NFL Player News

The Saints designated Thomas (ankle) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Thomas was sidelined for the final three games of the regular season as he tended to a high-ankle sprain. With Wednesday's transactions, New Orleans has the next three days to determine whether Thomas is fit to be activated ahead of Sunday's wild-card game against the Bears. Alvin Kamara (illness) currently resides on the reserve/COVID-19 list, so if the running back is unavailable again this weekend and Thomas is cleared to play, he'll no doubt be the clear top target for Drew Brees as the Saints open the postseason.

Evans (knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

Head coach Bruce Arians noted Monday that Evans didn't suffer any structural damage in the left knee that he injured Week 17 and was considered day-to-day, per Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site. On Tuesday, Evans took part in the Bucs' walk-through session but was ultimately listed as a non-participant on the estimated practice report. His absence from the field continued Wednesday, giving him just one more chance to join his teammates in drills this week. Evans' listing on Thursday's report will give a sense of his ability to suit up for Saturday's wild-card matchup at Washington.

Harris (neck) was designated to return from IR and returned to practice Wednesday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The return man has been on IR for three weeks, so he's eligible to rejoin the active roster whenever he's deemed healthy. If Harris is able to get up to speed in practice this week, he could take the field as soon as Sunday's wild-card round showdown against the Bears, though he'll need to be officially removed from IR in order to suit up.

Peoples-Jones (concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Cleveland just held a walk-through session Wednesday, but Peoples-Jones was the only non-participant on the injury report, which doesn't bode well for his chances of clearing the league's five-step concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The wide receiver and return man will have two more practices to demonstrate progress in his recovery from the concussion he sustained in last weekend's win over the Steelers.

The Titans listed Brown as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report with hand and knee injuries, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Brown had been managing an ankle issue down the stretch, but it didn't stop him from playing 64 of 71 offensive snaps in the Titans' Week 17 win over the Texans, during which he recorded a season-high 10 catches (on 11 targets) for 151 yards and a touchdown. His limitations to begin the current week suggest that Brown is banged up coming out of the regular-season finale, but at this stage, the receiver isn't believed to be in danger of missing Sunday's wild-card game against the Ravens.

The Rams activated Kupp (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Kupp was forced to miss the Rams' regular-season finale against the Cardinals after testing positive for COVID-19, but he'll be available for Saturday's wild-card game in Seattle. The Rams are still working out who will be throwing passes to Kupp and the team's other receivers in the playoff opener, as Jared Goff (thumb) hasn't been fully cleared following his recent surgery. If Goff can't go against Seattle, John Wolford would draw a second straight start under center.

Beasley (knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

Beasley and Stefon Diggs (oblique) both sat out Wednesday's practice. Though the Bills remain optimistic Diggs will be available Saturday's wild-card matchup against Indianapolis, Beasley's status remains murkier. The veteran slot man hasn't practiced in any capacity since injuring his knee in a Dec. 28 win over the Patriots.

McKenzie (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

McKenzie was also limited in Tuesday's walk-through session, but at this stage, there's little reason to doubt his availability for Saturday's wild-card round game against the Colts. The speedster usually has a package of plays drawn up for him on touch passes and jet sweeps every week, and McKenzie can also contribute in the return game, as evidenced by the punt he took back to the house in the Bills' blowout win over the Dolphins in Week 17.

Diggs (oblique) didn't practice Wednesday.

Diggs was listed as a limited participant for Tuesday's walk-through session, so his complete lack of activity a day later is somewhat concerning. For what it's worth, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic relays that Diggs said he'll be "fine" for Saturday's wild-card matchup the Colts. Head coach Sean McDermott has clarified that Diggs' injury is a new concern rather than something that's been lingering throughout the season, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR Sports Radio 550 Buffalo.

Sims caught each of his five targets for 43 yards in Sunday's 20-14 win over the Eagles.

Sims played every single snap on offense for a second straight week, making his 10th consecutive start to close out the season. He averaged 62.3 snaps but only 4.5 targets in those 10 starts, catching 29 of 45 targets for 438 yards. While he should keep his starting job for the playoffs, Sims will likely face more competition in the offseason.