NFL Player News

Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Wednesday that Metellus will have his injured shoulder surgically repaired and miss the remainder of the 2025 season, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

Metellus has been dealing with a shoulder injury over the last couple of weeks, and the Vikings have now decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season to have the injury surgically repaired. The 27-year-old is a crucial part of Minnesota's defense, recording 86 total tackles and six passes defensed, including two interceptions, across 14 games this year. While he's sidelined, expect Jay Ward to have an expanded role in the Vikings' secondary.

Jackson (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson was rested last Wednesday before returning to a full session Thursday, and there's a solid chance that pattern will be be repeated this time around. The Ravens' upcoming injury report will note whether or not that's case or if the QB is managing an injury issue ahead of Week 16 action.

Bateman (ankle) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Bateman will likely be limited Wednesday, but it's encouraging to see him back on the practice field after he missed Baltimore's win over the Bengals in Week 15. He was added to the injury report as limited last Thursday then missed practice entirely Friday. Bateman's production has been disappointing in 2025, as across 11 regular-season appearances he's tallied just 18 catches for 217 yards and two scores on 36 targets.

The Titans announced Wednesday that Gaye (knee) has had his 21-day practice window opened, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Gaye will be able to practice without counting against the active roster for 21 days, and he could be activated from IR in time for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, if fully healthy. He'll provide depth on defense and special teams if cleared to return to the field this season.

Bartholomew (back) was designated to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday.

The rookie tight end from Pittsburgh was placed on the PUP list in late August due to a back issue, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Bartholomew has yet to make his NFL debut after posting 322 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 38 receptions during his final collegiate season. Once fully healthy, he'll likely play a depth role in the Vikings' tight-end corps.

Taylor (ankle) is expected to be medically cleared to return to practice in the next week, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The 28-year-old has missed Houston's last six games on the injured reserve list due to an ankle issue, but it appears a return is in the near future. Once fully healthy, Taylor is expected to play a reserve role on the Texans' defensive line.

Reid (back) had his practice window opened to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The 26-year-old has missed all 14 of the Browns' games this season after being placed on IR with a back issue in late August. However, it now appears he's nearing a return. Once fully healthy, Reid is likely to play a reserve role in the Browns' linebacker corps.

Chenal (shoulder) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Despite playing 37 defensive snaps and recording three total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, Chenal appears to have sustained a shoulder injury. The Wisconsin product likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday to have a chance at suiting up for Sunday's matchup against the Titans.

Thornton (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thornton sustained a concussion in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, so it's no surprise he won't practice Wednesday. The fourth-year pro has been one of Kansas City's most productive receivers this season, catching 19 of 36 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns while also accumulating 475 kick-return yards. He must still clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Titans on Sunday.

Plumlee joined the Steelers' practice squad Wednesday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

The UCF product was dropped from the Steelers' practice squad on Dec. 16, but it now appears the team had a change of heart. Plumlee has yet to make his NFL debut after posting 505 rushing yards and five touchdowns during his final collegiate season in 2023.