NFL Player News

The Dolphins elevated Ford to the active roster Tuesday.

The Dolphins are preemptively calling up the fourth-year wideout for Saturday's game against the Raiders. Ford played 54 snaps on offense (74 percent) in last week's win over the Patroits, and he caught all three targets for 18 yards. He could handle a similar workload if both DeVante Parker (hamstring) and Jakeem Grant (hamstring) sit out again.

Taylor registered a 14-yard punt return while going without an offensive snap during Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Taylor made his return to the lineup Sunday after being deemed a healthy scratch for San Francisco's Week 13 and 14 matchups. Against Dallas, the Louisiana Tech product was held without an offensive snap for just the second time this season, though he was capable of building upon a strong 12.4 yards-per-punt return average. The 26-year-old remains on the active roster as the 49ers prepare for a Week 16 road trip to Arizona.

Carter was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.

Carter will return to the lineup in Sunday's game against the Jaguars. He's not expected to play much on offense, but he should be the Bears' primary punt returner. The 27-year-old has averaged 8.7 yards per punt return this season.

James (ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice.

James was absent from the 49ers' final drive of this past Sunday's loss to the Cowboys after tweaking his ankle. Although it was just a walkthrough, his presence at Tuesday's practice is an encouraging sign for his Week 16 status. The third-year receiver will aim to upgrade to full participation by the end of the week as he prepares for Saturday's game against the Cardinals. If he's able to play, he'll catch passes from C.J. Beathard because Nick Mullens (elbow) is done for the year.

Pittman caught two of three targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Texans.

Pittman finished third among wide receivers in targets and receiving yards, as Zach Pascal and T.Y. Hilton both garnered six targets and recorded more than 70 yards. The rookie out of USC is in a bit of a cold spell, as he has caught more than two passes just once over the past four games, failing to surpass 50 receiving yards or score a touchdown in any of those outings.

Smith (ankle) didn't participate in Tuesday's practice, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

The Saints haven't offered much clarity on the severity of the ankle injury Smith sustained in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs, but his absence from practice two days later hints that the wideout may be dealing with more than a mild concern. Smith will have two more days to try and increase his activity on practice before the Saints rule on his status for Friday's game against the Vikings. With Michael Thomas (ankle) on injured reserve, Emmanuel Sanders could take on an even larger role if Smith is forced to miss the Week 16 contest.

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said Renfrow (concussion) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Renfrow was diagnosed with a concussion after exiting in the second half of the Raiders' Week 15 loss to the Chargers, but his ability to practice in some fashion to begin Week 16 implies progress as he navigates the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries. The wideout will look to upgrade to full activity and gain clearance from an independent neurologist ahead of Saturday's game against the Dolphins.

Wilson didn't receive a target in Sunday's 41-33 win over the 49ers.

Wilson didn't command a target for a fourth straight week. The third-year wide receiver's 5-107-2 performance in Week 3 against the Seahawks seems like ages ago.

Cracraft caught both targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Cracraft was targeted for the first time since receiving five targets in a Week 9 loss to the Packers. He should remain in the mix with Deebo Samuel (hamstring) still out, but his opportunities will dwindle further if tight end George Kittle (foot) returns to the lineup this week.

Grant (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's practice report, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Along with Grant, tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder) and DeVante Parker (hamstring) were deemed limited participants to begin Week 16 after all three pass catchers sat out Sunday's win over the Patriots. In order to avoid taking a designation into this weekend's game in Las Vegas, Grant will likely need to turn in a full practice Wednesday or Thursday.