Victor Cruz

We'll be doing our usual Essential Practice Notes later in the day, but there are a number of players with evolving injury situations, so we thought we'd discuss them here:

- Zach Ertz (groin) was cleared for Wednesday practice. It's a good sign for his Monday availability. We would try to avoid starting him this week, but some owners may not have that option.

- Alshon Jeffery (calf) returned to practice. It now appears that he’s on track to play Week 1. After the Kevin White situation, the Bears are not to be trusted when it comes to injury information, but owners can pencil him into lineups.

- Mike Evans (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Nearly two weeks ago, Evans said that he could have played had there been a game, so we’re expecting him back at practice at some point this week. Stay tuned.

- Randall Cobb (shoulder) returned to practice. Cobb’s return means that he’s very likely ready for a heavy workload against the Bears.

- LeSean McCoy (hamstring) is "ready to roll" per HC Rex Ryan. Expect a near-normal workload in Week 1.

- Duke Johnson (concussion) was cleared to practice. He should serve a change-of-pace/3rd-down role for the Browns in Week 1.

- Victor Cruz (calf) is still not practicing. He seems unlikely to play against the Cowboys in Week 1. Beat writer Dan Graziano says there’s a “good chance” that Cruz doesn’t play before Week 4. Rueben Randle becomes a Sneaky Start if Cruz is out. Last year, Randle played 79 percent or more of the snaps in 13 games. In those games he averaged 5.0 catches for 65 yards and 0.23 TD. This equates to #25 WR-type numbers when we look at 2014 totals.