NFL Player News

Dorsett (hamstring) could only miss Thursday's game against the Giants with there being early optimism regarding his recovery period, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Dorsett was a long shot to play Thursday with the Patriots on a short week, but the consequent result is a full 11 days in between games, with New England's next contest coming against the Jets on Monday Night Football. This period should give Dorsett a chance to play Week 7 depending on how his recovery progresses. The Patriots' wide receiver corps are currently banged up with Julian Edelman (chest) and Josh Gordon (knee) both nursing injuries, so Dorsett's return would be a welcome sight. In his absence, Jakobi Meyers could draw more looks from quarterback Tom Brady against a Giants defense that has surrendered almost 280 passing yards per game so far this season.

Smith (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate reports.

Smith's absence for the second straight day sheds doubt on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. If the second-year receiver does sit out, Tedd Ginn and Deonte Harris figure to see an increased share of targets from quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Erickson (concussion) put in a full practice Thursday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

While Erickson's upgrade from limited participation Wednesday to a full showing one day later amounts to a step forward, he'll still need to receive clearance from an independent neurologist before being removed from the concussion protocol. If that happens before Sunday's game in Baltimore, Erickson should reclaim a regular spot in three-receiver sets alongside Tyler Boyd and Auden Tate.

Valdes-Scantling was limited in Thursday's practice by hamstring and calf injuries, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, Valdes-Scantling has been active in all 21 possible games. The fact he fit in some reps is a good sign that he'll be available again Monday versus the Lions. Assuming he avoids the Packers' list of inactives, Valdes-Scantling is expected to serve as the team's No. 1 wide receiver with Davante Adams (toe) trending toward another absence.

Cooper (ankle/quadriceps) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Cooper maintained his level of participation from the first practice of the week Wednesday, setting up Friday as an important work day for the wideout as the team evaluates his availability for Sunday's game against the Jets. The ankle injury specifically has been bothering Cooper since Week 4, but he came out of the Week 5 loss to the Packers with an additional issue in tow. Even so, he still posted his best performance of the season versus Green Bay, hauling in 11 of 14 targets for 226 yards and a score.

Cobb exited early in Thursday's practice with a back injury and was listed as a non-participant in the session on the Cowboys' official report, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Cobb appeared on the Cowboys' initial injury report Wednesday with a hip issue, but his full participation in practice that day suggested his availability for Sunday's game against the Jets wasn't in any peril. With a new injury now affecting him, Cobb's situation suddenly warrants a closer look heading into the team's final practice of the week Friday. If Cobb is unable to get back on the field Friday, he'll likely carry a designation into the weekend if he isn't ruled out ahead of Sunday.

Adams (toe) may be trending toward another absence Monday versus the Lions, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports. "It doesn't feel how I want it to feel at the moment," Adams said Thursday.

The Packers kicked off preparation for their Week 6 matchup Thursday, but Adams remained sidelined as a result of his right toe injury. His comment also goes against one from coach Matt LaFleur earlier Thursday. Speaking about Adams, LaFleur told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the wide receiver is "feeling better and better" by the day. The team likely will take a wait-and-see approach with Adams over the next few practices, at which point a decision could be made about his upcoming availability.

Grant (hamstring) is not expected to suit up Sunday against the Redskins, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Grant has been limited in practice for two consecutive days, but he nonetheless doesn't appear ready to retake the field. As long as Grant is unable to go, the Dolphins will need to find another option to handle kick and punt returns.

Godwin (hip) practiced fully Thursday.

For the third week in a row, Godwin's practice reps were impacted by a hip injury, but his elevation from LP on Wednesday to FP one day later indicates he's putting it further in the rearview mirror. The issue hasn't affected his game-day viability during that two-game stretch, as he's totaled 19 catches (on 23 targets) for 297 yards and four touchdowns. With the Panthers on tap Sunday in London, Godwin will look to replicate his 8-121-1 line on nine targets from the Buccaneers' Week 2 road win at Carolina.

Perriman (hamstring) is not traveling with the Buccaneers to London on Thursday, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Perriman won't play Sunday against the Panthers, which doesn't come as much of a surprise considering that he hasn't practiced since picking up a hamstring injury Week 4. In Perriman's absence, look for Scott Miller and Bobo Wilson to see increased opportunities behind Chris Godwin (hip) and Mike Evans.