NFL Player News

Parker (concussion) practiced Friday without a non-contact jersey, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Parker hasn't cleared the league's concussion protocol just yet, but ditching the non-contact jersey is a step in the right direction. His status for the Week 15 game against the Giants will be announced after Friday's practice comes to a close, but unless he's fully cleared of the protocol, a final call on his availability may not be made until game day.

Thielen (hamstring) remains on track to play Sunday against the Chargers, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Thielen played just 16 snaps over the last seven games as a result of his right hamstring injury, but barring a setback at practice Friday, his absence looks like it'll come to an end this weekend. The wideout's official status for Week 15 will be revealed later Friday, when the Vikings issue their final injury report of the week following practice.

Smith-Schuster aggravated his left knee injury at Thursday's practice and isn't expected to play Sunday against the Bills, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 23-year-old appeared on track to return from the three-game absence after practicing as a full participant Wednesday, but he was downgraded to limited participation Thursday after suffering the setback. Smith-Schuster's status will receive additional clarity when the Steelers release their final injury report of Week 15 on Friday. James Washington and Diontae Johnson would be in store for boosts in targets in the event the team's top wideout remains out.

Smith secured three of five targets for 40 yards and returned three kickoffs for 86 yards in the Jets' 42-21 loss to the Ravens on Thursday.

Smith did a solid job as the No. 3 receiver with Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) out of action, as the speedy wideout generated his second multi-catch tally of the last three games. Smith also was impressive on kickoff returns and could continue enjoying an expanded role in the offense over the final two games with the Jets in evaluation mode for next season. Smith's penultimate opportunity to make an impression in 2019 will come in a Week 16 matchup against the Steelers, a week from Sunday.

Crowder secured six of 11 targets for 90 yards and two touchdowns in the Jets' 42-21 loss to the Ravens on Thursday.

Crowder paced the Jets in receptions, receiving yardage and touchdown catches, putting together a very timely fantasy-friendly performance after a disappointing three-game stretch during which he logged just seven receptions for 55 yards and no touchdowns. Crowder will look to continue his resurgence against the Steelers' tough secondary in a Week 16 matchup, a week from Sunday.

Anderson secured four of six targets for 66 yards and caught a two-point conversion pass in the Jets' 42-21 loss to the Ravens on Thursday.

Anderson was second only to Jamison Crowder in receptions and receiving yardage for the Jets on the night. Even though he failed to notch a touchdown grab for only the second time in the last five games, Anderson did find the end zone on a two-point conversion catch following a fourth-quarter Crowder scoring reception. Anderson will look to boost his numbers back up across the board in a Week 16 battle against the Steelers a week from Sunday.

Brown secured all four of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the Ravens' 42-21 win over the Jets on Thursday.

Brown tied Mark Andrews for the team high in receptions and notched his first touchdown catch since Week 12 when he made a 24-yard scoring grab midway through the third quarter. The rookie hasn't been over the 100-yard mark since Week 1, but his game-breaking speed gives him plenty of upside any time he's on the field. Brown will look to boost his numbers in a Week 16 divisional matchup against the Browns.

Montgomery (foot/hip) is listed as active for Thursday night's game against the Ravens.

With Bilal Powell (ankle/illness) inactive, Montgomery is in line to serve as Le'Veon Bell's top backup Thursday night. In that role, he's a fantasy dart in deeper PPR formats.

Winfree did not practice Thursday due to a hamstring injury, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Winfree didn't occupy a spot on Wednesday's injury report, so it's somewhat concerning to see him now sidelined due to a hamstring issue. The rookie sixth-round pick hasn't suited up for game action since Week 9, so there wouldn't be any notable fantasy ramifications if he were forced to miss any time.

Wims (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Despite only having a "slight" knee sprain, Wims doesn't seem to be trending toward playing in Week 15, as he hasn't been able to practice yet. If he's able to go Friday, however, his chances will start looking up.