NFL Player News

James (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

James didn't practice all week and is in danger of missing the upcoming Thursday night game against the Packers as well. Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are expected to handle starting duties Sunday while Dante Pettis and practice squad wideout River Cracraft rotate in.

The 49ers elevated Cracraft to the active roster Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Cracraft is expected to make his 49ers debut Sunday against the Seahawks. The team needs depth at wide receiver because Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Richie James (ankle) have been ruled out, so Cracraft will operate as the No. 5 wide receiver. He could also return kicks if necessary.

Chisena (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Packers, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Chisena popped up on the injury report Friday as a non-participant in practice, so it's not surprising that he's ruled out ahead of the Week 8 tilt. All of Chisena's contributions this season have been on special teams, so this won't affect the offensive dynamic.

Lazard (core) was not activated ahead of Sunday's game and thus will not be eligible to play this week against the Vikings, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

There was some hope Lazard could make a return to the field after missing the past three games following core muscle surgery, but the ever-patient Packers will opt to wait another week before bringing back their wide receiver. Look for Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Malik Taylor, Darrius Shepherd and Equanimeous St. Brown to fill in the gaps behind No. 1 wideout and frequent target Davante Adams.

Diggs will not face Stephon Gilmore of the Patriots this week after the cornerback was determined to be out for Sunday's game, as reported by Field Yates of ESPN.

Diggs will still have to compete with what's expected to be a rainy, windy day in Buffalo, all to go with Bill Belichick's propensity to shut down an opponent's top weapon, which is clearly Diggs this season. That said, it's probably not advisable to consider sitting the AFC's leading receiver, who will no longer have to find ways to free himself from the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

The Buccaneers have cleared Miller (hip/groin) to play in Monday's game against the Giants.

Miller practiced in full Saturday following consecutive days of limited participation. He seems to have avoided any setbacks and is now set to take the field Monday. With Chris Godwin (finger) ruled out, Miller and Tyler Johnson figure to see plenty of snaps alongside Mike Evans at receiver.

Shepard (shoulder) is absent from the Giants' injury report ahead of Monday's game against the Buccaneers, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Shepard recorded six receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles last week following a four-game absence. However, he picked up a shoulder and toe injury in the process. Still, it looks like the team is confident in his ability to play through the issues, so look for him to take on his usual role assuming he avoids any setbacks.

Patrick (hamstring) remains a true game-time decision ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Chargers, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Patrick will work out before Sunday's game in order to test out his hamstring. The results of that will determine his status for Sunday's contest. If he is ultimately unable to get the green light. look for Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and DaeSean Hamilton to fill out the Broncos' three-receiver sets.

Butler was waived by the Eagles on Saturday.

Butler was strictly a special teams player in the two games he played for Philadelphia. Expect Butler to continue developing in his new tight end position with the Eagles' practice squad should he pass through waivers.

Robinson has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Saints.

This is a bit of a surprising development considering Robinson was listed as doubtful following Friday's final practice report, but the star wideout evidently cleared concussion protocol and does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's contest. Robinson was held out of practice all week and the team only "expects him to play" as opposed to simply saying he'll be ready to go, so there's at least some reason to still check in on his status before the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. That being said, all indications suggest Robinson will be ready for the pivotal tilt and should be primed for his typical workload against the 22nd ranked defense against opposing fantasy wide receivers.