NFL Player News

Reed was limited at Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

An illness has been sweeping the Packers' locker room the last two weeks, and Reed was among four players on the active roster to be impacted to kick off Week 18 prep. Since he returned to action from a lengthy IR stint Week 14, he's produced a modest 16-162-0 line on 17 targets over the last four games. In any case, Reed's status bears monitoring as the weekend approaches to get a sense of his odds to play Sunday in Minnesota, especially after coach Matt LaFleur told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic on Wednesday that some starters won't play this weekend.

Burden (quadriceps) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Burden suffered what eventually was called a quad injury on the final play of this past Sunday's loss at San Francisco. Coach Ben Johnson told Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com on Wednesday that the Bears are "hopeful" that Burden will be able to play Sunday versus the Lions. Ultimately, how Burden fares in practice Thursday and Friday will determine if he enters the weekend with a designation for Week 17 action. Meanwhile, fellow WR Rome Odunze (foot) remained sidelined at practice, while Olamide Zaccheaus (illness) practiced in full, so the latter, DJ Moore, Jahdae Walker and Devin Duvernay are the healthy options at the position on the Bears' active roster.

Odunze (foot) was a non-participant in practice Wednesday.

Odunze thus hasn't practiced since Dec. 12 due to a stress fracture in his foot and appears poised to end the regular season with five consecutive absences. The Bears can make a ruling on his availability for Sunday's game against the Lions as soon as they post Friday's injury report, and if he's ruled out, Chicago again may be short-handed in the receiving corps, as Luther Burden (quadriceps) was limited Wednesday after getting injured on the final play of this past Sunday's loss at San Francisco. Meanwhile, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, who sat out Week 17 due to illness, was a full practice participant Wednesday, joining DJ Moore, Jahdae Walker and Devin Duvernay as the healthy options at the position on the active roster.

London (knee) is listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report.

London has just four catches for 31 yards since returning from a four-game absence due to a PCL sprain. He'll likely play again Week 18 against the Saints, but he may not be at this best until next season.

Tipton (groin) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Tipton logged three consecutive limited practices prior to being ruled out to face the Titans in Week 17, so to see him now listed as a non-participant could indicate a setback in his recovery. If Tipton isn't able to gain clearance for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Falcons, expect all of Kevin Austin, Dante Pettis and practice-squad man Ronnie Bell to see increased opportunities behind No. 1 wideout Chris Olave (illness).

Adams (hamstring) is listed as a non-participant for Wednesday's practice walkthrough, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Adams missed the past two games and isn't looking great for Week 18 against the Cardinals. The Rams merely held a walk-through Wednesday but should have an actual practice Thursday. If Adams doesn't participate, his likelihood of returning for Sunday's game will be slim.

Bateman missed Wednesday's practice with an illness.

Bateman should have time to recover before Sunday night's game at Pittsburgh. If not, WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker will be the favorites to get more playing time.

Flournoy (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Flournoy wasn't able to play last Thursday in Washington on a short week after he sprained his right knee Week 16 against the Chargers. By kicking off this week with a capped session, he appears to have a chance to return to action Sunday at the Giants, but his status will be monitored as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to play in the Cowboys' regular-season finale.

Boutte (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Boutte wasn't able to suit up for New England's blowout win over the Jets in Week 17, but he's making progress ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against Miami. Of course, in order to retake the field versus the Dolphins, Boutte will first have to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol.

Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Austin wasn't able to practice at all prior to being ruled out for Pittsburgh's loss to the Browns in Week 17, but head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned the wide receiver as a player who "definitely has a chance" to retake the field for Sunday night's contest against the Ravens. With DK Metcalf (suspension) unavailable for Week 18, and the Steelers facing a game in which the victor will secure the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs while the loser will be eliminated from postseason contention, Austin's availability could be crucial for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.