NFL Player News

Brown (knee) was once again listed as limited on Thursday's practice estimation, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Once again, the team didn't practice, but Brown's projected practice level suggests that he's nearing the point that he can resume game action. That said, Tennessee's contest against the Bills on Sunday is no lock to occur as scheduled, given that multiple members of the Titans' organization have tested positive for COVID-19.

Johnson could be in line for No. 3 receiver duties at minimum in Thursday's Week 5 game against the Bears with Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Justin Watson (chest) sidelined, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

The rookie already logged 25 snaps in Week 4 against the Chargers, although he didn't see a target. That's likely to change Thursday, even if Evans, who's reportedly going to test out his gimpy ankle in pregame warmups, and Miller, who's expected to play through groin and ankle injuries, both suit up. Smith identifies Johnson as the most likely to serve as the No. 3 wideout in such a scenario, and if Evans can't go, the 2020 fifth-round pick could conceivably find himself in a starting role in what would be only his third NFL game with active status.

Beasley (foot) returned to a full practice Thursday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Beasley's Week 5 status gains more import with fellow wide receiver John Brown currently slowed by a calf injury. Although Beasley's healthy enough to play this weekend, it remains to be seen if Sunday's scheduled game against Tennessee occurs, given that multiple members of the Titans' organization have tested positive for COVID-19.

Parker (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Parker was limited during Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 4, but barring any setbacks, it now looks as though he's fully on track for Sunday's contest in San Francisco. Heading into a tough road matchup, Parker will look to keep up his momentum from last weekend's 110-yard performance.

Sims (toe) didn't practice Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Meanwhile, fellow wide receivers Terry McLaurin (thigh) and Dontrelle Inman (foot) did what Sims could not: follow up a DNP on Wednesday with a limited session Thursday. Considering Sims hasn't practiced since Week 3, he appears to be in a tough spot ahead of Sunday's game versus the Rams. Friday's injury report may provide some clarity with his situation.

McLaurin (thigh) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Prior to Week 4, McLaurin was limited at practice one time before sitting out entirely Friday, but he still suited up this past Sunday and recorded 10 catches (on 14 targets) for 118 yards against a tough Ravens defense. So far this week, he's followed an absence Wednesday with some reps Thursday, indicating improvement with his thigh issue. Ultimately, Friday's injury report will give a sense of his availability for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Ridley (thigh) looked good running routes during Thursday's practice, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Ridley's precise activity level won't be known until the Falcons release their second practice report of Week 5 prep, but there's a chance he bumps up from the LP that he received Wednesday. Meanwhile, Julio Jones (hamstring) wasn't present in the part of Thursday's session open to the media, so Russell Gage and Olamide Zaccheaus could be in line for elevated workloads this weekend.

Perriman (ankle) won't practice Thursday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Perriman doesn't seem likely to suit up Sunday against the Cardinals and if he remains sidelined this weekend, Chris Hogan and Jeff Smith figure handle increased roles in the Jets' passing offense alongside slot man Jamison Crowder.

Evans (ankle) will need to successfully complete pre-game workouts in order to be active Thursday night against Chicago, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Evans was the team's most targeted wide receiver Week 4 against the Chargers with Chris Godwin (hamstring) sidelined, but he emerged from the game with an ankle injury that forced him out of practice for the entire week. Even though he's operating on a short week, there's still optimism that Evans will take the field, though it absolutely warrants confirmation roughly 90 minutes prior to the 8:20 p.m. EST kickoff. Evans could be in for another target-heavy week if everything checks out in warmups, as Godwin has again been ruled out, while Scotty Miller (hip/groin) is considered questionable for the contest (though he's expected to play). A tough matchup awaits, however, as Evans and co. will be facing a Chicago team that hasn't given up a touchdown to an opposing wide receiver all year.

Miller (hip/groin) is expected to play Thursday night against the Bears, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Miller was one of few members of his position group to see meaningful practice time this week, and it's looking like that might pay off if he's indeed active for the contest (that will be worth confirming prior to the 8:20 p.m. EST kickoff). Fellow wideout Chris Godwin (hamstring) has already been ruled out for the matchup, while Rapoport is reporting the status of Mike Evans (ankle) will hinge on his pregame workout. The Chicago defense hasn't been particularly kind to opposing wide receivers this season, giving up the third-least points to the position in standard formats, but a heavy usage night for Miller -- depending on how inactives shake out -- could still make him warrant fantasy consideration.