Zach Wilson won't have trusty veteran receiver Jamison Crowder for his first NFL game.
Coach Robert Saleh announced Friday that Crowder is out for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran wideout remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Crowder was placed on the list last week after testing positive for COVID-19. He was previously dealing with a groin injury.
Saleh also noted that fellow receiver Keelan Cole (knee) would likely be a game-time decision. Cole was listed as questionable, along with running back La'Mical Perine (foot).
Crowder caught 59 passes for 699 yards and six touchdowns last year with Gang Green. The 28-year-old took a pay cut this year to remain in New York.
With Crowder slotted for a starting role alongside Corey Davis, rookie Elijah Moore should see increased snaps with Crowder out. Cole's potential absence could give former second-round pick Denzel Mims increased opportunity as well.
Injuries/COVID-19
- Washington Football Team wide receiver Curtis Samuel (groin) is headed to short-term injured reserve and will miss at least three games, per coach Ron Rivera.
- Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (foot) will make his debut with the team on Sunday, per coach Frank Reich. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (calf) sat out Friday's practice and his chances of playing versus the Seahawks don't look good, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
- Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy told reporters wide receiver Michael Gallup will miss Week 2 versus the Chargers with a "multi-week" injury. Gallup exited Thursday's loss to the Buccaneers early with what the team called a left ankle injury.
- Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (hamstring) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday versus Washington.
- Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) and offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw (groin) have been ruled out versus the Bengals, the team announced.
- Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Steelers by coach Sean McDermott. Wideout Emmanuel Sanders (foot) is questionable for Sunday after being limited in Friday's practice, according to McDermott.
- The Houston Texans ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson (not injury related) for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
- Chicago Bears defensive tackle Eddie Goldman (knee/ankle) is doubtful to play against the Rams. Among the Bears questionable to play are linebacker Khalil Mack (groin), receiver Darnell Mooney (back), linebacker Robert Quinn (back), defensive back Tashaun Gipson (back) and safety Eddie Jackson (wrist).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting is awaiting an MRI on his injured elbow from Thursday night's opener and there is no immediate update on the diagnosis, per coach Bruce Arians. Safety Jordan Whitehead, who missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury, could return versus the Falcons, according to Arians.
- Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker suffered a hand/finger injury in practice and will be "out for a little bit," per coach Dan Campbell. "It doesn't look real good for the weekend," Campbell added. Decker was ruled out against the 49ers. Defensive end Michael Brockers (shoulder) was among four Lions listed as questionable.
- Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two practices due to an illness. Clowney is considered questionable to play against Kansas City, along with receiver Odell Beckham (knee), safety Grant Delpit (hamstring), center JC Tretter (knee), safety Ronnie Harrison (ankle) and kicker Chase McLaughlin (hamstring). Offensive lineman Michael Dunn (back) and linebacker Tony Fields II (illness) are out.
- Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Austin Blythe (abdomen) won't play against Cleveland. Defensive end Frank Clark (hamstring) and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (hip) are questionable.
- New England Patriots receiver Malcolm Perry (foot) was ruled out against Miami. Patriots receiver Nelson Agholor (ankle), safety Jalen Mills, linebacker Ronnie Perkins (shoulder) and tackle Yodny Cajuste (hamstring) are all questionable.
- Miami Dolphins receiver Preston Williams (foot) is questionable.
- Denver Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb (ankle) is questionable to play against the Giants. Coach Vic Fangio said he is a "game-time decision."
- Philadelphia Eagles guard Brandon Brooks (knee) will play Sunday against the Falcons, coach Nick Sirianni announced, but rookie center Landon Dickerson and cornerback Rodney McLeod have been ruled out. Linebacker Davion Taylor (calf) is questionable.
- Baltimore Ravens tight end Nick Boyle (knee) will go on short-term injured reserve and a return is expected, per coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens placed cornerback Marcus Peters and running back Gus Edwards on season-ending IR. Peters and Edwards both suffered torn ACLs in Thursday's practice. Defensive end Derek Wolfe (back/hip) did not practice for the second day in a row. Cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle) was limited
- Los Angeles Rams guard Coleman Shelton was activated from the reserve/COVID list.
- Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said linebacker Dennis Gardeck (hand) is out Sunday and could miss more time.
- Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Trae Waynes (hamstring) was ruled out against the Vikings.
- Carolina Panthers receiver Shi Smith (shoulder) was ruled out vs. the Jets.
- The Atlanta Falcons placed outside linebacker George Obinna on injured reserve.
- Green Bay Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith (back) is questionable to play Sunday versus the Saints after not practicing Friday. Linebacker Preston Smith (head) was full-go in practice and does not have a game designation.
- New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Packers. Offensive tackle James Hurst (knee) is questionable. Smith and cornerback Ken Crawley have been placed on IR. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore (knee) was full-go in Friday's practice after being limited the previous day.
- San Francisco 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (knee) and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee) are doubtful for Sunday's game against the Lions. Quarterback Trey Lance (finger) does not have a game designation and is clear to play after being limited in practice all week.
- Las Vegas Raiders guard Richie Incognito (calf) did not practice for the second day in a row while running back Josh Jacobs (toe) remained limited.
- Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon (knee) has been ruled out against the Texans.
- Tennessee Titans linebacker David Long (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Kicker Sam Ficken (groin) and wide receiver Josh Reynolds (foot) are questionable.
Roster signings
- The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Kamal Martin to the practice squad.
- The Atlanta Falcons signed kicker Elliott Fry to their practice squad. Fry can punt also and was the team's "contingency plan" in 2020, Pelissero added.
- The San Francisco 49ers signed safety Kai Nacua to the team's practice squad.
- The Tennessee Titans are signing former Chargers kicker Mike Badgley to their practice squad.
- The Baltimore Ravens announced their signing of running back Latavius Murray and added Devonta Freeman to their practice squad.
Roster cuts
- The San Francisco 49ers released linebacker Rashad Smith and waived offensive tackle Shon Coleman with an injury settlement.
- The New Orleans Saints released safety Jeff Heath.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived safety Chris Cooper.
Suspensions
- The NFL has suspended Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman La'El Collins five games for violating the substance-abuse policy, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. The starting tackle was essentially disciplined for missing drug tests, Rapoport added.
