NFL Player News

Dowell (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After being designated for return from the PUP list Dec. 16 and having his 21-day evaluation window opened, Dowell was a limited participant in six straight practices before upgrading to full participation Wednesday. He was unable to repeat full participation a day later, however, which could hurt his chances of being available to play in Sunday's season finale versus the Texans. The Titans will have to activate Dowell from the PUP list by Saturday in order for him to be eligible to suit up in Week 18.

Brown (hamstring) was limited at Thursday's practice.

This marks Brown's first notable on-field work since injuring his hamstring Week 16 against the Eagles. He thus will have one more session this week Friday to prove his health, at which point the Commanders could make a decision on his availability, or lack thereof, ahead of Sunday's game at Dallas. Washington can clinch the No. 6 seed in the NFC with a win this weekend, so having all skill-position players available would increase its odds to do so.

Boyd (foot) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Boyd has played in each of the Titans' first 16 games of the season, but he could be at risk of missing Sunday's finale against the Texans after kicking off Week 18 prep with a pair of absences from practice. At the very least, Boyd will likely need to practice in a limited fashion Friday to take a questionable designation into the weekend.

Olave (concussion) was a full practice participant Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

It's unclear if Olave is putting himself in a position for his first game action since Week 9, when he sustained a concussion, but he now has been listed as full on five straight injury reports. The Saints could make a ruling on his status as soon as they post their final Week 18 report Friday, but they also may keep the door open for him to suit up Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Boutte (illness) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Boutte was held out of Wednesday's practice after coming down with an illness, but his ability to take every rep a day later has him on track to play in Sunday's season finale versus the Bills. The second-year wideout has played at least three quarters of the Patriots' offensive snaps in 11 consecutive games and is averaging 2.9 receptions for 38.6 yards and 0.18 touchdowns on 5.1 targets during that stretch.

Mooney practiced on a limited basis Thursday due to a shoulder injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Both Mooney and Drake London (knee, LP) were added to Atlanta's injury report Thursday, leaving a cloud over the state of the receiving corps in the middle of Week 18 prep. Friday's report will provide a sense of both player's availability ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers.

London was limited at Thursday's practice due to a knee injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

London also had some practice restrictions last week due to the same health concern, but he practiced fully to end Week 17 prep and didn't have a designation ahead of this past Sunday's game against Washington, when he hauled in seven of 13 targets for 106 yards. Friday's injury report will unveil whether or not he follows a similar pattern for Week 18 action.

McConkey (toe) was present for practice Thursday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

After being listed as a non-participant Wednesday, McConkey's presence for Thursday's session bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Raiders.

Nabers was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a toe injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Nabers' name wasn't included Wednesday on the Giants' initial Week 18 injury report, but he had his reps capped Thursday on account of the same toe issue that kept him off the field for two practices a week ago and limited him in another. The rookie wideout ended up carrying a questionable tag into last weekend's 45-33 win over the Colts, but he suited up and finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets. The Giants haven't clarified whether Nabers' addition to the injury report Thursday was the result of an aggravation of the toe injury or a matter of maintenance, but either way, his status now bears watching heading into Sunday's season finale at Philadelphia.

Samuel (rib) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Samuel had his reps capped during Wednesday's walk-through session, and he continued to operate with some restrictions when the Bills held a more traditional practice a day later. Though Buffalo is secure as the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, head coach Sean McDermott expressed hope that Samuel would be able to take the field Sunday against the Patriots, even though no postseason implications are at stake. The Bills may just want to see Samuel get some live reps heading into the playoffs after he was sidelined for both of the team's previous two games due to the injury.