NFL Player News

Coach Pete Carroll noted Wednesday that Smith (ankle) is not in line to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith emerged from Week 17 action with a concerning ankle injury, and in terms of the QB's availability versus Kansas City, Carroll said, "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him." With that in mind, look for Smith to be officially ruled out by Friday, and in that scenario Carroll indicated that he expects Kenny Pickett and Aidan O'Connell to compete for the Week 18 starting nod, adding that he anticipates both signal-callers seeing action this weekend.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Pickett is expected to start Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

However, Carroll suggested that Pickett and Aidan O'Connell could split reps in the regular-season finale, as Geno Smith (ankle) isn't in line to play. The 27-year-old Pickett has appeared in five games this season and has put nothing good on tape, averaging a pitiful 4.5 yards per attempt with one touchdown and one interception across 41 pass attempts.

O'Connell may get playing time off the bench Sunday against the Chiefs, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said Kenny Pickett likely will start in place of Geno Smith (ankle), with O'Connell potentially then coming off the bench to play some. Carroll didn't say if he'll take a similar approach at other positions.

Prater (quadriceps) is listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

The Bills merely held a walk-through session, but this nonetheless hints at Prater returning from a two-game absence for Sunday's season finale against the Jets.

Kincaid (knee) was officially listed as a limited practice participant in Wednesday's walk-through.

Kincaid missed Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Eagles after managing just one limited practice last week. It looks like he'll do more this week, but the Bills may lean toward caution now that they're locked into a wild-card spot.

Brooks (hamstring) was spotted working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 17 win over the Buccaneers, Brooks is fighting to play in Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The Texas Tech product has had an incredible 2025 campaign for the Dolphins, recording 174 total tackles (most in the NFL), including 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble across 16 appearances. His practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he'll be available for Miami's season finale in New England on Sunday.

St. Brown (knee/ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown played through what coach Dan Campbell called "irritation" in his knee during last Thursday's loss at Minnesota, logging a typical 83 percent of snaps en route to eight catches (on 13 targets) for 68 yards. St. Brown has put together a third consecutive 100-catch, 1,200-yard and double-digit TD campaign, which has cemented him as one of the top fantasy wide receivers as of his fifth pro season. His status will continue to be monitored as the Lions prepare for Sunday's visit to the Bears.

Hunt (biceps) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice walkthrough.

Hunt remains on IR, where he has been since tearing his biceps in mid-September. The veteran offensive lineman had his practice window opened Dec. 24 and was able to log a trio of limited practices last week, but he ultimately wasn't activated ahead of Sunday's loss to Seattle. Hunt was estimated as a full participant in Tuesday's walkthrough this week, and with a full padded practice under his belt Wednesday, he seems to be trending toward a return Saturday versus Tampa Bay for a game with major playoff implications.

Cherelus (calf/ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's walthrough.

Cherelus still has a walking boot on his left foot Wednesday, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Though he'll have one more chance to take the practice field Thursday, he seems an unlikely candidate to be cleared in time for Sunday's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Bam Martin-Scott will handle an expanded role on defense Week 18 if Cherelus is unable to play.

Waddle (ribs) isn't practicing Wednesday, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Waddle injured his ribs during the second quarter of Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. He returned late in the third quarter but ultimately played just 26 percent of Miami's snaps on offense. With 910 receiving yards on the season, Waddle has some extra motivation to suit up for Week 18 against New England if his availability comes down to a matter of pain tolerance.