NFL Player News

Johnson (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Johnson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his non-participation Thursday is notable. The wideout was sidelined for games in Weeks 2 through 5 due to the hamstring injury before returning from injured reserve following the Steelers' Week 6 bye and playing 37 snaps in this past Sunday's win over the Rams. The Steelers haven't indicated whether he suffered a setback with his hamstring injury or his absence Thursday is maintenance-related, but added clarity on that front will arrive no later than the release of Friday's injury report.

Samuel (shoulder) was spotted running off to the side during Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Though head coach Kyle Shanahan has already ruled Samuel out from playing in Sunday's game against the Bengals, the wideout's ability to complete a workout Thursday at least represents a tangible step forward in his recovery from a hairline fracture in his shoulder. The 27-year-old would seem to have a good chance to be available to play Nov. 12 against the Jaguars following the 49ers' Week 9 bye.

Hill (hip) was a limited practice participant Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill missed Wednesday's practice, but his return to a limited session a day later bodes well for his chances of playing Sunday versus the Patriots. The wideout expressed confidence he'll be ready to play against New England, telling Furones that he's "good" to go for the Week 8 contest. That said, unless Hill practices fully Friday, he'll likely head into the weekend with an injury designation.

Waddle (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waddle has had his reps capped in both of the Dolphins' first two Week 8 practices, but if he's able to upgrade to full activity Friday, he should head into Sunday's game against the Patriots without an injury designation. Since missing the Dolphins' Week 3 win over Denver while recovering from a concussion, Waddle has suited up in each of Miami's last four games and is averaging 5.5 catches for 48.8 yards on 7.5 targets during that stretch.

Robinson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Since making his season debut Week 3, Robinson has endured some practice limitations from time to time, likely due to the torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered Week 11 of last year. However, he's been able to play in five straight games en route to a cumulative 23-163-0 line on 27 targets. Friday's injury report will unveil whether or not Robinson enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Jets.

Cobb (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

As expected, the veteran wideout logged a limited practice session Thursday after recording a DNP on Wednesday. Cobb has recorded only three receptions for 20 yards this season, despite playing on 49 percent of the Jets' offensive snaps. The 33-year-old now appears to be trending in the right direction to play in this Sunday's contest against the Giants.

Palmer (knee) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Palmer didn't practice Wednesday, so his continued absence a day later puts the focus clearly on what the wideout is able to do during Friday's session. If Palmer ends up sitting out Sunday against the Bears or is available to play only limited snaps, Quentin Johnston would be in line to see added opportunities alongside top wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Shenault (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Shenault has sat out both of Carolina's first two practices of Week 8 and could be headed for an absence this Sunday against the Texans coming out of the Panthers' Week 7 bye. The 25-year-old exited early in the Panthers' final game before the bye Oct. 15 against the Dolphins with a high-ankle sprain, an injury that often entails a multi-week recovery. Though he's listed as a receiver, Shenault has seen more involvement as a runner (12 carries for 55 yards) than a pass catcher (seven receptions for 43 yards on seven targets) through Carolina's first six games.

Montgomery (knee) missed Thursday's practice, Mark Daniels of MassLive.com reports.

The 30-year-old running back out of Stanford was absent from Thursday's practice after he tallied a limited session Wednesday. It's unclear when Montgomery suffered this knee injury, but he'll likely carry an injury designation into the weekend after Thursday's DNP.

Jones (knee) didn't take part in Thursday's practice, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Jones hasn't practiced in any fashion since exiting in the Jaguars' Oct. 8 win over the Bills with a knee injury. Before that game, he had already missed the Jaguars' prior two contests with the same injury. Unless Jones can get back on the practice field in some capacity Friday, he'll likely be ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers, which would mark his fifth absence in six weeks.