NFL Player News

Pierce was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a heel injury.

Pierce will have two more opportunities to upgrade to full practice participation heading into Sunday's season opener versus the Ravens. Per Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis, Pierce is expected to be ready to go for Sunday, though the wideout could be on something of a pitch count in the first few weeks of the season after kept him from practicing until late August. The 26-year-old served mainly as a deep-ball specialist over his first four seasons in the NFL but could become more of a higher-volume target earner in 2026 after re-signing with Indianapolis on a four-year, $114 million deal in March.

Burden (groin) is not listed on the Bears' Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

As expected, Burden is ready to go for the start of the season Sunday against the Panthers. He missed some time earlier in the summer with a groin issue, but it was never believed to be serious. With Rome Odunze (calf) limited in practice Wednesday, Burden could have an enormous role in the passing game Sunday if Odunze is unable to play.

Tate (undisclosed) is off the injury report ahead of the Titans' season opener against the Jets, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

This is a great development for Tate after he dealt with an undisclosed issue late in preseason. Tate is now on track to make his NFL debut in Week 1, when he will be a focal point of the Titans' passing game.

Odunze (calf) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

After sitting out Monday and being labeled day-to-day by coach Ben Johnson on Tuesday, Odunze was limited in the first official practice of the week. His status for Sunday's season opener against Carolina still appears unsettled. If Odunze is unable to go, Luther Burden and Colston Loveland should dominate most of the targets from Caleb Williams, while Kalif Raymond and Zavion Thomas would likely see more action on offense.

Branch (hamstring) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It's a new injury for the rookie wideout, but a limited start to the week gives Branch a chance to suit up Sunday against the Steelers. He's competing with the likes of Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for offensive snaps behind Drake London.

Legette (ankle) is not listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.

Legette dealt with an ankle injury last month and was in a walking boot a little over two weeks ago, but he's past the issue and ready to go for the Panthers' season opener against Chicago on Sunday. Legette is expected to open the season as the WR3 behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Expect the Panthers to use plenty of multiple-tight-end sets after adding Darren Waller, so that could limit Legette's playing time.

Tate (undisclosed) was in uniform and participating in drills during Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

The rookie had been dealing with some stiffness late in the preseason but seems to be trending in the right direction as the Titans' season-opener approaches. Official word on whether Tate was a full or limited participant will come after the Titans release their practice report later Wednesday afternoon.

Nabers (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Coach John Harbaugh said Nabers looks "ready to go," but the Giants are going to see how he feels throughout the practice week before declaring him in for Sunday night's game against the Cowboys. All signs continue to point to Nabers being out there versus Dallas for his first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 4 of last season.

Shakir (undisclosed) is on the practice field Wednesday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

After being sidelined recently by an undisclosed injury, Shakir's presence on the field is an encouraging sign for the wide receiver's availability for Sunday's season opener against the Texans. He's expected to face added competition for targets from trade pickup DJ Moore and a healthy Dalton Kincaid this season.

Nabers (knee) participated in drills at Wednesday's practice, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Nabers was first in line to go through wideout drills, according to Hughes, and it appears he's ready to go for Sunday night's Week 1 opener against Dallas. It's unclear if Nabers will play his full snap allotment against the Cowboys, so Nabers is looking more like a fantasy WR2 with obvious upside in what would be his first game back from a torn ACL.