NFL Player News

Brown (calf) returned to practice Friday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Meanwhile, the star wideout downplayed the calf issue that led to him sitting out Thursday's session. Friday's final injury report will clarify whether Brown approaches Sunday's game against the Dolphins with an injury designation or not.

The Broncos are expected to place Jeudy on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, leaving his availability for Sunday's game against the Chargers in doubt, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Denver cancelled practice Thursday due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the organization, and Jeudy and linebacker Bradley Chubb appear to be the latest members of the roster who likely contracted the virus. Assuming Denver confirms Jeudy's placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list later Friday, he'll be a long shot to clear the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocols before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, even if vaccinated. Tim Patrick (illness) is also on the same list and unlikely to play Sunday, potentially leaving Denver with Courtland Sutton, Kendall Hinton and Diontae Spencer as its starting receivers.

Irwin (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Irwin is unlikely to play in Sunday's contest against the Chiefs after being placed in the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. In his absence, current practice squad member Trent Taylor likely will operate as the primary punt returner Week 17.

Head coach Robert Saleh noted Friday that Moore (quadriceps), who is on the reserve/COVID-19 list, won't be available for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

The report adds that there's a chance Moore could play Week 18 against the Bills, but first he'll need to clear then NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocols in addition to being activated off injured reserve. With Jamison Crowder (calf) trending toward another absence this weekend, Braxton Berrios, Keelan Cole and Denzel Mims currently profile as the Jets' top available wideout options.

Samuel (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel seemingly has a real shot to return after missing the past two games, but he's yet to see more than 25 snaps or four targets in a game this season, clearly far removed from the form he showed last year in Carolina when he was healthy. He's unlikely to get more of a handful of touches if he plays Sunday.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Friday he expects that Reynolds (illness) will be activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Reynolds landed on the list Monday but may be able to rejoin the active roster without missing a game. The 26-year-old took a step back Week 16 with only two receptions for 36 yards with Tim Boyle starting at quarterback in Detroit's loss to Atlanta. If activated, Reynolds will have to make do again with Boyle, who is expected to draw another start with Jared Goff (knee) listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest.

Brown (illness) wasn't present for Friday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Back-to-back practice absences recorded by the wideout are concerning, though it remains to be seen how the team lists his his Week 17 availability. Added clarity with regard to Brown's chances of suiting up Sunday against the Rams should arrive upon the posting of the Ravens' final Friday injury report and/or transactions.

The Titans activated Westbrook-Ikhine (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Westbrook-Ikhine landed on the virus list Monday but was quickly able to clear the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocol. Julio Jones (illness) remains on the list, so Westbrook-Ikhine could serve as Tennessee's No. 2 wideout Sunday against the Dolphins if Jones remains out.

Evans (hamstring) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Evans landed on the COVID list early this week but was able to clear league protocols over the past few days. However, the 28-year-old isn't necessarily in the clear to play Sunday against the Jets because he continues to nurse the hamstring strain that sidelined him for Week 16.

Coach Robert Saleh said Crowder (calf) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Crowder has been unable to practice this week, and it appears he'll also be sidelined for Friday's session. The 28-year-old missed last week's win over Jacksonville and is now also expected to be sidelined for Week 17.