NFL today

Mahomes says the Chiefs must find different ways to get Johnson on the field; no specifics on how.

Patrick Mahomes said the Chiefs "have to find different ways" to get running back Emmett Johnson on the field because "he can make big plays happen." Mahomes said Johnson will keep getting better at calling protections and praised his "willingness to block."

Watson is in concussion protocol, not ruled out but would play without practice. Sanders is taking first-team reps.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol after a headache Monday night. Todd Monken wouldn't rule him out at the Saints and said Watson "felt a lot better today." Playing without practice is "not ideal," he said. Shedeur Sanders will take first-team reps.

Monken is optimistic but noncommittal on Barber, Quincy Williams and Maliek Collins. Ward's hand cast is improving.

Denzel Ward still has a smaller cast on his hand and said it hurt his tackling, but it's coming back. Jordyn Tyson may make his NFL debut for the Saints vs. the Browns. Todd Monken was "optimistic" but noncommittal on Austin Barber, Quincy Williams and Maliek Collins.

Franklin sits out Wednesday practice but is progressing, with a hopeful return. Whyle also out of practice, and Parsons is limited.

Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin won't practise Wednesday but is "making a lot of progress," Matt LaFleur said, "so hopeful sooner than later." Tight end Josh Whyle won't practise either. Micah Parsons is limited to individual drills, where he's cleared to go full go.

Shanahan would be surprised if Deebo plays against the Raiders; McCaffrey hopes for limited work Thursday; Evans out indefinitely.

Kyle Shanahan would be surprised if Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) faces the Raiders, though he's "making good progress." Christian McCaffrey's isn't as bad; he hopes for limited work Thursday. The 49ers will wait on Mike Evans (Achilles) "till he's healthy." All three sat out.

Robinson was limited and is close to returning; Bosa, Hobbs and Sigle were also limited; West likely out another week.

Nick Bosa (calf), Nate Hobbs (abductor) and Marques Sigle (ankle) were limited in their first practice back, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. Siran Neal (knee, foot) sat out. C.J. West will likely be held another week. Demarcus Robinson (ankle), limited, is close, Shanahan said.

Wallow, Gifford and Stout were limited Wednesday; Stribling's return is expected but a long way off.

Garret Wallow (hamstring), Luke Gifford (groin) and Upton Stout (shoulder) were limited Wednesday, Kyle Shanahan said. Shanahan said he hopes De'Zhaun Stribling can return, "which is the expectation," but that it's "a long ways away."

Buckner returns via trade and will play alongside Odighizuwa as an interchangeable interior pair; no snap details given.

DeForest Buckner is back with the 49ers by trade. Asked about playing him with Osa Odighizuwa, Kyle Shanahan said: "You start in a spot, but you have to be interchangeable. I see it as you got 2 inside guys." He said he got tons of texts from players: "Buck's back."

Egbuka missed Wednesday practice with a foot injury; his status is uncertain and depends on how he feels.

Emeka Egbuka did not practice Wednesday with a foot injury. "We'll see how he's feeling from the running," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. Bowles said the foot is unrelated to the toe problem that slowed Egbuka in preseason. Bowles said Luke Goedeke "came out great."

Gainwell is now the 1B beside Irving and is being used more; Tucker got no carries but will get plays.

Kenny Gainwell is now the 1B the Bucs planned beside Bucky Irving, Todd Bowles said Wednesday: "We're utilizing Kenny more and more." Sean Tucker got no carries Sunday because "those guys got rolling," Bowles said, but "he'll get his plays."

Bowles says the offense must get more balanced after run-heavy games, implying fewer carries and more passes, with no firm numbers.

"We know we're not going to be able to run the ball 50+ times and win ball games." After two run-heavy games, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday the offense must find balance: "We know we got to be well-balanced and that's going to come."

Sharp played a lot of snaps last game and Bowles praised his fit; the role may continue, but no commitment.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that tight end Bauer Sharp is "more than just an athlete and a pass receiver." "Bauer came in, played a lot of snaps the last game. He did an excellent job fitting up in there," Bowles said.