NFL Player News

Smith (hamstring) remains sidelined for Friday's practice, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Smith has missed practice all week, making him unlikely to play Sunday night against the Commanders. Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was also absent Friday, paving the way for Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore to again handle wideout duties in Week 8.

Burks (foot) participated in Friday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.

After logging a DNP on Thursday, Burks' return to the field Friday gives him a chance to suit up Sunday night against the Eagles. With Terry McLaurin (knee) done for the season, Burks is expected to take on a larger offensive role alongside Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams and Dyami Brown at wide receiver.

Brown (ankle/knee) was not spotted at Friday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Brown was limited Wednesday and missed practice Thursday, with reports confirming a flare-up in his knee. He's managed chronic/degenerative knee problems throughout his career, typically managing to play even when the issue flares up. That said, the back-to-back absences from practice suggest Brown is in danger of missing Sunday's game at Miami, potentially leaving DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism and Kyle Williams as New England's top three WRs.

Tate (shoulder) won't practice Friday, and his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals is in doubt, Paul Kuharsky reports.

It sounds like Titans coach Robert Saleh considers Tateto be more toward doubtful than questionable, which is no surprise after the rookie missed practice throughout the week. It remains to be seen how the Titans list Tate on their final injury report Friday afternoon.

Egbuka (concussion/foot) was not practicing Friday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After logging a limited practice Thursday, Egbuka's absence Friday represents a step back in his concussion recovery ahead of Sunday's game against the Falcons. He's also still dealing with his previous foot injury. If Egbuka can't play Sunday against the Falcons, Tez Johnson and rookie Ted Hurst would be in line for increased snaps alongside veteran Chris Godwin at receiver.

Coker secured two of five targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' 27-19 loss to the Packers on Thursday. He also lost a fumble.

Coker was having a forgettable night before he used his speed to turn a short Bryce Young pass into a 26-yard touchdown with just under six minutes remaining in the contest. Coker's fumble came on the last play of the game, as he lost the handle on the ball shortly after receiving a lateral from Tetairoa McMillan at the Panthers' 26-yard line. Coker is in the midst of a two-game downturn that unsurprisingly coincides with struggles on the part of Bryce Young, as the speedy wideout has just three receptions for 45 yards and Thursday's score in that span heading into a tough Week 9 assignment at home against the Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Watson said he suffered a broken rib in Thursday night's 27-19 win over the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Watson took a hard fall in the second quarter after hauling in a 53-yard deep shot from Jordan Love. He landed on the football and was coughing up blood afterward, necessitating a trip to the hospital just before halftime. Scans showed a broken rib, but Watson was deemed fit to return to the game in the third quarter. He'll now have 10 days to rest up before the Packers' next game in Week 9 against the Patriots.

Golden brought in seven of 13 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' 27-19 win over the Panthers on Thursday.

The second-year speedster finished second in receptions and receiving yards for the Packers on the night, while also leading the way in targets with a season-high-tying figure. Golden struck for his fourth touchdown of the season as well on a 24-yard scoring grab just after the two-minute warning in the first half, and the 2025 first-round pick now has at least six catches in four consecutive contests. Golden should remain busy in a Week 9 road showdown against the Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 8, one where New England shutdown cornerback Christian Gonzalez could spend the majority of his time on Christian Watson.

McMillan brought in six of 11 targets for 57 yards in the Panthers' 27-19 loss to the Packers on Thursday.

McMillan led the Panthers in receiving yards despite generating a modest total, and the second-year wideout has now fallen under 60 receiving yards in consecutive games for the first time this season. McMillan does have at least six grabs in three of the past four games and a trio of double-digit target tallies on the season, so he continues to sport a formidable fantasy floor despite Bryce Young's current struggles. Carolina's air attack may have a tough time bouncing back in Week 9, however, as the stingy Broncos defense comes to town on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Watson, who was hospitalized for a portion of Thursday's 27-19 win over the Panthers on Thursday to be evaluated for chest and rib injuries, finished the contest having brought in eight of 10 targets for 113 yards. He also lost a fumble.

Watson managed to lead the Packers in receptions and receiving yards despite missing almost a full quarter, making his numbers all the more admirable. The veteran speedster, who's on pace for a career-best season, set a new season high in catches, and he now has three 100-yard efforts on the campaign. Watson's second-quarter fumble didn't lead to any Panthers points, so he ultimately enjoyed a successful night in every sense. Watson now boasts a 42-708-6 line heading into a Week 9 road showdown against the Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 8.