NFL Player News

Shepard (concussion) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

The activity marks Shepard's first in an official practice since being diagnosed with a concussion after a Week 1 loss to the Cowboys. Considering his reps were capped, Shepard hasn't reached the stage in the protocol in which he can take contact, but two sessions remain for the fourth-year receiver to progress to that point in advance of Sunday's contest at Tampa Bay.

Slayton (hamstring) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

Slayton didn't practice at all leading up to the first two games, so this is a positive step toward his NFL debut. If he's able to get healthy for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers, Slayton could have an immediate role in the offense since Sterling Shepherd and Cody Latimer both have concussions, although Shepherd also was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Brown played 51 of the Ravens' 79 offensive snaps (64.6 percent) in Sunday's 23-17 win over the Cardinals, Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Brown played the most snaps of any running back, wide receiver or tight end for Baltimore, also leading the team in targets (13) and tying Mark Andrews with eight catches. The fantasy production didn't match his Week 1 output, but Brown's underlying use was actually more encouraging, with his snap share jumping from 18.4 percent to 64.6 percent, while many of his targets came on short throws. Given the early results, it's a safe bet the Ravens will continue to rely on Brown and Andrews as the central figures in their pass-catching corps. The team travels to Kansas City for a potential shootout in Week 3.

Shepard (concussion) is present for practice Wednesday, sporting a no-contact jersey, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.

Any degree of participation marks a step forward after Shepard was held out of practice last week. With Golden Tate suspended for two more games and Cody Latimer joining Shepard in the concussion protocol, the Giants may be short on receiving weapons in the first start of Daniel Jones' NFL career Sunday in Tampa Bay. Shepard at least seems to have a shot at returning for the game.

Harris lost seven yards on his lone reception during Sunday's 27-9 loss to the Rams. He added three punt returns for 34 yards.

Harris' first career reception was disappointing, and the returner's hopes to contribute more frequently on offense don't look too promising. Drew Brees (thumb) is out, and the Saints have a tough test against the Seahawks defense.

Kirkwood (hamstring) has been officially placed on injured reserve, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Kirkwood injured his hamstring during pregame warmups prior to Sunday's loss to the Rams. The second year pass-catcher made an impression as an undrafted rookie last year but was still looking like just a depth receiver entering 2019. His absence figures to open up a bigger opportunity for Austin Carr, especially if Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) is forced to miss an extended period of time.

Brown (knee) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice.

Brown's knee injury was revealed when he was a limited participant in Monday's practice, but that issue was short-lived, and he'll be ready for Thursday's game versus the Jaguars. Although he's still marked as the No. 4 wideout, Brown played 44 percent of offensive snaps in Week 2. However, he couldn't follow up his 100-yard NFL debut, posting three receptions for 25 yards on five targets in Week 2 versus the Colts.

Conley (hip) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice.

It's a good sign that he's still getting on the field for the shortened week ahead of Thursday's game versus the Titans, as this is Conley's second straight practice in this capacity. The new Jaguar is trending toward a questionable designation unless he can practice at full speed Wednesday. Conley has been a strong wideout for the Jaguars thus far, catching 10 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown through two weeks.

Chark (ankle) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice.

The Jaguars may have been exercising caution on the shortened week by keeping Chark to limited participation Monday. He's back to full speed and should be ready to play Thursday versus the Titans, barring a setback. The second-year pro has been impressive through two weeks, leading the Jaguars in catches (11), receiving yards (201) and receiving touchdowns (two). A matchup with the Titans will be a solid test, as they have allowed just 182.5 passing yards per game thus far.

Johnson caught one of four targets for 17 yards in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks.

The rookie third-round pick looked decent in the season opener with three catches for 25 yards, but he couldn't establish chemistry in Week 2 with Mason Rudolph, who will replace Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) for the remainder of the season. Johnson's opportunities will need to increase from the 47 percent of offensive snaps he played in Week 2 before he has fantasy value.