NFL Player News

Watson (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

After departing the Packers' Week 4 loss to the Vikings with a left high-ankle sprain, Watson seemed in line for a multi-game absence, as is the case for most such injuries. However, Watson now has been able to log back-to-back capped sessions this week, potentially opening the door for a return to action as soon as Sunday against the Cardinals. The wideout told Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com on Wednesday that his activity was contained to individual and group periods, so reps in team periods still await the third-year pro. In the end, Friday's practice report may reveal if Watson has any chance to keep his absence to just one contest.

Woods (foot) remained absent from practice Thursday.

Woods also missed Wednesday's practice, so what he's able to do during Friday's session will loom larger in terms of his status for Sunday's game against the Patriots. With Nico Collins (hamstring) on IR, Woods is a candidate to see added WR snaps behind Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, provided his foot issue doesn't impact his availability.

Palmer (concussion) didn't practice Thursday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Palmer is on track to miss a second straight game due to the concussion he suffered Week 4 while filling in for Jalen McMillan (hamstring) as the No. 3 receiver. McMillan, meanwhile, was a limited practice participant Wednesday and Thursday, hinting at a chance to return this Sunday at New Orleans.

Bourne (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Bourne also was limited Wednesday, but chances are his limitations are maintenance-related rather than indicative of any setbacks with the knee injury that kept him on the reserve/PUP list through Week 4. Friday's injury report will reveal whether the wideout approaches Sunday's game against the Texans with an injury designation or fully cleared for Week 6 action.

Harty (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice.

Harty missed the team's Week 5 win over the Bengals, but his ability to log a full practice Thursday should signal he'll be on the field Sunday against the Commanders.

McMillan (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

McMillan has a pair of capped sessions under his belt so far this week as he closes in on a return to action for the first time since Week 3. The hamstring injury that he sustained during a Sept. 27 practice has held him out of the Buccaneers' last two games, but he may have to be a full participant Friday in order to go into the weekend without a designation for Sunday's contest in New Orleans.

Bateman (groin) returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh suggested Wednesday that Bateman isn't dealing with a serious injury, and it seems that's accurate given the wideout's quick return to practice. It remains to be seen if Bateman can avoid a game designation when the Ravens release their final injury report Friday afternoon.

Smith (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Smith continues to practice without limitations this week, which marked his first stretch of on-field work since he sustained a concussion Week 3 at New Orleans. In the meantime, he sat out Week 4 in Tampa Bay and then used the Eagles' Week 5 bye to complete most of the protocol for head injuries. On Wednesday, Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Smith was in the final phase of the protocol, meaning the wide receiver only needs to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to return for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Reynolds (hand) didn't practice Thursday, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Reynolds also missed Wednesday's session, which clouds his status for Sunday's game against the Chargers. If Reynolds is limited or out this weekend, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele would be in the mix for Week 6 snaps behind top WR Courtland Sutton.

Shaheed (hip) was a limited practice participant Thursday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Shaheed made a brief appearance at the media-access portion of Thursday's session, but it was enough for him to go down as limited after opening Week 6 prep with a DNP. He told Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football on Thursday that his hip injury is "minor," and he expects to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers. Nonetheless, Shaheed may enter the weekend with a game designation, something that will be revealed, one way or another, on Friday's practice report.