NFL Player News

Wicks (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

Wicks emerged from Week 11 with a concussion and a knee injury, and while he put the former behind him by completing the protocol for head injuries by Monday, he's been operating with practice restrictions this week due to the latter. Prior to sitting out the Packers' Thanksgiving matchup with the Lions, Wicks was making some headway in Green Bay's passing game, hauling in 12 of 17 targets for 219 yards over the previous four contests. If he's able to play Sunday versus the Chiefs, Wicks again would serve as the team's No. 4 WR behind Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed (chest).

Brown (knee) remained a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Brown has missed two straight games, but consecutive limited practices to begin Week 13 prep improve the wideout's chances of returning to action Sunday against the Broncos. Friday's injury report will clarify whether Brown heads into the weekend with a designation or is cleared to face Denver. Before sitting out a win over Arizona and a loss to Jacksonville over the past two weeks, Brown had generated a 16-382-1 line on 19 targets in three outings following Houston's Week 7 bye.

Dell (calf) was a limited participant in his return to practice Thursday.

After sitting out Wednesday's session, Dell's return to the field one day later bodes well for his Week 13 availability. However, unless he practices fully Friday, Dell will likely approach Sunday's game against the Broncos with an injury designation.

Smith (knee) practiced in full Thursday.

One day removed from being listed as limited on the Eagles' first injury report of Week 13 due to a knee issue, Smith was able to manage every on-field rep as the team took part in an actual practice. He's thus ready to take on a 49ers defense Sunday that has conceded the seventh-highest catch rate (66.9 percent) to opposing wide receivers this season.

Brown (thigh) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

Brown maintained his listed activity level from Wednesday, giving him one more chance this week to get back to full before the Eagles potentially hand him an injury designation ahead of Sunday's showdown with the 49ers. He was able to play through the thigh injury this past Sunday against the Bills on his way to a 5-37-1 line on nine targets on a 94 percent snap share. As a result, it'd be a surprise if Brown isn't available for a crucial Week 13 contest.

Jeudy (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Though Jeudy didn't practice Wednesday, his absence was downplayed, and his return to the field a day later supports the notion that the wideout should be available Sunday against the Texans. That said, Jeudy probably will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid a Week 13 injury designation.

Austin (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin logged a DNP on Wednesday, so this is a step in the right direction for the second-year pro. If he can get in a full practice Friday he'll likely avoid an injury designation for a Week 13 matchup with the Cardinals. However, if he remains limited, expect him to head into Sunday with a questionable tag.

Allen (quadriceps) remained a non-participant at practice Thursday.

Allen has now missed consecutive practices to begin Week 13 prep, so what he's able to do during Friday's session will be telling with regard to his chances of playing Sunday against the Patriots. A return to the field Friday -- even in a limited capacity -- would certainly brighten the prospects of the Chargers' top receiver being available this weekend.

Burks (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Burks was limited Wednesday, but his return to a full practice a day later has him trending toward playing Sunday against the Colts. Friday's injury report will reveal whether Burks carries an injury designation into the weekend, but if he's able to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, he'll be on track to rejoin the Titans' receiving corps following a three-game absence.

Hollins (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hollins appears to be in a better spot than last week, when he managed just one limited listing on Atlanta's injury report before being ruled out ahead of this past Sunday's contest against the Saints. With a pair of capped showings so far during Week 13 prep, he may be putting himself in a position for his first game action since Week 9. Friday's report will reveal whether or not Hollins enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's visit to the Jets.