cleared the league's concussion protocol. He'll likely have a chance to handle an increased role Sunday against Minnesota because Michael Thomas (foot) has been ruled out.

Harty (foot) was a limited participant in Friday's practice session and doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Vikings, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Harty was limited for all three of the Saints' practice sessions this week, but he'll be able to play through his foot injury for Sunday's matchup in London. Over his first two appearances this season, he's secured both of his targets for 13 yards.

Coach Dennis Allen said Friday that Thomas (foot) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Thomas has missed three straight practice since suffering a foot injury Week 3, and the Saints will focus on his health with the hope of having the veteran standout back in action Week 5 against the Seahawks. Quarterback Jameis Winston (back/ankle/hip) is considered doubtful, according to Allen, so it looks as though New Orleans will go with Andy Dalton under center Sunday, with Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry (ankle) acting as his top wideouts.