NFL Player News

McCloud (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

McCloud still remains on injured reserve for the time being, so San Francisco would have to add him to the 53-man roster before 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday in order for him to be eligible to play Sunday. The 27-year-old was designated for return from IR on Wednesday and proceeded to turn in three full practices this week, so he looks as though he's fully moved past the rib issue that has sidelined him for the last five games. McCloud has provided most of his value to San Francisco this season as a return specialist, but if available Sunday, he could see an expanded profile on offense with star receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk both being candidates to get rested during the contest.

Jennings (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out the 49ers' last two games while recovering from a concussion, Jennings was able to take the field for practices this week, albeit as a limited participant. According to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, Jennings still has one more stage of the five-step concussion protocol to clear, but if he's able to get the green light from an independent neurologist Saturday, he could be able to make his return to the lineup a day later in the 49ers' regular-season finale. San Francisco has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and is expected to rest several key players, but Jennings could be in store for something close to or greater than his typical workload if he manages to clear the protocol. Jennings had been serving as the 49ers' No. 3 receiver prior to suffering the concussion, but he hadn't played more than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in any of his last six outings while San Francisco had made liberal use of sets featuring a fullback or two tight ends.

Sutton (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Sutton's lack of injury designation suggests he has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. He missed the Week 17 win over the Chargers and was limited in practice Wednesday but upgraded to full participation Thursday and Friday. Sutton caught 10 touchdown passes from Russell Wilson in 15 games prior to getting injured, but he'll have Jarrett Stidham as his quarterback for the season finale with Wilson benched.

Waddle (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills after practicing in a limited fashion Friday.

Per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, Waddle has shown notable progress in his recovery from a high-ankle sprain since last week and did a lot more Friday than he's done in a couple weeks in terms of running intermediate routes and cutting. At this stage, the wideout's availability for Week 18 has yet to be fully determined. Given that Sunday's contest begins at 8:20 p.m. ET, official word on Waddle's status won't arrive until Miami posts its inactive list 90 minutes prior to kickoff, though reports leading up to game day could help clarify whether or not he'll be able to return from a one-game absence.

Thornton (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Thornton and fellow wide receiver DeVante Parker (ribs) are both questionable for Sunday's season finale. Thornton had a season-high 24 receiving yards after Parker exited early in the Week 17 loss to Buffalo, but the second-year speedster's ceiling will be capped regardless of his teammate's status, especially against the stingy Jets secondary.

Palmer has cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday against the Chiefs, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Palmer's absence due to a concussion was limited to one game. He was a limited participant in all three of the Chargers' practices during the week, but that was enough to gain clearance for the season finale. With Keenan Allen (heel) ruled out, Palmer will be one of the top targets for Easton Stick against a Kansas City secondary that could be resting some of its top players.

Allen (heel) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Allen will miss a fourth consecutive game to end the season. It's an unfortunate finish to an otherwise excellent campaign from the veteran wide receiver, who finishes with 108 catches on 150 targets for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games. Allen has one more year remaining on his contract, but there is a potential out in his deal this offseason, so it's possible that his tenure with the Chargers will come to an end after 11 seasons.

Hill (ankle/personal) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bills, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Hill was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice and didn't practice Thursday, but the lack of practice participation was likely due more to the fallout from learning about a fire that occurred at his residence than the ankle injury that he played through in the previous two games. He returned to full participation Friday, clearing up any lingering concern about his availability heading into Sunday. Even though the Dolphins have already clinched a playoff spot, they'll have plenty of motivation Sunday against the Bills, as the AFC East crown along with the No. 2 seed in the playoffs will be up for grabs between the two teams. With that in mind, Hill is likely to handle his usual heavy workload in the regular-season finale.

Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at the Giants, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Smith came out of the Week 17 loss to Arizona with an ankle injury and now will miss a game for the first time in his career. He didn't practice this week, and the Eagles didn't have much incentive to push him with their Week 18 result only mattering for playoff position if the Commanders upset the Cowboys while playing at the same time (4:25 p.m. ET kickoff). Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia "guessed" Friday that the Eagles will play their healthy starters, or at least most of them, but there is some chance of key players being replaced as the game unfolds if Dallas builds a comfortable lead over Washington in the other NFC East contest.

Parker (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Parker was a limited participant in all three of New England's practices after exiting the Week 17 loss to Buffalo due to a rib injury. If he suits up, Parker will likely occupy a starting role on the outside, though a matchup with a Jets secondary that has allowed the fewest catches, yards and touchdowns to wide receivers coupled with snow in the forecast suggest his opportunities could be limited Sunday.