NFL Player News

Heidenreich (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

It looked like the rookie seventh-rounder was in line for a slightly larger role Sunday after Rico Dowdle (toe) was ruled out. However, Heidenreich will be a healthy scratch for the first time this season, with Travis Homer and Lew Nichols providing depth in the backfield for Jaylen Warren while fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen operates as the primary returner on kickoffs. Heidenreich's next chance to play is Thursday against the Browns.

Bell (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

With Keon Coleman (ankle) and DJ Moore (shoulder) at risk of missing this contest, there was a chance Bell would be needed to suit up Sunday. However, Coleman and Moore are good to go, meaning Bell's next chance to get on the field will come in Week 4 for the AFC East clash with the Patriots.

Hutchinson is in line to serve as the Texans' No. 1 receiver for the second consecutive game in Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Colts due to Nico Collins (hamstring) being ruled inactive for the contest.

Hutchinson was in the same slotting for the Week 2 loss to the Bengals, a game in which he saw nine targets on 51 routes run but only converted three into catches. Hutchinson ostensibly has a more palatable matchup Sunday, as the Colts have surrendered an elevated 72.7 percent catch rate and 17.9 yards per reception to wide receivers, along with three touchdowns, over the first two games.

Burns (ankle) is listed as active Sunday versus the Titans, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports

Burns suffered a low-ankle sprain during the Giants' 28-6 loss at the Rams last Monday, and while he wasn't expected to require surgery, he also was trending toward an absence Sunday after not practicing in any capacity during Week 3 prep. Instead, he'll be available to New York's defense this weekend, but how much work he'll be able to handle in his current state remains to be seen.

King (coach's decision) is inactive but will serve as the emergency third quarterback against the Browns on Sunday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

King will once again operate as the QB3 behind Kenny Pickett and starter Bryce Young. Since he's serving in an emergency role, King is prohibited from playing Sunday unless both Young and Pickett were removed from the game due to injury, illness or ejection.

Coleman (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

It was reported earlier Sunday that Coleman was expected to suit up for Week 3, and he will indeed do so. Coleman was considered a game-time call for Sunday's contest, so it's not clear if he will be at full speed. However, he -- as well as DJ Moore and the rest of Buffalo's regular pass catchers -- will all be in uniform for Week 3.

Sanders (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

A fourth-round selection of the Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft, Sanders will be a healthy scratch for each of the first three games of the 2026 regular season. There doesn't appear to be a clear path to playing time for the Texas product, unless at least one of Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, Darren Waller or Feleipe Franks were to be unavailable. Sanders' next opportunity to suit up is Week 4 against the Lions on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Oliver (hip) is available for Sunday's game versus the Chargers.

Oliver didn't play in the Week 2 win over Detroit due to a hip injury. However, despite carrying a questionable tag for the Week 3 meeting with the Chargers, the veteran will be back on the field, likely resulting in less work for DeWayne Carter.

Ward (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Ward tweaked his groin during the Colts' overtime loss to the Chiefs in Week 2. He drew the questionable tag for Sunday's AFC South tilt following a DNP-LP-FP practice log, and the veteran cornerback has been given the green light to play after going through pregame warmups. Cam Taylor-Britt will operate in a depth role behind Ward and Sauce Gardner for Week 3.

Shelley (hamstring) is active Week 3 against the Bills.

Shelley was at risk of missing his first game of the season after sitting out practice Thursday, but returned on a limited basis Friday and ended up getting cleared to play. The undrafted free agent has primarily served on special teams to start his career, and he did pick up his first two career tackles in Week 2 against the Raiders. He'll be slotted for a similar role this week in Buffalo.