NFL Player News

Brown (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Brown has been managing an ankle issue for the past three weeks, but he hasn't missed a game in December as a result. His absence from Wednesday's practice is likely more of a maintenance day, as the Titans look to preserve the wideout's health heading into a big Week 17 matchup with the Texans. If his pattern of activity in recent weeks is any indication, Brown should return to full practice participation no later than Friday.

Coutee (foot) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Houston conducted a walk-through session, but Coutee would have had his reps capped if the team held a traditional practice. The slot receiver was also limited by a foot injury last Wednesday, but he returned to full practice participation by Thursday. If Coutee follows a similar pattern this week, he should shed his injury designation ahead of Sunday's season finale versus the Titans.

Beasley was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report due to a knee issue, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

The Bills are labeling Beasley as week-to-week with the injury, so at this stage, the wideout appears questionable -- at best -- for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. If Beasley misses the contest, added opportunities would be available for the likes of Gabriel Davis, Isaiah McKenzie and Andre Roberts.

Anderson didn't practice Wednesday due to a groin injury.

Anderson was spotted wearing a red no-contact jersey at the start of the session, and after logging no reps whatsoever, he was listed with the groin issue on the Panthers' first Week 17 injury report. The fifth year of his career has been one of personal bests in terms of catches (92) and receiving yards (1,056), but Anderson only has three touchdowns on 129 targets. Anderson's status is now in question for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Chark (shin) didn't practice Wednesday, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Mark Long of the Associated Press reports previously relayed that Jaguars coach Doug Marrone was unsure about Chark's Week 17 status, so the wideout's absence from practice Wednesday would appear to be more than just a maintenance day. If Chark is out or limited Sunday against the Colts, added targets would be available for Laviska Shenault, Keelan Cole and Chris Conley.

Pittman (concussion) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Pittman will need to fully clear the league's five-step concussion protocol in order to participate in Sunday's must-win season finale against Jacksonville, but it's good to see him practicing in some capacity after sustaining the head injury in last week's loss to the Steelers. The rookie second-round pick appeared to be breaking out in November with three consecutive games over 50 yards, but he hasn't reached that mark in his five appearances since.

Parker (hamstring) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Parker has missed Miami's last two games with his hamstring injury, but his ability to practice Wednesday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- offers hope that he could return to action Sunday against the Bills. That said, Parker was also listed as a limited practice participant the last two weeks before ultimately being inactive once game day arrived. As such, he'll likely need to upgrade to full participation by Friday for his fantasy managers to feel good about his chances of suiting up Week 17.

Shepard was limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a rib injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Shepard paced the Giants in last week's loss to the Ravens, catching nine of 12 targets for 77 yards and a touchdown. New York requires a win over Dallas on Sunday to have any chance of making the playoffs, so it wouldn't be surprising if Shepard's practice reps are being capped to better ensure he avoids a setback with the ribs heading into the weekend.

Boyd (concussion) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Boyd didn't practice in any capacity before being ruled out for last weekend's win over the Texans, so if he's back to handling even limited reps at practice, it represents a step in the right direction. He'll need full clearance from the five-step concussion protocol in order to suit up Week 17 against the Ravens.

Hill (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Hill also had his practice reps limited last week, but he nonetheless managed to suit up for the Chiefs' win over the Falcons and secured four of six targets for 65 yards. Coach Andy Reid has already announced that Patrick Mahomes will sit out Week 17, and the Chiefs will almost certainly give Hill the extra week of rest as well, especially if there are any lingering concerns about his health. Kansas City has already secured the AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.