NFL Player News

Skowronek (hand) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Skowronek was unable to practice Wednesday, so an upgrade in participation level is a good sign for the wide receiver's chances of playing in Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The 28-year-old will have one more opportunity to upgrade to a full participant and avoid an injury designation for Monday's game.

Thornton (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

After being limited Wednesday, Thornton worked fully Thursday and Friday, and in the process he progressed through the NFL's concussion protocol. However, with an 8-123-0 line on 25 targets through 11 games, Thornton is off the fantasy radar while working in a Las Vegas WR corps that also includes Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Tyler Lockett.

Williams (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Williams was limited all week in practice and has a chance to return Sunday from a two-game absence due to a foot injury. The rookie third-rounder hasn't seen much work on offense, but his return would give the Packers another return weapon on kickoffs. If Williams is not cleared to play, then Bo Melton and Emanuel Wilson would continue to handle the return duties on kickoffs.

Austin was limited in practice Friday due to a calf issue.

Austin wasn't listed on the Steelers' initial Week 15 practice report, so it's possible he sustained a calf injury during Friday's session. Either way, the wideout's game status for Monday night's game against the Dolphins is set to be revealed Saturday. If Austin is limited or out versus Miami, Adam Thielen, Ben Skowronek (hand) and practice-squad member Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be candidates to log added snaps behind top WR DK Metcalf.

Wicks (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest in Denver, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Wicks followed up back-to-back limited sessions to kick off Week 15 prep with a full practice Friday, indicating that his lingering ankle injury likely isn't much of an issue any longer. With all of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed (shoulder), Matthew Golden (wrist) and Bo Melton also in the clear for Sunday, Wicks' workload is up in the air, especially after he earned just six offensive snaps and no targets during a Week 14 win against the Bears.

Tinsley is focused on making the most of his expanded offensive opportunities with Tee Higgins (concussion) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Tinsely was previously targeted nine times versus Baltimore in Week 13, a contest that Higgins also sat out, though he secured just two of those targets for 22 yards. With Higgins back on the field Week 14, Tinsley played just nine of 60 offensive snaps and wasn't targeted once. Opportunity knocks once again for Tinsley in Week 15, however, and he said he's "looking forward to proving" his consistency during Sunday's rematch. Andrei Iosivas also will be in line for increased snaps behind top WR Ja'Marr Chase as long as Higgins remains sidelined.

Golden (wrist) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest at Denver, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Since he injured his shoulder Week 9 against the Panthers and then picked up a wrist issue after Week 11 action, Golden has missed three contests (Weeks 10, 12 and 13) and logged 23 combined offensive snaps and four targets in his two appearances. He finally was a full participant Friday for the first time since prior to Week 9, so he presumably will be able to take on whatever workload Sunday's game plan allows for. However, all of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed (shoulder), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and Bo Melton also will be available this weekend, meaning Golden could be reduced to certain sub-packages.

Bryant (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Bryant could not practice in any capacity this week due to a hamstring injury, and he'll be forced to sit out at least one game as he works to get healthy. With the rookie third-round pick unavailable, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey will stand to see increased target opportunities alongside Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.

Young (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Colts, Corbin K. Smith of SI.com reports.

Young will miss his seventh straight game due to a quadriceps injury that landed him on injured reserve in early November. He was a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but it appears the fourth-year pro will need at least another week before being activated off IR. Young will have another opportunity to return for Seattle's Week 16 matchup against the Rams on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Reed (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Denver.

Reed returned from an absence of nearly three months to take six touches for 53 yards in last week's 28-21 win over Chicago. His snap share (48 percent) and route share (65 percent) were in line with pre-injury norms, which is a good sign health-wise even if he's still not getting enough playing time to be reliable for fantasy.