NFL Player News

Jones (hamstring/knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Jones got in limited reps last week at practice but was eventually deemed inactive ahead of the Jaguars' 26-0 win over the Perhaps. He likely has a better chance to suit up this Sunday versus Tennessee with an AFC South title on the line for the Jaguars. Jones has already missed eight games to various lower-body injuries.

Lazard (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Lazard was inactive for the Jets' Week 17 loss to the Browns while he was under the weather, but he looks like he'll be ready to play in the season finale Sunday versus the Patriots. It's been a forgettable first season with the Jets for the veteran wideout, who has produced a meager 23-311-1 receiving line on 49 targets after signing with New York to be Garrett Wilson's top running mate out wide.

Parker (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Parker sustained the injury in Sunday's loss to the Bills, finishing with just one catch for 15 yards on two targets over his 15 snaps before exiting the contest. His ability to practice in some fashion to begin Week 18 prep suggests his injury isn't too severe, but he may need to upgrade to full participation Thursday or Friday to gain clearance for this weekend's season finale versus the Jets.

Moore (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Moore suffered the concussion in last Thursday's win over the Jets and spent the evening in the hospital for evaluation. His ability to get back on the practice field in any capacity Wednesday represents a sign of progress as he navigates the five-step concussion protocol, but even if he clears the protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals, he may not be guaranteed to play this weekend with the Browns having already secured a wild-card spot.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Jennings (concussion) will be a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.

Jennings has missed the past two games while making his way through the concussion protocol. With his first on-field work since suffering the injury on the horizon, he's putting himself in a position to return to action Sunday against the Rams. So far, Shanahan has ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy (coach's decision) and running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) for the regular-season finale, but no other skill-position players have been deemed unavailable. In the end, Jennings will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to have a chance to play this weekend.

Higgins (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Baby previously noted that both Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) were spotted in uniform stretching prior to the session, but Higgins was ultimately deemed a non-participant, while Chase was a limited participant. Higgins now has two more chances to practice ahead of Sunday's season finale against the Browns, and he'll presumably need to upgrade to full activity by Friday in order to avoid a Week 18 injury designation.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that Thomas (knee) isn't ready to return to practice, Sean Fazende of Fox 8 New Orleans reports.

Thomas thus appears unlikely to be designated for return from injured reserve due to the right knee injury that he sustained Week 10 at Minnesota. The Saints are vying for a spot in the postseason, but if that doesn't come to pass, Thomas seems destined to finish this season with 39 catches (on 64 targets) for 448 yards and one touchdown in 10 contests.

Chase (shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Chase sat out the Bengals' Week 16 loss to the Steelers while recovering from an AC joint sprain to his right shoulder, and while he returned to action for this past Sunday's 25-17 loss to the Chiefs, he was held to three catches for 41 yards. The Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention and thus don't have much reason to push their star receiver, but Chase's limited participation Wednesday suggests he's planning to try and play in Sunday's season finale against the Browns.

Reed (chest) was present at practice Wednesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to exiting the Packers' Week 17 win in Minnesota at halftime, Reed was cooking to the tune of six catches (on eight targets) for 89 yards and two touchdowns. While the listed reason for his departure was a chest injury -- something that he's been dealing with since Week 12 prep -- he subsequently underwent X-rays on his ribs Monday that returned negative. Green Bay's upcoming injury report will reveal how much work, if any, Reed was able to handle Wednesday.

Watson (hamstring) returned to practice Wednesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Watson is set to take part in his first notable on-field work since straining his right hamstring late in a Week 13 win over the Chiefs. At the time of the injury, he had put together his most productive stretch of the season, accumulating 14 catches (on 20 targets) for 186 yards and four touchdowns and three carries for 16 yards from Weeks 11 through 13. Jayden Reed (chest) and Dontayvion Wicks (chest/ankle) joined Watson in drills Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how the Packers list the trio of wide receivers' practice participation on their first Week 18 injury report.