Ravens WR Zay Flowers returns to practice

Barrows believes San Francisco’s plan is for Stribling to serve as its primary slot receiver while also backing up Mike Evans at the X position.

Christian Kirk will begin the season on injured reserve with a calf injury, while Ricky Pearsall has already been ruled out for the year. Stribling is expected to be available for Week 1 after missing the preseason finale with a minor shoulder injury.

Related Players: Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, George Kittle

A primary slot role would provide Stribling with a cleaner path to immediate targets than San Francisco’s crowded receiver depth chart initially suggested. Samuel’s presence still creates uncertainty regarding personnel packages and manufactured touches, but Stribling appears positioned to play meaningful snaps immediately.

When it comes to Colts practice, wide receiver Alec Pierce is back.

Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Thursday that the Colts’ No. 1 receiver was a full participant in the morning’s practice – potentially the first time Pierce has done so this offseason – just 10 days away from Indianapolis’ Week 1 opener.

Related Players: Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, Deion Burks, Tyler Warren

Full participation with more than a week remaining effectively removes Pierce’s Week 1 availability from the concern list. Indianapolis gave him a four-year extension after consecutive seasons leading the NFL in yards per reception, and Michael Pittman Jr.’s departure creates room for a larger role. This is an ambiguous wide receiver room that feels nice to bet on at a lower draft cost.

RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) is not present for the media-access portion of practice. He hasn’t practiced since Aug. 24 when he sustained the injury.

Three practices left for the Patriots after today, as they prepare for the season opener at Seattle.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Corey Kiner

Henderson reportedly avoided a significant injury, but his failure to resume practicing makes his Week 1 workload increasingly difficult to trust. A return over the weekend would keep him in the flex conversation, while another absence would strengthen Stevenson’s position as New England’s clear opening-night lead back.