NFL Player News

Bates (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

A shoulder injury limited Bates' practice participation Wednesday, but his full session Thursday puts him on track to play against the Bengals on Sunday. The second-year tight end has stepped into a more prominent role in the Browns' offense during the absence of David Njoku (knee/personal), and the former could see even more snaps in Week 18 if rookie Harold Fannin (groin) is unable to play.

Mariota (hand) did not practice Thursday.

Mariota is considered doubtful for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Eagles, so it's unsurprising to see him once again listed as a non-participant. The expectation is that Washington will roll with Josh Johnson under center versus Philadelphia on Sunday.

Pierre (calf) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pierre was able to log a limited practice Wednesday but sat out of Thursday's session while managing a lingering calf injury that has caused him to miss the Steelers' last three games. His participation in Friday's practice will shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's pivotal AFC North tilt against the Ravens. Asante Samuel would continue to start at outside cornerback opposite Joey Porter if Pierre is unable to play Week 18.

Croskey-Merritt (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Croskey-Merritt missed practice Wednesday due to an illness, but he appears to have already returned to full health. He and Chris Rodriguez look positioned to split backfield reps again during Sunday's regular-season finale against the Eagles. With Rodriguez sidelined by illness himself in Week 17, Croskey-Merritt managed to rush for 105 yards and two touchdown on just 11 carries, momentum that could result in him seeing a larger share of the backfield workload versus Philadelphia.

McCarthy (right hand) practiced fully Thursday.

McCarthy sat out last Thursday against the Lions due to a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand that he sustained Week 16 at the Giants. He got back on the field Tuesday and had a "really positive" throwing session, as coach Kevin O'Connell told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. With a full practice now under his belt, McCarthy is set to take on the Packers in Week 18.

Henry was listed as limited at practice Thursday.

After missing Wednesday's session, Henry's return to the field a day later, though in a limited capacity, has him trending in a positive direction as Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins approaches. Friday's injury report is destined to reveal whether New England's top tight end carries a Week 18 injury designation or is fully cleared to face Miami this weekend.

Woods (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Woods was limited in Wednesday's session due to a hamstring injury but was held out of Thursday's practice, which has the fourth-year tight end trending in the wrong direction. His practice participation Friday will determine whether he is tagged with an injury designation ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills.

Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday after having missed Week 17, and it's encouraging to see him string together another day of at least partial on-field reps. If he's able to upgrade to a full session Friday, Austin could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's must-win divisional clash against Baltimore.

Stephens (neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The injury appears to be a new issue for Stephens, given that he was not listed on Wednesday's practice report. He dealt with the same issue in mid-October but was ultimately cleared to play against the Broncos in Week 6, so Friday's practice report should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills. The Jets could be without their top outside corners in Stephens and Qwan'tez Stiggers (knee) in Week 18, which would open the door for Keidron Smith and Tre Brown to take on larger roles in the secondary.

Jackson (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Jackson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, meaning his ailment is a new development. If the starting right guard isn't able to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Lions, Luke Newman and Jordan McFadden will both be candidates to take his place along Chicago's offensive line.