NFL Player News

Boston brought in four of seven targets for 89 yards in the Browns' 27-24 win over the Steelers on Thursday.

The impressive start to Boston's NFL career continued Thursday, with the rookie second-round pick leading the Browns in receiving yards and tying for runner-up status with Quinshon Judkins in targets. The bulk of Boston's production came on an impressive 60-yard reception to kick off an early second-quarter possession that culminated in a Judkins two-yard touchdown run. Boston has quickly amassed a 13-284-2 line on 22 targets through his first four career games, affording him plenty of momentum heading into a Week 5 road matchup against the Jets on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Metcalf brought in five of nine targets for 115 yards in the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

Metcalf led the Steelers across the stat sheet in receptions, receiving yards and targets, and his production in the first two categories also qualified as new season highs. The veteran wideout started slowly, but he came on with catches of 43, 22 and 28 yards in the fourth quarter. The standout night was a welcome sight for fantasy managers, who'd seen Metcalf post an inefficient and modest 11-98-1 line on 24 targets over his first three games. Metcalf will aim to carry over the momentum into a Week 5 home matchup against the Colts on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Thompson (quadriceps) didn't practice Thursday.

Thompson is dealing with a quad injury that already sidelined him for this past Sunday's loss to Buffalo. He's begun Week 4 prep with consecutive DNPs, so his chance of suiting up Sunday versus Seattle is looking quite grim. Prior to getting hurt, Thompson recorded one catch on three targets for 13 yards over his first two games.

The Saints signed Austin from their practice squad to their active roster Thursday.

Austin was elevated from the practice squad each of the first three weeks, so this signing was necessary for him to continue to be part of New Orleans' gameday roster. The Notre Dame product hasn't been a big part of the team's offense, however, logging just 20 offensive snaps across three contests and catching his only target for seven yards. Austin should continue to work in a depth wideout role behind Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele and Bryce Lance.

Hodge (knee) was waived with an injury settlement by the 49ers on Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Hodge appeared in all three games for San Francisco thus far this season, bringing in his only target for 18 yards. There's a chance the team will bring him back once he's healthy, so his days with the organization may not be finished.

McConkey (foot) was seen walking out of the locker room with a limp after not taking part in Thursday's practice, Kris Rhim of ESPN reports.

McConkey showed up on the Chargers' first Week 4 injury report Wednesday as limited due to a foot injury. His downgrade to DNP one day later was potentially an ominous sign of things to come, and the aforementioned limp adds fuel to the fire that he may be in danger of sitting out Sunday's game at Seattle. Ultimately, the team may clarify McConkey's status when it posts its final practice report of the week Friday.

Smith (hamstring) isn't expected to be available Sunday versus the Rams, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

For a second straight week, Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he was able to play through it during Monday's loss at Chicago, logging all 50 offensive snaps en route to six catches (on eight targets) for 65 yards. He hasn't practiced so far this week, and McManus' report indicates Smith likely will remain out Friday before the team eventually makes a ruling on his status for Week 4. If Smith doesn't suit up this weekend, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon would be the primary beneficiaries in the receiving corps.

Nacua (hip) officially was listed as a limited participant on Thursday's injury report, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Prior to Thursday's practice, offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase told Grosbard that Nacua was expected to be a full participant, and the wide receiver himself told Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com afterward that he was full. The resulting practice report said otherwise, and he thus still has some work to do potentially avoid a designation ahead of Sunday's game in Philadelphia.

Evans (ribs) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Evans thus will have just one more chance to mix into drills Friday before the 49ers potentially make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos. If Evans ends up being inhibited or sidelined this weekend, Deebo Samuel and Brandin Cooks represent the notable names that remain healthy in San Francisco's WR corps.

Moore (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Moore was limited in two practice sessions before being upgraded to a full participant Friday ahead of the Week 3 victory over Dallas. It appears the wideout is following the same path moving toward the Week 4 meeting with Tennessee, assuming he practices in full Friday. Moore's only target versus the Cowboys resulted in a touchdown, but he's been minimally involved overall while posting a 3-63-1 line on six targets.