NFL Player News

Mooney (shoulder) is officially active for Thursday's matchup against Tampa Bay.

Mooney came into the contest questionable despite suiting up as a full practice participant throughout the week, so this news isn't surprising. The rookie is coming off a career-high five catches and 52 yards across nine targets in last week's loss to the Colts. Mooney will continue his role as the team's punt return man and piece of the offense, as he's averaging 5.7 targets per game this season.

Miller (hip/groin) is active for Thursday's game at Chicago.

Among the Bucs' top four wide receivers, Miller was the only one to get in a limited practice this week and now will be one of the top options at Tom Brady's disposal. Aside from Miller, Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Justin Watson (chest) are inactive, leaving Mike Evans (ankle), Tyler Johnson, Jaydon Mickens and Cyril Grayson as the wide receivers available to the offense.

Evans (ankle) is listed as active Thursday at Chicago.

Despite being unable to practice this week, Evans tested out his injured ankle during a pregame workout, cutting and making moves out of the break, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. After getting the all clear to play, Evans will take aim at a Bears defense that hasn't allowed a touchdown to wide receivers this season.

Thomas (ankle) was limited at practice Thursday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Thomas maintained his activity from last week, but with a bit more time to prepare with a Monday night game on tap, he seems to be trending toward a return to action against the Chargers. He'll have two more chances to work in full before the Saints post their final Week 5 injury report Saturday.

Kemp signed with the Chiefs' practice squad Thursday, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Kemp was cut by the Chiefs on Tuesday, however, he'll return to the team with another shot to make the 53-man roster. The 25-year-old suited up for all 16 games with the Chiefs in 2018, logging two targets the entire season.

Evans (ankle) is expected to play Thursday at Chicago, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports

While the Buccaneers will be without wide receivers Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Justin Watson (chest), they intend to have the services of Evans and Scotty Miller (hip/groin). The decision appears to hinge on Evans' pregame workout, which included cutting and "explosive" moves out of the break, per Stroud. Evans' ankles were taped up, too, so it seems to indicate he'll be out there Thursday.

Pettis (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

Pettis suffered the knee injury in Week 4, but as evidenced by this news, the issue isn't serious enough to force him to miss game action. Now that Pettis appears fully healthy, look for him to assume his usual depth role, one that has rendered him a fantasy non-factor thus far this season.

Taylor (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

Taylor had a bit of an injury scare Wednesday, as he popped up on the injury report with the ankle issue. As evidenced by this news, the Louisiana Tech product appears healthy for Week 5. Expect Taylor to assume his usual depth role at receiver while also serving as the team's primary punt returner.

Samuel didn't practice Thursday due to an illness, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

After spending more than three months in recovery mode following June surgery to address a Jones fracture in his left foot, Samuel made his season debut this past Sunday in Miami. He played 34 percent of the snaps on offense en route to three catches (on three targets) for 35 yards and one carry for 10 yards. On a positive note, Samuel didn't appear on Wednesday's injury report, indicating the foot issue is behind him. That said, he's come down with an illness of unknown severity, placing a cloud over his Week 5 availability.

Johnson (toe) practiced fully Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

The same applies to fellow starting wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), who missed practice Wednesday along with Johnson. At this point, managing the duo's practice reps could become routine for the Steelers, but Johnson will be out there Sunday against the Eagles. The 2019 third-rounder heads into the contest with a 14/149/1 stat line through three games.