NFL Player News

Hardman (thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game versus the Raiders.

Hardman has spent the requisite four games on injured reserve following surgery to repair his sprained right thumb back in late November. As such, the Chiefs opened his practice window Thursday, but he managed three straight limited sessions, which wasn't enough to be activated to the active roster. Hardman's next chance for game action is Sunday, Dec. 31 against the Bengals.

The Packers elevated Melton to their active roster Saturday.

The second-year pro's elevation is likely a sign that Green Bay is preparing to be without its top wideout in Christian Watson (hamstring) for the third consecutive week. Melton was able to haul in one of his two targets for seven yards in the team's Week 16 loss, and he'll add depth to the Packers' wide receiver room Sunday.

Toney (hip) is out for Monday's game against the Raiders, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Toney failed to practice in any capacity during the week, so the fact that he's been ruled out doesn't come as a significant surprise. Marquez Valdes-Scantling should have a chance to step up in Toney's absence, while Richie James could also see his snap count rise.

Toney (hip) was not spotted at Saturday's practice, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Toney has now failed to log any activity in practice this week ahead of Monday's matchup against Las Vegas. While his status isn't official, he's trending toward an absence, which could increase the roles of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and perhaps Richie James.

Smith (knee) returned to practice Saturday, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Smith was unable to participate in either of the team's first two sessions of the week leading up to Monday's matchup against the Giants. He's reportedly received extensive treatment on his bone bruise and is pushing hard to suit up for the game. Smith's status could come down to a game-time call as a result, but it was certainly a positive that he was able to get back on the practice field.

The Colts elevated Fernea to the active roster Saturday.

Fernea made his season debut in Week 15 against the Steelers and played exclusively on special teams. With Michael Pittman's (shoulder) status up in the air, Fernea could see some run on offense Sunday against the Falcons, but he isn't expected to play a significant statistical role.

Bowden compiled zero targets during Thursday's 30-22 defeat versus the Rams.

Bowden's playing time came back down to earth, as he played just 22 percent of offensive snaps Week 16 after playing between 57 to 77 percent of snaps in each of the previous four contests. The 26-year-old had helped fill in for the absence of starting wideout and starting slot receiver Rashid Shaheed, who missed two games in a row with a thigh injury before returning Week 15. But, the latter wideout saw his playing time take a significant jump Thursday, as he caught five of nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Bowden failed to log a target for the first time in the last five games, as Saints quarterback Derek Carr was clearly locked in on Shaheed, top wideout Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson. This trio was targeted on 29 of Carr's 40 passing attempts, and rookie wideout A.T. Perry was the recipient of a 35-yard touchdown during the team's comeback attempt late in the fourth quarter. It's unlikely that Bowden will play much of a factor as the Saints continue pushing for a playoff spot over the final two weeks of the regular season.

Jennings (concussion) did not practice Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Jennings remains in concussion protocol, casting doubt about his ability to be cleared ahead of Monday's Week 16 contest versus Baltimore. The third-year wideout consistently logs at least one-third of San Francisco's offensive snaps, though he has just seven catches on 12 targets for 84 yards and a touchdown over the team's past six games. If Jennings can't suit up Monday, Ronnie Bell could be in line for extended opportunities on offense.

Flowers (foot) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Coming out of Sunday's 23-7 win over the Jaguars, Flowers is nursing a foot injury that resulted in him being a limited participant in Thursday's practice, but his ability to take every rep of Friday's session clears the way for him to play Monday versus San Francisco. The injury may have played a part in Flowers' disappointing output in the Week 15 win, as he finished with just one catch for seven yards on two targets, despite playing 86 percent of the Ravens' snaps on offense.

Beckham (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice.

Beckham was given the day off Thursday while recovering from the illness, but his return to the field a day later without any restrictions clears the way for him to play Monday in San Francisco. Zay Flowers (foot) was also a full practice participant Friday after being limited Thursday, so Baltimore's receiving corps should be at full strength for Week 16 with the exception of Devin Duvernay (back), who remains on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the regular season.