Updating previous reports, New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) received a second opinion, which didn’t recommend surgery on his ankle.
Footballguys View: No surgery and no Injured Reserve designation for Barkley according to Giants head coach Pat Shurmur. Look for Barkley to return at the latest around Week 12 (the Giants have a Week 11 bye). In the meantime, Wayne Gallman will be their lead back although we don’t think he’s getting a Barkley-like workload.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (shoulder) will miss another practice Thursday, Sept. 26,
Chicago Bears DL Akiem Hicks (knee) is unlikely to practice Thursday, Sept. 26, and his Week 4 status likely will come down to a game-time decision Sunday, Sept. 29, when the Bears host the Minnesota Vikings.
Free-agent TE Bradley Sowell re-signed with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Sept. 26. In a corresponding move, the Bears waived RB Kerrith Whyte Jr.
Buffalo Bills RB Devin Singletary (hamstring) was seen participating in practice Thursday, Sept. 26, after sitting out the previous day and Week 3 with a hamstring injury.
Footballguys View: We’ll see if the rookie can practice on Friday and then play against the Patriots on Sunday. It’s a huge game and having the rookie out there would be a boost for the Bills offense. He’s able to create fantasy points with a smaller role behind Frank Gore because of his big-play ability. We’d have Singletary as a deep ‘what the heck’ flex if he plays in Week 4.
Los Angeles Chargers RB Melvin Gordon reported to the team’s facility Thursday, Sept. 26, officially ending his 64-day holdout. He will undergo a physical Thursday, and is not expected to play Sunday, Sept. 29.
Footballguys View: The Chargers are likely to seek a two-game roster exemption from the league while Gordon works to get back into playing shape.
Free-agent WR Antonio Brown (Patriots) on Thursday, Sept. 26, walked back his retirement declaration from earlier in the week, tweeting, ‘I’m still the best why stop now.’
Dallas Cowboys WR Amari Cooper (ankle) received good news Thursday, Sept. 26, after the MRI on his injured ankle came back negative, according to head coach Jason Garrett.
Footballguys View: The MRI was reportedly precautionary but Cooper is listed as day-to-day with this issue. Make sure to check back on his status as the week of practice goes on. The Cowboys travel to take on the Saints in Week 4…and it’s the Sunday night game, so have other options ready just in case.
Cleveland Browns WR Rashard Higgins (knee) is not practicing Thursday, Sept. 26.
Footballguys View: Bad news for the young wideout here. He’s been downgraded on Thursday and is unlikely to play on Sunday against the Ravens.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (hip) remains out of practice Thursday, Sept. 26.
Footballguys View: Godwin is considered day-to-day with this hip injury and could be a game-time decision for Week 4. It’s a tough matchup against the Rams this week, so make other plans if you have Godwin.