NFL Player News

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he's hopeful Samuel (foot) will be back at practice next week, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Samuel is pushing to get on the field for the 49ers' Sept. 13 season opener against Arizona, and a return to practice next week would represent an important step in the right direction. The versatile wideout suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot back in June and was projected to miss 10-to-12 weeks. Even if Samuel receives medical clearance in time to suit up Week 1, the possibility that he could be on a restricted snap count can't be ignored.

Coulter (neck) did not participate during Wednesday's scrimmage, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Coulter has been dealing with a neck injury of undisclosed severity since late August. With the Sept. 13 opener against the Chiefs only eight days away, the rookie fifth-round pick won't have the luxury of much more time to get fully healthy. Of course, the Texans likely aren't counting on Coulter to make much of an impact Year 1.

Berrios is dealing with a lower back issue that has forced him to miss practice, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

Berrios exited practice Tuesday with "tightness," and the specifics of the injury are now clear. It's unknown how long the injury is expected to keep Berrios out, but it certainly won't help his chances to make the roster in a depth role for 2020.

Crowder (lower leg) suited up for Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

While it isn't clear if the slot receiver was a full participant, his presence in any capacity confirms the leg tightness he dealt with Tuesday isn't serious. Crowder should be fine for Week 1 at Buffalo, with a steady stream of targets likely headed his way.

Jefferson could see more opportunities than Josh Reynolds this season, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Rodrigue's projection of the 53-man roster suggests Jefferson -- rather than Reynolds -- will be the No. 3 receiver behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. This outcome shouldn't be fully assumed, but it's a reasonable expectation given that Reynolds mostly failed to impress in previous opportunities and Jefferson is a rookie second-round pick. Both players' roles mya not be clarified until after the Rams' Week 1 matchup with the Cowboys.

Perriman is still dealing with swelling in his knee, but a recent MRI didn't reveal anything that would affect him throughout the year, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.

Even with an MRI bringing good news, it's a little concerning that this has been an on-and-off problem, with coach Adam Gase acknowledging Perriman's pattern of progress followed by minor setbacks, per Hughes. Even so, the Jets appear optimistic that Perriman to be ready for Week 1 at Buffalo, especially after he was spotted running on a side field during Wednesday's practice. He's been held out of team drills for the past week and a half.

Perriman (knee) was spotted running on a side field during Wednesday's practice, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

A swollen knee has kept Perriman out of practice for more than a week, but he seems to be making some progress as the Jets' season opener draws closer. Assuming he's able to play, he'll open the season as the Jets' top outside receiver, likely playing the vast majority of offensive snaps in a tricky Week 1 matchup at Buffalo.

Watkins (upper body) practiced with pads Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Watkins was initially considered day-to-day after missing Saturday's practice, and he's almost back to full form. It's unclear if the rookie sixth-round pick was limited at all in practice, but he should be fully healthy for Week 1 nonetheless. With Jalen Reagor (shoulder) expected to miss a few weeks and Alshon Jeffrey (foot) still on the PUP list, Watkins has a solid chance to make the 53-man roster after posting 1,178 yards and six touchdowns in his final collegiate season.

Samuel has not been impressive throughout training camp, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Samuel got off to a hot start during the first week of team activities, but he evidently hasn't flashed since camp first began. Alexander notes that Samuel is dealing with a minor hamstring injury, something which could contribute to his lack of noise in camp even if it doesn't seem to have any chance of impacting his availability for the season opener Sept. 13. Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and there was speculation that the Panthers could shop him after signing Robby Anderson earlier this offseason. His performance in 2020 will no doubt be pivotal to his future with the team.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury said Tuesday that Hopkins (undisclosed) is closing in on a return to full practice participation, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

A tight hamstring has hampered Hopkins at times during training camp, including keeping him sidelined both Monday and Tuesday. Ultimately, the goal is to have Hopkins enter Week 1 prep "comfortable with the game plan," per Kingsbury. As a result, Hopkins' practice reps may be limited if he gets back on the practice field this week.