NFL Player News

Branch was the top receiver recruit in the 2023 class. He played a backup role at USC as a freshman and amassed just 320 receiving yards, but his knack for turning designed touches into touchdowns was readily apparent. Branch scored a punt return touchdown, a kick return touchdown, and a rushing touchdown. He also led the country in yards per kick return (20.8). Branch improved his receiving total to 503 yards in his second season, but he was still parked behind Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane on the depth chart. After two years of backup duties, Branch transferred to Georgia for his third and final season. He led the SEC with 81 receptions, which he turned into 811 yards and six scores. While it was an impressive level up for the young wideout, Kirby Smart still chose to use Branch as a gadget receiver. He ranked second in the country in receptions on screens (44) and 135th in non-screen catches (37). Branch looked the part of a designed-touch specialist at the NFL Combine when he weighed in at 177 pounds, with a height three-eighths of an inch under 5’9. With both his size and usage in college screaming “gadget receiver,” it will be hard for Branch to shake that moniker early in his career. The good news is that the Falcons’ depth chart is wide open after Drake London. With only Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus standing in his way, Branch could work his way into a fantasy-relevant role this year.

Carolina waived Horn Jr. earlier this week after he muffed a punt in Week 1. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was first on this news, though he didn’t note whether Horn Jr. will be joining the Browns’ active roster or practice squad. We suspect the latter.

Collins suffered the hamstring injury during yesterday’s practice and immediately met with doctors. The team doesn’t believe the issue is serious, but that’s a cold comfort for a player with an extensive history of soft tissue injuries. Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson will take on every-down roles if Collins misses Week 2. Neither player would push past the WR4 fantasy ranks. Second-year wideout Jaylin Noel would also see more work, though the team has been reluctant to play him much so far.

Wood felt calf tightness on Wednesday and was diagnosed with a Grade II calf strain after undergoing tests. The 33-year-old has not missed a game since signing with the Saints in 2017 but is now expected to be out for at least four weeks.

No need to panic after McBride was seen working off to the side Wednesday; the Cardinals listed him as DNP with a rest/back designation. Despite the back being added to the designation, it does not seem like a serious injury worry with the Cardinals also giving him the “resting player” tag. This reads as a rest day for McBride, he is still good to go for Week 2 against the Seahawks.

Emmanwori is still unable to get in a full practice as he nurses a pesky ankle injury, also adding a hip issue to his practice designation. He will likely need a full practice before he is set to return for the Seahawks. Fellow safety Ty Okada (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday; both players missed Week 1 and are in jeopardy of missing Week 2 against the Cardinals.

Kupp popped up on the injury report with a back issue, though he was listed as a limited participant. The veteran 33-year-old may just be having his practice reps managed as he deals with a back ailment. Barring a change, Kupp is still trending to play Week 2 against the Cardinals.

Horton missed Week 1, dealing with a hamstring injury from training camp. He now finally gets in a full practice, opening Week 2 with a full participation designation. The Seahawks are preparing for the 23-year-old to return against the Cardinals, though Horton is best left off fantasy rosters with Drew Lock the starting quarterback for now.

Willis popped up on the Dolphins’ injury report with a toe injury, though he was a full practice participant. This indicates the issue is minor enough for the 27-year-old to keep practicing at full strength. Note down Willis’ toe issue, but expect him to be back out there for Week 2 against the 49ers.

Robinson appeared in Week 1 against the Raiders and is now in concussion protocol to open up Week 2. The 23-year-old has a history of concussions, entering the protocol twice last season. Robinson will be thoroughly evaluated before he officially returns, given this is his third head injury over the last calendar year.

Coker was wearing a boot after rolling his left ankle in the Panthers’ Week 1 loss against the Bears. Head coach Dave Canales told reporters that the team is confident in ramping him up in practice. The 24-year-old got in a limited practice Wednesday, doing an “extended warm up” on the side and getting a “couple of snaps” on things the Panthers are looking for him to execute. Canales added the “hope is to ramp that up a little bit more tomorrow and then cut them loose Friday. So I expect him to play on Sunday.” Coker’s ankle injury is certainly something to keep an eye on, but Canales and the Panthers are confident he will play in Week 2 against the Falcons.