NFL Player News

Downs (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos after practicing fully Thursday and Friday.

Downs missed the Colts' win over the Patriots in Week 13, and following the team's bye he has a chance to contain his absence to one game. Though back-to back full practices bode well for his availability, James Boyd of The Athletic relays that head coach Shane Steichen -- who noted that Downs was "looking good" in practice this week -- fell short of declaring the wideout a go for Sunday's contest, saying "we'll see" on that topic. For his part, Downs said that his status for Indianapolis' 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff is a "coaches' decision. It's based on what they say. But yeah, I feel good."

Covey (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Covey upgraded to a full practice Thursday, but he's still not going to play in Week 15. Cooper DeJean is a candidate to return punts against Pittsburgh, as he did last Sunday versus Carolina.

Metcalf (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Metcalf played through the same injury the past couple weeks and handled his normal workload in wins over the Jets and Cardinals. He's caught at least four passes for 49-plus yards in four straight games since returning from a knee injury but hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 7.

Thrash (shoulder) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Thrash upgraded to full practice Friday after opening the week with consecutive limited sessions, indicating that he's moved past his shoulder injury in time for Sunday's contest. Expect the rookie wideout from Louisville to serve as the Browns' No. 4 wide receiver in Week 15, playing behind Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore and Michael Woods.

Pearsall had one reception on four targets for 16 yards in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Pearsall saw his highest target total since Week 10 (4-73-1), but he was only able to generate one reception off the increase workload. The 49ers offense stalled as an entire unit, so it's hard to put the blame for Thursday's anemic offensive output on the rookie. With San Francisco all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the team may opt to get a better look at Pearsall against Miami next Sunday.

Pearsall had one reception on four targets for 16 yards in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Pearsall saw his highest target total since Week 10 (4-73-1), but he was only able to generate one reception off the increase workload. The 49ers offense stalled as an entire unit, so it's hard to put the blame for Thursday's anemic offensive output on the rookie. With San Francisco all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the team may opt to get a better look at Pearsall against Miami next Sunday.

Atwell secured one of two targets for six yards during Thursday's 12-6 victory against the 49ers.

With Demarcus Robinson (shoulder) active, Atwell saw his typical playing time as the fourth option at wide receiver for the Rams. Despite this, Atwell tied his second-worst performance of the season with his 1-6-0 receiving line, which he also recorded Week 10 against the Dolphins. Another tough pass defense is on deck for Week 16 as the Rams travel to play the Jets, making the prospects for a breakout game for Atwell particularly bleak.

Pearsall had one reception (on four targets) for 16 yards in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.

Pearsall saw his highest target total since Week 10 (4-73-1 on six targets), but he was able to generate only one reception off the increased workload. The 49ers offense stalled as an entire unit, so it's hard to put the blame for Thursday's anemic offensive output on the rookie. With San Francisco all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the team may opt to get a better look at Pearsall against Miami on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Pickens (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pickens, who was inactive for this past Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns, thus will target a potential return to the lineup a week from Saturday, when the Steelers face the Ravens. In Pickens' continued absence, look for fellow wide receivers Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Mike Williams and Scotty Miller to see added Week 15 opportunities.

Jones (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans.

Jones upgraded to a limited practice Friday after opening the week with consecutive DNPs, giving himself a chance to suit up for the Bengals' Week 15 contest. However, if the second-year pro from Purdue is forced to miss his sixth game in a row due to a groin injury Sunday, expect Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams to serve as Cincinnati's top kick and punt returners, respectively.