NFL Player News

Brown (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Brown and the Bengals are coming off a bye, so it would seem he picked up the hamstring issue at practice during the week. If he can't log a full practice Friday, he figures to carry an injury designation into the weekend.

Johnson said Thursday that he cleared the concussion protocol and is ready to play in Sunday's road game against the Chargers, Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com reports.

Players in the protocol for head injuries aren't permitted to speak to the media, so Johnson's comments more or less pave the way for him to put an end to a two-game absence. His upcoming role is in some question, though, after D'Onta Foreman reeled off 187 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns over the last two games with Khalil Herbert (ankle, IR) sidelined. In five games this season, Johnson is averaging 4.9 yards on his 25 carries, has hauled in 11 of 12 targets for 58 yards and scored one rushing TD.

Jones (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Jones followed up no activity on the practice field Wednesday with individual drills one day later as he continues to tend to a left hamstring strain that he suffered in the season opener. He's made just two appearances since then, totaling 17 touches for 71 yards from scrimmage and no TDs. Jones' listing on Friday's injury report will be of keen interest to get insight into whether he's closing in on 100 percent health.

Mostert (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Mostert and Tyreek Hill (hip) both sat out Wednesday's session, but Miami's top running back and top wideout were back on the field a day later. Assuming Mostert can upgrade to full participation Friday, he should have a good chance at entering Sunday's game against the Patriots without an injury designation.

Kamara (illness) practiced in full Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

One day removed from not practicing due to an illness Wednesday, Kamara was able to handle every practice rep, putting him on a path to resume his role as the Saints' workhorse running back. In four appearances this season, he's averaged 26 touches for 109.5 yards from scrimmage per game, while he's also scored one TD on the ground.

Moss (elbow/heel) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After missing Wednesday's practice, Moss's return to a limited session Thursday has him trending in a positive direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints. Friday's practice report will reveal whether Moss upgrades to full participation, and if he does, he'll likely avoid taking an injury designation into Sunday.

Johnson (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

The uncapped session marks Johnson's second in a row, but it's unclear if he's passed through the final phase of the protocol for head injuries. On Wednesday, coach Matt Eberflus noted Johnson had "one more hurdle" to get past in order to see his first game action since sustaining a concussion Week 5 in Washington, per Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com. Having said that, the Bears may not indicate whether that has happened until they post their final practice report of Week 8 on Friday. If Johnson gains clearance to play Sunday at the Chargers, he may split the backfield reps with D'Onta Foreman with Khalil Herbert (ankle) still on injured reserve.

Barkley (elbow) was a limited at practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Barkley maintained his activity level for a second consecutive session to kick off Week 8 prep as he manages the hyperextended left elbow that he suffered this past Sunday against the Commanders. Considering he logged 83 percent of the snaps and racked up 24 touches while playing through the injury, he doesn't appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jets, but there's a chance that he enters the weekend with a designation.

Kamara (illness) was spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara missed the Saints' first Week 8 practice Wednesday after falling ill, but his presence on the field a day later bodes well for his chances of being available Sunday in Indianapolis. The Saints' second injury report of the week will be released later Thursday and will reveal whether Kamara was a full or limited participant in his return to practice.

Ford (ankle) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The Browns haven't officially ruled Ford out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but with two straight absences from practice to begin Week 8 prep, the running back looks all but guaranteed to sit out this weekend. On a positive note, the Browns remain optimistic that Ford's right high-ankle sprain will keep him out for just 1-to-2 weeks, putting him on track to avoid a stint on injured reserve, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. According to Petrak, Kareem Hunt is scheduled to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session due to a lingering thigh injury, so he'll presumably be in line to lead the backfield in Seattle while Pierre Strong works in a complementary role.