NFL Player News

Pearsall (illness/chest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Coming off a Week 17 breakout performance, Pearsall should have a featured role in the San Francisco offense Sunday with fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs/wrist) ruled out. QB Brock Purdy (elbow) also is out, however, leaving Pearsall and Jauan Jennings to catch passes from backup Joshua Dobbs.

Samuel (ribs/wrist) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel might've tried to play through his rib and wrist injuries if the 49ers were in playoff contention. As is, he didn't practice this week and won't play in Sunday's game, which could free up more playing time for Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Chris Conley behind de facto No. 1 receiver Jauan Jennings. There's no doubt Samuel will be mentioned in trade rumors yet again this offseason, as he has just one year remaining on his contract and is coming off a disappointing campaign for a team that also has Pearsall, Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) at wide receiver. There's been no indication that the rib or wrist injuries will impact Samuel's preparation for 2025.

Hardman (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.

Hardman was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and logged a week of limited practice sessions, but it appears he's not ready to return to game action just yet. The Georgia product's absence in Week 18 could also be precautionary, as Kansas City is resting most of its starters after securing the AFC's No. 1 seed. Hardman's next opportunity to take the field will come in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Waddle (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports, but coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism to Furones on Friday regarding Waddle's availability.

McDaniel's optimism is supported by Waddle practicing without limitations Friday. Waddle's looking to return from a two-game absence for a Dolphins team that can sneak into the playoffs with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs. If Waddle suits up, he'll likely be catching passes from backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, as Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is considered doubtful.

Hill (wrist/illness) didn't practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill has been no stranger to the injury report in the second half of the season, though it's a bit worrisome that he was unable to practice at all just one day after being a full participant Thursday. The star wide receiver likely will do all he can to play Sunday because the Dolphins can make the playoffs with a win and a Denver loss to Kansas City. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as doubtful, but Hill showed good chemistry with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley in the Week 17 win over the Browns, as they connected for nine catches and 105 yards.

Osborn (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Claimed off waivers from New England on Dec. 11, Osborn played 19 offensive snaps last Sunday night against the Falcons but wasn't targeted in the passing game. It was his first action with the Commanders after being deemed inactive for Weeks 15 and 16. Osborn has little to no fantasy value for Sunday's regular-season finale should he be cleared to play.

Watson (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Watson also was listed as questionable last week and didn't end up playing after missing every practice. He also missed practice this Wednesday and Thursday, but a return to limited participation Friday perhaps gives him a chance to play versus Chicago. It's possible Watson comes down to a game-time decision ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, with Dontayvion Wicks likely to be the main beneficiary of extra snaps if Watson ends up inactive.

Brown (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Brown upgraded to full practice participation Friday to avoid an injury designation after being a non-participant Wednesday and limited Thursday. He's set to return after a one-game absence and figures to reprise a starting role on the outside in Washington's final regular-season action before the playoffs.

Burton (coach's decision) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Steelers, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Burton won't even travel with the team to Pittsburgh, and it seems as if he's being punished for some sort of off-the-field incident. It's the third time this season that the third-round rookie will be a healthy inactive. Burton will close out the regular season having caught just four of 14 targets for 107 scoreless yards. He also returned 13 kickoffs for 378 yards. Perhaps Burton can get back on the field next week if the Bengals sneak into the playoffs.

Raymond (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports.

Raymond practiced without limitations all week, but he'll need to be removed from injured reserve and added back to the roster in order to make his return from a foot injury that has sidelined him since Week 12. Even if Raymond gets clearance to play, he'll likely work behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Tim Patrick on Detroit's wide receiver depth chart in a game that will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC.