NFL Player News

Corley (elbow) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice estimation, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Corley sustained an elbow injury in the Jets' Week 17 loss to the Bills, but him being listed as a full participant in the team's walkthrough practice Wednesday suggests he's already moved past the issue. The 2024 third-round pick from Western Kentucky has appeared in just nine games this season, recording five touches for 82 yards over 80 offensive snaps. He's expected to serve as a depth piece in the Jets' wide receiver room for the Week 18 matchup against the Dolphins.

Brown (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.

Brown was injured in the Commanders' Week 16 win over the Eagles and sat out a Week 17 win over the Falcons. His absence opened up more playing time for Olamide Zaccheaus, who took full advantage with three touchdowns over the past two games. Zaccheaus' emergence could mean that Brown handles a more limited role once he returns, although that wouldn't be anything new after Brown spent much of the year backing up Noah Brown (kidney). The Commanders could get Noah Brown back from injured reserve during the playoffs, so Dyami Brown's run of steady playing time could come to an end in the postseason, if not Week 18.

Polk (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.

Polk appears to have picked up a shoulder injury in the Patriots' Week 17 loss to the Chargers, despite logging 20 offensive snaps and failing to catch his only target. The 2024 second-round pick from Washington has seen his production drop significantly since Week 7, recording just two catches for nine yards and one touchdown over his last nine games. Regardless, Polk likely needs to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in the Week 18 matchup against the Bills.

Waddle (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism Monday about Waddle's chances of returning from a two-game absence for the regular-season finale Sunday against the Jets. Malik Washington has filled in capably the past two weeks while topping 80 percent snap shares in consecutive games, but it would still be a huge boost for the Dolphins to get Waddle back in the lineup as they fight for a wild-card spot on the final day of the season. Waddle previously managed limited practice participation Thursday and Friday last week before being listed as questionable and ultimately made inactive ahead of last Sunday's 20-3 win over the Browns.

Skowronek (hip) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Skowronek opened the Steelers' week of practice as a limited participant after missing the team's Christmas Day loss to the Chiefs. However, he upgraded to full participation Wednesday, suggesting he's since recovered from his hip injury. The 27-year-old is likely to serve as a depth piece in Pittsburgh's wide receiver room in the Week 18 matchup against the Bengals.

Boutte sat out Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Boutte will have two more days this week to attempt to return to practice before the Patriots decide whether he'll take a designation into Sunday's game against the Bills. The wideout played sparingly last season but has grown into a bigger role in 2024, logging at least 75 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps every game since Week 6. If Boutte were to be unable to suit up Week 18, Kendrick Bourne would probably slide into New England's No. 2 receiver role.

Ford-Wheaton (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

The 24-year-old played through a shoulder injury in the Giants' Week 17 win over the Colts, and Wednesday's limited practice session suggests he's still nursing the issue. Ford-Wheaton's participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can suit up in Week 18, when the Giants travel to Philadelphia.

Samuel won't participate in Wednesday's practice due to rib and knee injuries, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Since the 49ers' Week 9 bye, Samuel has managed more than 40 yards from scrimmage just two times in eight games, turning 46 touches into 334 total yards and two receiving touchdowns during that span. With a pair of new health concerns in tow, it's unclear whether he may be in danger of missing Sunday's season finale in Arizona, but the next two days of work likely will determine if he has a chance to suit up this weekend.

Odunze was held out of Wednesday's walk-through practice due to an illness.

Fortunately for the rookie first-round pick, Odunze's status for Week 18 isn't in peril, as interim head coach Thomas Brown told Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network. Odunze will have two more chances this week to get on the practice field before the Bears potentially give him a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Kansas City designated Hardman (knee) for return from its injured reserve list Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Hardman has missed the Chiefs' last four games due to a lingering knee issue, but it now looks like he's on track to suit up again soon. However, with rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy having taken over as Kansas City's top speed threat, it's not totally clear what kind of role awaits Hardman when that happens.