NFL Player News

Gronowski signed with the Texans on Wednesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Texans had an open roster spot, so the move was made to sign Gronowski. However, with C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills in the equation, Gronowski likely won't see the field.

Hooker is in the league's concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday, Easton Freeze of AtoZSports.com reports.

Hooker presumably sustained the concussion during the Titans' Week 4 loss to the Ravens, when he played nearly every single defensive snap and finished with six solo tackles. There's two more chances for the veteran safety to return to practice, but even if he logs a full session, he would need to pass an evaluation from an independent neurologist before being cleared to play. Tony Adams would likely start next to Kevin Winston (shoulder) if Hooker is not cleared to play against the Texans on Sunday.

The Packers designated Williams (ankle) to return from injured reserve ahead of Wednesday's practice session.

Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain toward the tail end of training camp, which prompted the Packers to place the second-year wide receiver on injured reserve. He's progressed enough in his recovery to participate in practice, and the Packers have 21 days to activate Williams from IR. He'll likely need to log multiple full practices before being moved to the 53-man roster, but he could make his 2026 regular-season debut as soon as this Sunday's NFC North showdown against the Bears.

McNichols (quadriceps) had his 21-day practice window opened prior to Wednesday's session, during which he was a limited participant.

McNichols injured his quad during training camp in mid-August, and the injury was severe enough for the veteran running back to open the regular season on injured reserve. He's progressed enough in his recovery to return to practice, though he'll likely need to log multiple full sessions before being the green light to be activated from IR. The Commanders currently have four running backs on the 53-man roster, which consists of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), Rachaad White (shoulder), Austin Ekeler and rookie sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen.

Wise (quadriceps) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday.

Wise opened the regular season on the reserve/PUP list due to a quadriceps injury, which prevented him from practicing during training camp. He was cleared to participate in Wednesday's session and was listed as limited. Wise likely needs to log multiple, consecutive full practices before being cleared to play, but the earliest he could make his 2026 regular-season debut is against the Giants on Sunday.

Stevenson was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury.

Per Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, head coach Mike Vrabel said prior to Wednesday's session that Stevenson had "no chance" of practicing, but the running back ultimately was able to get in enough on-field work to receive a limited listing on the Patriots' first Week 5 injury report. Stevenson is banged up after he appeared to land awkwardly on his right knee after getting tackled on his final carry with 1:05 remaining in this past Sunday's 29-26 win over the Bills. Vrabel noted that Stevenson hasn't been ruled out for this weekend's matchup with the Raiders, though the 28-year-old would likely need to upgrade to full practice participation Thursday or Friday in order to avoid taking a designation into Sunday.

The Commanders opened Amos' (ankle) 21-day practice window open ahead of Wednesday's session.

Amos was a limited participant Wednesday in what was his first practice since early August, when he sustained an ankle injury during training camp. The injury caused Amos to start the regular season on injured reserve, but the Commanders will now have 21 day to activate him from IR and move him to the 53-man roster. Depending on his practice participation over the next two days, Amos could be cleared to make his 2026 regular-season debut as soon as Sunday against the Giants.

The Commanders signed DeGennaro to the practice squad Wednesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

DeGennaro signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, though he was cut in August. He will get another opportunity to make an NFL roster, and while that could happen in Washington, he likely wouldn't do anything to benefit fantasy managers.

Bowers (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

The Raiders are likely just managing Bowers' reps after he's decimated both the Saints and Chiefs in back-to-back games since making his 2026 debut in Week 3. He has 16 catches for 202 yards and two touchdowns on a whopping 25 targets across two appearances. Bowers is the weekly TE1 in fantasy every week no matter the matchup.

The Giants signed Haener to the 53-man roster off their practice squad Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

It's the second time this season that Haener has been signed to the 53-man roster. Jameis Winston is the Giants' starter while Jaxson Dart (knee) is on injured reserve, but Haener might serve as the backup until recent acquisition J.J. McCarthy gets comfortable with the playbook and offensive gameplan.