NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo said he is “still hearing optimism he’ll play Sunday. We’ll see.” Given his follow-up comment, it doesn’t seem like he shares the organization’s optimism. If active, Smith would be catching passes thrown by backup Tanner McKee. Jalen Hurts is sidelined indefinitely by a blood clot. McKee, a pocket passer, could lock onto Smith, keeping him in the WR2 tier if active.

It’s tough to get a read on this. The 49ers like to describe injuries with things like “tightness” and “soreness” rather than just calling it an injury. That said, the team labeled Christian McCaffrey with “tightness” while he was in late August and it has not impacted him in the slightest, so speculating here is inappropriate. What we do know is that Evans plays through injuries that would sideline others. The 49ers face the Commanders on Monday night, giving Evans an extra day to get right. If active, he is a locked-in WR2. Stay tuned.

Hurts’ blood clot was initially a superficial issue in his calf. Unfortunately, the clot has moved and the situation now appears to be quite serious and, per Rapoport, “scary.” Rapoport said Hurts will now undergo treatment, “which, a lot of times, is blood thinners.” If that treatment option is deemed necessary, Hurts would not be allowed to play. Rapoport believes Hurts will be sidelined in Week 6 “and likely beyond.” Tanner McKee is his replacement.

Smith-Njigba played through an ankle injury in Week 5 and was limited in practice this week before getting a full designation on Wednesday. Despite the short week ahead of a Thursday matchup against the Broncos, he is off the injury report and good to go. Smith-Njigba is once again a top-three wide receiver option for Week 6.

Moss missed Week 5 due to a rib injury but has a chance to return Thursday against the Seahawks after three straight limited practices this week. CB Patrick Surtain (ankle) and S Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) did not practice all week and were ruled out, as expected.

Charbonnet was already expected to miss Week 6, so no surprise here. The Seahawks also ruled out LB Drake Thomas and LB Chazz Surratt. There are no other players with injury designations heading into Seattle’s Thursday showdown against the Broncos.

Henderson wasn’t spotted during the portion of practice open to the media but apparently got on the field at some point later in the session. It’s a truly stunning development for Henderson, given that it was reported this morning that he is expected to miss multiple weeks. We still expect him to sit for Week 6, but even that isn’t guaranteed at this point. Henderson would likely be on a relatively strict pitch count if he plays, but his presence would, at a minimum, be a thorn in the side of Rhamondre Stevenson’s fantasy backers. This is officially an injury report to keep a close eye on throughout the week.

Mayfield did not practice today and is a safe bet to miss Week 6 as he continues to work his way back from the dislocated thumb he suffered in Week 3. The fact that he can’t even throw a football right now, let alone participate in practice, suggests Mayfield could be out beyond just Week 6. Jalon Daniels will start on Sunday versus the Steelers. Daniels has been held well under 200 passing yards in both of his starts, but he does at least have 78 rushing yards in those contests. His output as a runner will keep him in the QB2 mix for Week 6.

Rice appeared to have a good chance at suiting up for Week 6 when Andy Reid spoke about it after Week 4’s win over the Raiders. Reid only said he “tweaked” his hammy. Even with a bye week to rest, it looks like Rice is now on the wrong side of questionable for Week 6. With Tyquan Thornton on IR, Xavier Worthy may be tasked with WR1 duties this week. He totaled four catches for 70 yards in his last outing and would be a solid FLEX play versus the Chargers if Rice can’t go.

Brown will return to practice today, likely for a limited session. The team now has 21 days to officially activate him from IR. That could happen later this week, which would mean he’s ready to suit up for Week 6 against the Jets. He would likely be on some sort of pitch count in his first game back, but even a limited AJB would be worthy of a spot in the WR2 ranks.