NFL Player News

Smith (hamstring) was not seen at the Eagles' practice Saturday, EJ Smith of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Smith missed each of the first two practices of Week 7 prep while tending to a hamstring injury that he aggravated against the Panthers in Week 6. His absence for a third consecutive practice doesn't bode well for his chances of playing Monday against the Cowboys, but his status for that contest will be more clear once the Eagles announce their injury designations following Saturday's session. Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) was also not on the field, so Dallas Goedert (knee), Makai Lemon and Darius Cooper could be the top targets for quarterback Tanner McKee in Monday's NFC East showdown.

Williams returned two kickoffs for 47 yards and failed to haul in his lone target during the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Bears on Thursday.

It was the second game in a row in which Williams saw one target from Drake Maye, and the second-year pro's 21 offensive snaps were fourth-most among Patriots wide receivers. He's been surpassed by Efton Chism in the passing game, and with A.J. Brown back in the mix, it seems like most of Williams' impact moving forward will be on kickoffs as a returner. His playing time will take an even greater hit upon the returns of Mack Hollins (calf) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) from injured reserve. The Patriots will stay on the road for Week 8 against the Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Raymond did not catch either of his two targets and returned one punt for seven yards Thursday in a 30-24 win over New England.

Raymond started at WR for Chicago and got plenty of playing time, logging 48 of 69 snaps on offense. However, he was unable to make an impact, finishing without a catch for the first time this season. Top wideouts Luther Burden and Rome Odunze combined for eight catches, 199 yards and a touchdown Thursday, and Raymond figures to compete for scraps whenever that pair is healthy.

Chism caught his sole target for 16 yards in the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Bears on Thursday.

Chism saw the third most offensive snaps at wide receiver for the Patriots behind A.J. Brown's 49 and DeMario Douglas' 35. The 24-year-old was not given as much attention as in the prior two weeks, with his target share dropping from four targets in Week 5 and six targets in Week 6 to just one in Week 7.

Douglas caught three of his four targets for 23 yards in the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Bears on Thursday.

Douglas played 35 of the Patriots' 54 offensive snaps in the contest and did not find the end zone. The wide receiver had logged three touchdowns in the prior two contests but has now returned to a role with lower priority as A.J. Brown becomes reacquainted with the offense.

Whittington could operate in an expanded role offensively if Puka Nacua (calf, questionable) cannot play against the Raiders on Sunday.

Davante Adams (hamstring) is on injured reserve, so quarterback Matthew Stafford would be without his top targets in the passing game if Nacua is also ruled out. In that event, Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell would likely operate as the top-3 wideouts for Sunday's game, with tight end Tyler Higbee also in the mix for more targets. Whittington has only three targets through five regular-season games, which he's turned into two catches for 12 yards.

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.