NFL Player News

Watkins could take on a significant role Sunday against Atlanta with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring) both sidelined, Brooke Evans of the 49ers' official site reports.

Watkins already saw a big jump in participation this past Monday versus Washington, tallying a season-high 76 percent offensive snap share in Samuel's absence. However, he drew just one target, which he caught for a 22-yard gain. Now that Evans will also be out of action, Watkins seems likely to be deployed often again Sunday, though Brandin Cooks and Jacob Cowing should also get opportunities to step into larger roles. Finally, Christian Kirk (calf), who is currently on IR, may be activated ahead of the matchup versus Atlanta, and he could also factor into the equation in what would be his 49ers debut.

Cooks could be set to work as San Francisco's top wideout Week 7 against Atlanta, as both Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring) have been ruled out for the contest, per Brooke Evans of the team's official site.

Cooks logged a season-high 52 percent offensive snap share in Monday's win over Washington while Samuel was sidelined, and now Evans is set to miss at least one game as well. Cooks managed just one catch on two targets for 13 yards across his 32 offensive snaps, however, as QB Brock Purdy directed a majority of his 29 passes to tight end George Kittle (eight targets) and running back Christian McCaffrey (10 targets). Kittle and McCaffrey could be looked to often again in Week 7, with Cooks, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing and Christian Kirk (calf) potentially competing for WR targets.

Cooper may get fewer looks in the passing game Sunday versus Miami with Adonai Mitchell cleared to return from a finger injury, Amanda Vogt of the Jets' official site reports.

Cooper shined in his return from IR this past Sunday against New England, catching six of seven targets for 103 yards and a touchdown. That performance will likely gain him more attention from QB Geno Smith moving forward, but it must also be noted that Cooper's big game came in the absence of Mitchell, who is set to return Sunday following a four-game absence. Both Cooper and Mitchell are likely to remain behind Garrett Wilson in the pecking order, but it will be interesting to see if either Cooper or Mitchell is able to separate himself as the team's No. 2 wideout.

Melton (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Melton opened Week 7 prep with back-to-back DNP's, but his limited session Friday was enough for him to draw the questionable tag for Sunday's NFC North tilt. Savion Williams would see an uptick on both offense and special teams as a returner on kickoffs and punts if Melton cannot play against Detroit.

The Chiefs signed Armstrong from the practice squad to the active roster Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Armstrong played 69 percent of the Chiefs' offensive snaps and 38 percent of the team's special-teams snaps in the Week 6 victory over the Chargers. The wide receiver's versatility has earned him a promotion while Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) are sidelined due to injury. Armstrong is set to be the No. 5 wide receiver for the Chiefs in the Week 7 matchup with the Seahawks.

Mumpfield could get a significant bump in opportunity Sunday in Week 7 against Las Vegas since Davante Adams (hamstring) is on IR and Puka Nacua (calf) is questionable to play, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

The Rams have so far suggested that Nacua's injury is minor, but he's officially questionable for Sunday. Meanwhile, Adams is out a minimum of four games. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will therefore likely look for another wideout to step up, and Mumpfield figures to get an opportunity to produce. When Nacua was out Weeks 2 and 3, Mumpfield hovered around a 70 percent offensive snap share, and he had a big performance against Denver, posting a 4-93-1 receiving line on eight targets. With that said, wideouts Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell could also be primed for increased roles, and Stafford may give more attention than usual to tight ends Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen.

Thornton (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.

Thornton logged a trio of full practices during Week 7 prep, but head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters Friday that the second-year wide receiver will remain on injured reserve for at least one more week. Thornton's 21-day practice window opened Oct. 7, and he would be forced to miss the rest of the 2026 season if the Raiders do not activate him from IR by Wednesday.

Collins (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Collins opened the season on injured reserve due to a hip injury, but he was designated to return from IR on Wednesday and strung together an LP-FP-FP practice log during Week 7 prep. He would need to be activated from IR by 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday in order to be available for Sunday's contest. If he's cleared to play, then most of Collins' work would likely come on special teams, though he would be in the mix for some snaps on offense if Olamide Zaccheaus (shoulder) is not cleared to play against San Francisco.

Zaccheaus (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Zaccheaus practice reps were limited during Week 7 prep due to a shoulder issue, which he may have picked up during the Falcons' Week 6 loss to the Bears. If he cannot play Sunday, then rookie third-rounder Zachariah Branch would be in line for more work both on offense and on special teams as a returner, with running back Brian Robinson also in the mix for return duties.

Worthy will once again operate as the Chiefs' top wide receiver after Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) was ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

It'll be the second consecutive game that Rice will be sidelined due to hamstring and knee injuries that he sustained in Week 4 against the Raiders. Worthy paced the Chiefs with seven catches on as many targets for 73 yards in a Week 6 win against the Chargers, and the third-year wideout once again will lead Kansas City's wide receiver group for Week 7, with Jalen Royals and rookie Cyrus Allen also in the mix for larger roles.