NFL Player News

Cooks (foot/neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Cooks has now logged back-to-back limited sessions while nursing neck and foot issues, leaving him with just one more opportunity to upgrade to full activity ahead of Sunday's game in Chicago. As the most experienced receiver left on Houston's roster, Cooks stands to draw extra attention from the Bears' defense if he's cleared to play. Of course, serving as Deshaun Watson's de facto top option could balance things out.

Coutee (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Fellow wideout Brandin Cooks (foot/neck) remained limited Thursday, but Coutee's full practice paves the way for him to suit up Sunday against the Bears. With the depth of Houston's receiving corps taxed by the suspension of Will Fuller, the release of Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb (toe) remaining on IR, Coutee, who caught eight of his nine targets for 141 yards in a Week 13 loss to the Colts, should continue to be a key cog in the Texans' passing attack this weekend.

Hill (illness) practiced fully Thursday.

Hill missed practice Wednesday due to a non-COVID-19 illness, and his return to a full session Thursday clears the playmaking wideout to suit up Sunday against the Dolphins. As long as he's available on any given week, Hill -- who's scored 14 total TDs in 12 games this season -- remains a plug-and-play fantasy option.

Mooney (personal) didn't practice Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Mooney has now missed two straight practices due to personal reasons, potentially putting his availability for Week 14 in jeopardy. As long as the rookie wideout can get back on the field Friday, though, he should be good for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Robinson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

The Bears took the practice field later than expected due to a positive COVID-19 test in the building -- fellow wide receiver and punt returner DeAndre Carter -- and Robinson logged a second consecutive capped session. A knee injury again is to blame for Robinson's limitations this week, but it didn't stop him from churning out six catches (on seven targets) for 75 yards this past Sunday against the Lions. He'll aim to get rid of his designation before a Week 14 matchup with the Texans.

Crowder (calf) was limited at practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Cimini notes that Crowder has "been battling soft-tissue injuries for much of the year," so the wide receiver's addition to the injury report Thursday is notable, especially with Denzel Mims (personal) already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Lazard (core) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

The Packers continue to place a cap on Lazard's practice reps as he puts Oct. 1 core muscle surgery further in the rear-view mirror. During his most recent three-game run, he earned his highest offensive snap share (69 percent) since he returned, resulting in three catches (on four targets) for 50 yards. Look for Lazard to ditch his designation for a third straight week when Green Bay releases its final injury report Friday.

Thomas (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Again, Thomas' practice reps were capped this week, the residual effect of the ankle injury that sidelined him for six games earlier this season. His availability for game day isn't really in question, but he still could receive a designation on Friday's injury report. In any case, with Taysom Hill expected to start a fourth straight contest Sunday at Philadelphia, Thomas will look to continue his rapport with the signal-caller, which has resulted in two 100-yard efforts (but no touchdowns) so far.

Claypool (illness) didn't practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

In previous seasons, a player missing practice Thursday due to an illness was less of a concern, but these days it requires more focused follow-up. We'll revisit Claypool's status no later than Friday to see if he's in any danger of missing Sunday's game against the Bills.

Brown (ankle) missed practice for the second consecutive day Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Back-to-back absences from practice set the stage for Friday to be pivotal with regard to Brown's chances of suiting up Sunday against the Jaguars. If Brown ends up limited at all, or even out this weekend, added opportunities alongside Corey Davis would be available for Cameron Batson and Kalif Raymond.