NFL Player News

Jones (hamstring/knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Jones has now been listed as a limited participant on six consecutive practice reports, but because he's missed the Jaguars' last two games due to the pair of injuries, he may need to upgrade to full participation Friday to guarantee his availability for Sunday's contest versus the Titans. At the very least, Jones should take a questionable tag into the weekend if he maintains limited participation Friday. If Jones does gain clearance to play in the regular-season finale, he could find himself down to third in the pecking order at receiver behind Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk (groin), the latter of whom has turned in a pair of limited practices this week since being designated for return from injured reserve.

Mims (hamstring) returned to a full practice Thursday.

Mims, who was inactive for the Broncos' Week 17 win over the Chargers, logged a limited practice Wednesday, but the wideout's return to a full session a day later sets the stage for him to suit up for his team's season finale against the Raiders on Sunday. In 15 games to date, the 2023 second-rounder has logged a 21-361-1 line on 32 targets, a pace that has limited the rookie's fantasy lineup utility to deeper formats.

Allen (heel) didn't practice Thursday.

Allen, who last suited up Week 14, also missed Wednesday's practice and doesn't seem especially likely to play in his team's season finale Sunday against the Chiefs with the Chargers eliminated from playoff contention. If Allen remains sidelined this weekend, Joshua Palmer could lead the Los Angeles WR corps versus Kansas City if he's able to progress fully through the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of Week 18 action.

Sutton (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Sutton sat out the Broncos' Week 17 win over the Chargers after suffering a concussion in a Week 16 loss to New England, but he appears to be working toward a return to action for this Sunday's season finale in Las Vegas. After practicing in limited fashion Wednesday, Sutton demonstrated progress by taking every rep Thursday, indicating that he's been cleared for contact. Before getting the green light to play Sunday, Sutton will still need to get clearance from an independent neurologist prior to being removed from the five-step concussion protocol, something that could happen Friday or Saturday.

Flowers (calf) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's regular-season finale against the Steelers.

Flowers didn't practice this week, and with Baltimore having already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, the wideout is trending toward being made inactive Saturday. Assuming that's the case, the likes of Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace, Laquon Treadwell and Malik Cunningham figure to see added Week 18 snaps with veteran WR Odell Beckham (rest) having been ruled out by the Ravens.

Beckham will sit out Saturday's regular-season finale versus the Steelers for rest purposes.

Beckham was one of four Baltimore players ruled out on the final Week 18 injury report, with both his and quarterback Lamar Jackson's absences attributed to rest/coach's decisions with the Ravens having already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. Several other key Ravens on both sides of the ball are likely to sit out the Week 18 game entirely or see significant role reductions as Baltimore looks to escape the contest with its health intact heading into the divisional round of the postseason. While playing in 14 games during the regular season, Beckham finished with 35 catches for 565 yards on three touchdowns on 64 targets. He cleared a 60 percent snap share in just one of those contests, but the Ravens could be counting on Beckham to take on larger workloads during the postseason.

Chase (shoulder) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, Chase told Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com that he feels good physically and will play Sunday against the Browns, despite the fact that the Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention. The receiver's ability to take every rep during Thursday's practice supports his assertion about his health, though it's conceivable that Chase could still have his snap count managed to some degree with little more than pride at stake in Week 18. Chase will have some motivation to end the season on a high note after he posted a meager 10-134-0 receiving line on 15 targets over Cincinnati's last four contests while missing one of those games (a Week 16 loss to Pittsburgh) due to a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

Williams (ankle/illness) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Williams' listed absence Wednesday was due to the ankle injury that forced him out of this past Saturday's game at Dallas, but an illness now is afflicting the second-year wide receiver as well. Per Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com, coach Dan Campbell termed the ankle issue "nothing significant" Monday, but the new ailment clouds Williams' status as the Lions make their way through Week 18 prep. Friday's practice report could be telling for Williams' odds to suit up Sunday against the Vikings.

Higgins (hamstring) remained sidelined at practice Thursday.

Higgins also didn't practice Wednesday, so he'll presumably need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid approaching Sunday's game against the Browns with an injury designation. On the plus side for the Bengals' Week 18 wideout corps, Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) participated fully in Thursday's practice.

Smith (ankle) officially didn't practice Thursday.

Smith so far has missed Wednesday's walkthrough and Thursday's practice this week, giving him one more opportunity to mix into drills ahead of Sunday's game at the Giants. An ankle injury forced him to depart in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Cardinals and also require a walking boot and crutches afterward. As noted by Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith hasn't missed a contest in his three-year career, so his availability this weekend may come down to a game-time call.