NFL Player News

Tom (back/knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

The fourth-year pro from Wake Forest has missed the Packers' last two games due to a back injury, but Wednesday's limited session suggests he could be nearing a return. Tom likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's regular-season finale against the Vikings.

Allen (foot) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Allen was deemed a non-participant in Wednesday's walkthrough, with the QB's absence a day later setting the stage for Friday's injury report to add further context in terms of his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. As Week 18 approaches, the Bills are currently the No. 7 playoff seed in the AFC, though either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed are in play for the team. It remains to be seen, though, how Buffalo's coaching staff plans to proceed with Allen this weekend as he continues to manage a foot issue, with head coach Sean McDermott thus far not tipping his hand regarding who will or won't be playing, per Getzenberg.

Holland (knee) won't practice Thursday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Holland has now logged his second consecutive DNP to open the Giants' week of practice after sustaining a knee injury in the Week 17 win over the Raiders. The 25-year-old likely needs to upgrade to limited practice Friday to have a chance at playing in Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys. If Holland is sidelined, expect Beau Brade to start at free safety in Week 18.

Carter (illness) won't practice Thursday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

The 21-year-old has now opened the Giants' week of practice with consecutive DNPs due to an illness. Carter likely needs to practice in some capacity Friday in order to suit up for the Week 18 matchup against the Cowboys. If he's sidelined Sunday, expect Chauncey Golston to have an expanded role in the Giants' linebacker corps.

O'Neill (heel) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

O'Neill was sidelined for the Week 17 win over the Lions due to a heel injury, so Wednesday's limited session could be a sign that he's trending in the right direction. The veteran offensive lineman likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's season finale against the Packers.

Dotson (ankle) was a non-participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

The 29-year-old has not returned to practice since sustaining an ankle injury in the Week 16 loss to the Seahawks. Dotson likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cardinals.

Jackson (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Jackson was estimated as a limited participant Wednesday after missing the Rams' Week 17 loss to the Falcons due to a knee injury. If the Iowa product returns for Los Angeles' Week 18 matchup against the Cardinals, he'll likely start at left tackle.

Ruiz (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

The Michigan product has missed the Saints' last two games due to an ankle injury, but Wednesday's limited session suggests he could be nearing a return. Ruiz likely needs to upgrade to full practice Thursday or Friday in order to avoid an injury designation in the Week 18 matchup against the Falcons on Sunday.

Hunt (biceps) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Buccaneers.

The 29-year-old practiced in full Tuesday and Wednesday but must still be activated to the Panthers' active roster in order to play in Saturday's divisional matchup, a game that could decide the winner of the NFC South. Hunt made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and would be a huge addition to Carolina's offensive line, operating as the team's top right guard if active for the Week 18 contest.

Johnson (illness) will not practice Thursday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Johnson missed Week 17 due to illness and has since sat out back-to-back contests, making his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cowboys legitimately uncertain. He will have one more opportunity to get back on the practice field Friday.