NFL Player News

Head coach Pete Carroll said after Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Giants that Smith has a high-ankle sprain, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith exited in the second half due to an ankle injury, which has since been determined to be a high-ankle sprain. Such injuries typically recover multiple weeks to recover from, so Smith is unlikely to be available for the regular-season finale against the Chiefs. Kenny Pickett would be in line to start in Week 18 if Smith is unavailable. The Raiders would secure the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a loss to Kansas City.

Gardner-Johnson (knee) is active for Sunday night's game against the 49ers.

The slot cornerback was limited in Wednesday's session and listed as limited on Thursday's estimated practice report, but he returned for a full practice Friday. Gardner-Johnson has made an impact in eight games with the Bears this season, recording 40 tackles (28 solo), including 3.0 sacks, three pass breakups, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Robinson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Bears.

Robinson will be a healthy scratch for the second game in a row as the team has opted to elevated Eric Kendricks for the second straight week. Robinson had appeared in all 14 of the 49ers' previous contests ahead of Week 16, and he'll look to get another crack in the team's final regular season contest in Week 18 against the Seahawks.

Gainwell rushed the ball seven times for 26 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Browns. He added three receptions on four targets for 12 yards.

The entire Steelers' offense was inefficient, and Gainwell's production similarly suffered. Positively, he maintained his role as Pittsburgh's primary pass catcher out of the backfield and ended the game with only two touches fewer than Jaylen Warren. However, Gainwell was held to his fewest yards from scrimmage since Week 10 heading into a pivotal Week 18 showdown with the Ravens that will decide the AFC North.

Wright (hamstring/illness) is active for Sunday night's matchup with the 49ers.

The cornerback was limited in Wednesday's practice, listed as limited on Thursday's estimated practice report and then held out of Friday's session, but he's good to go despite trending in the wrong direction. Wright has played on more than 90 percent of the defensive snaps in every game but one this season, recording 67 total tackles (43 solo), 11 pass breakups, including five interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Guerendo (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against Chicago.

Guerendo will be a healthy scratch for the second straight week after having played in the team's previous 14 contests. Jordan James will get another nod as the 49ers' No. 3 running back behind Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson in Week 17.

Tonges is poised for a bigger role in the 49ers offense Sunday versus the Bears due to George Kittle (ankle) being inactive, Briana Jeannel of the team's official site reports.

Kittle is missing his first contest since he sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain last Monday at Indianapolis. When Kittle was sidelined in Weeks 2-6 due to a full tear of his hamstring that occurred in the season opener, Tonges was the primary pass-catching TE between himself and Luke Farrell, with the former accruing a 22-209-2 line on 31 targets during that span. Tonges thus is about as good of a streaming option remaining in the midst of fantasy championship weekend with just two games left in the Week 17 slate.

Edwards (glute) is active for Sunday Night Football against the 49ers.

The middle linebacker did not participate in Wednesday's practice and was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's estimated practice report, though he did upgrade to a limited session Friday. Edwards has 54 tackles (25 solo) and three pass breakups in eight games this season.

Watkins (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Bears.

Watkins will head back to the bench after being active in Week 16 against the Colts. The wide receiver will be a healthy scratch for the fourth time in five weeks.

Warren rushed the ball 12 times for 64 yards in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Browns.

The Steelers' backfield usage remained consistent from the last few weeks, with Warren serving as the primary rusher but losing out on opportunities as a pass catcher. He managed to make the most of his opportunity with long rushes of 15 and 13 yards, and his 5.3 yards per attempt marked one of his more efficient performances of the season. However, given the split backfield in Pittsburgh, Warren is reliant on finding the end zone to have a strong fantasy performance. He has a good chance of recording double-digit carries in a win-or-go-home matchup with the Ravens in Week 18.