NFL Player News

Samuel (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Samuel did everything at Friday's practice, but given that it was a half-speed session the wideout was listed as a limited participant. A game-time decision is one of the possibilities ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, though it's also possible additional updates provide clarity before then. With RB Elijah Mitchell (knee/concussion) already ruled out, Samuel should get both carries and targets if he's able to play.

Metcalf (foot/illness) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game in Houston, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Metcalf actually missed practice twice this week, but his absence Thursday likely was attributed to an illness versus the foot injury that has lingered for most of the campaign. Now that he's cleared for game action, he'll look to get back on track versus a Texans defense that has given up 8.8 yards per target (seventh most in the NFL) and 11 TDs (18th most) to wide receivers in 12 contests this season.

Coach Brandon Staley indicated Friday that Williams, who was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday after being deemed a close contact of teammate Keenan Allen, should play Sunday against the Giants, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The report notes that Allen, who also is on the reserve/COVID-19 list, is not in line to play in the contest. As long as Williams gains clearance as hoped, he should be busy Sunday while heading a Week 14 wideout corps that will include Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer. In any case, the Chargers have until Saturday afternoon to activate Williams from the COVID list.

Higgins (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Higgins managed a pair of limited showings in practice this week as he tends to an ankle injury. Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, there's an expectation from coach Zac Taylor that Higgins will be available this weekend, which will be confirmed about 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. Higgins is coming off back-to-back 100-yard, one-touchdown performances, and he'll look to continue that momentum, if active, versus a San Francisco defense that has allowed 8.1 yards per target and 11 TDs to wide receivers in 12 contests this season.

Moore (quadriceps) missed a third consecutive practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.

Cimini notes that no Jets player has suited up this season after missing all three practices during the week, so Moore will have to beat the odds in order to play. The standout rookie has come on in recent weeks, and his absence would be a devastating blow to a Jets passing game that's already without Corey Davis (groin) for the remainder of the season. Slot receiver Jamison Crowder would be the top target for rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, with veteran retread Keelan Cole and unproven youngster Denzel Mims occupying the starting spots on the outside.

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Allen (illness) won't be activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While Allen didn't make enough progress in his recovery from COVID-19 to suit up this weekend, the Chargers anticipate fellow wideout Mike Williams coming off the list Saturday, after he was deemed a close contact of Allen. Without Allen, the Chargers will likely rely more on Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer to pick up snaps at receiver alongside Williams.

Cooper confirmed Friday that he's completely healthy and no longer dealing with any symptoms from his bout with COVID-19, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 27-year-old returned for last Thursday's 27-17 win over the Saints but saw just 24 snaps (34 percent) and two targets. He did catch both passes for 41 yards, showing his usual burst when called upon. Cooper's return to a full-time role, assuming it happens this Sunday at Washington, might mean less work for Michael Gallup, who took on at least eight targets and 91 percent snap share in each of the past three games with Cooper and/or CeeDee Lamb limited by injury/illness/concussion. All three are healthy now, as is No. 4 receiver Cedrick Wilson (ankle).

Boykin (finger) is doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Browns.

Boykin was limited throughout practice this week, and he is unlikely to play Sunday. The third-year wideout hasn't been available since Week 10, so if he is sidelined again it shouldn't impact the Ravens' offensive rotations.

Samuel (groin) is on the field for Friday's practice, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While the extent of his participation remains to be seen, a return to practice Friday represents progress for Samuel after an absence from last week's loss to Seattle and missed practices this Wednesday and Thursday. Initial reports suggested he'd miss one or two games due to a groin strain, so it won't be too surprising if he makes it back for Sunday's matchup with the Bengals.

Wilson (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against Washington, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Wilson was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday but got the all-clear following a full session Friday. He'll be relegated to a depth role on offense with Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup all healthy, but Wilson could be tasked with taking on kick return duties, as usual return man Tony Pollard (foot) is questionable and hasn't practiced at all.