NFL Player News

Samuel (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan was optimistic about Samuel returning from mid-June foot surgery for Week 1, but the wideout never even made it to the practice field this week, instead remaining focused on his rehab. With no report of a setback, it's possible Samuel could return as soon as Week 2 or 3. In the meantime, the 49ers will rely on some combination of Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis and Richie James, plus rookie first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring, questionable) if he's available. Bourne, Taylor, Pettis and Aiyuk are the favorites to see Week 1 snaps and targets.

Dorsett (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Atlanta, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Dorsett initially hurt his foot during an Aug. 22 scrimmage, but he's been practicing in some capacity since the beginning of September. Coach Pete Carroll said he expects the speedy wideout to play in Sunday's contest, where Dorsett likely will operate as the No. 3 receiver. It is possible he shares the role with David Moore, and the Seahawks' offseason moves seem to hint at a desire to incorporate more multi-TE formations. Even so, there will always be some potential for a successful deep ball when Dorsett's 4.33 speed is combined with Russell Wilson's accurate downfield passing.

Johnson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday afternoon, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

This explains why Johnson was held out of practice Thursday and Friday for non-injury reasons, though it doesn't necessarily mean he tested positive for COVID-19, as it's possible he merely came into contact with an infected individual. The timing suggests he isn't likely to play in Sunday's game against the 49ers, though he might've been a healthy scratch even if he were available.

Though listed as a full practice participant Friday, the Patriots labeled Harry (shoulder) questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Dolphins.

We'd be surprised if Harry was sidelined this weekend, and if he does suit up, the second-year wideout should see his share of snaps alongside the team's top pass-catching option Julian Edelman. Now listed as a starter, the 2019 first-rounder is poised to see an expanded role in New England's offense. At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, Harry has the size and ability to go up and snatch contested throws, which could result in him making an impact in the red zone this season.

Olszewski (foot) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Dolphins, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Olszewski looked good in training camp, but he sustained an injury recently and won't be available for the season opener. With N'Keal Harry (shoulder) considered questionable, the Patriots' receiver corps could be shorthanded in Week 1. Jakobi Meyers and Matthew Slater should both see increased reps to start the year as a result.

Cooper (hamstring) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Rams in L.A., Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The Cowboys held Cooper out of practice to kick off September, but when Week 1 rolled around he was able to handle every rep at all three sessions. He's thus poised to act as the team's No. 1 wide receiver Sunday night and play at "full capacity," as Mike McCarthy told Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News on Thursday. Cooper could have a tough go of it, though, as the Rams boast a top cover corner in Jalen Ramsey.

Evans (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest at New Orleans.

The Buccaneers seem to be waiting until Sunday to make a final call on Evans' availability for Week 1, but the fact he was tagged with a "doubtful" designation is not a great sign that he'll be active. He did get back on the practice field Friday in a limited capacity, but if Evans is unable to suit up this weekend, Chris Godwin will be the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver, while Scotty Miller, Justin Watson and rookie Tyler Johnson will be candidates for additional snaps.

Reagor (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Washington.

There was a belief at one point that Reagor would miss most of September after injuring his left shoulder at practice Aug. 30. Instead, he followed up a limited showing at Wednesday's session with back-to-back full listings to cap off Week 1 prep. Reagor thus will be out there Sunday next to DeSean Jackson, while Alshon Jeffery (foot) takes a seat.

Johnson (foot) practiced fully Friday.

A foot issue sidelined Johnson at Thursday's practice, but a full session Friday puts the 2019 third-rounder in line to suit up and start opposite JuJu Smith-Schuster on Monday night against the Giants. Johnson logged 59 catches (for 680 yards and five TDs) as a rookie, and in his second year as a pro, the 5-foot-10, 183-pounder figures to benefit from more consistent play at quarterback now that Ben Roethlisberger (who missed most of last season) is healthy.

Wims (Achilles) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against Detroit.

Wims has compiled two straight full practice sessions, but it appears as though he's still dealing with residual effects of his Achilles injury. If the third-year pro manages to suit up Week 1, he'll compete with Ted Ginn and Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) for snaps behind Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller.