NFL Player News

Head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters Wednesday that Thompson (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

The Washington State product is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Thompson has been a crucial part of the Cardinals' defense this season, recording 81 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed and one forced fumble. Kitan Crawford will likely have an expanded role on Arizona's first-team defense until Thompson returns from injury.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Watson (chest/shoulder) is expected to practice in a limited capacity, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Watson was not able to participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice after being injured during Sunday's loss to the Broncos, so it's highly encouraging to see him back on the field, even if only as a limited participant. LaFleur said Watson is "fighting to play" Saturday versus the Bears, but at this stage the wideout's availability appears legitimately up in the air. If Watson is able to handle at least limited on-field reps again Thursday, he figures to have a fair chance to gain clearance for Week 16.

Hardman (calf) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The veteran wideout from Georgia has been sidelined for the Bills' last four games after sustaining a calf injury in the Week 11 win over the Buccaneers, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Hardman will likely contribute as one of Buffalo's top kick and punt returners once fully healthy, though he must still be activated to the team's active roster in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Browns.

Ward (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ward was sidelined for the Browns' Week 15 loss to the Bears due to a calf injury, and Wednesday's DNP indicates he's still dealing with the issue. The 28-year-old likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to return for Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

The Dolphins waived Judon on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 33-year-old appeared in 13 games with the Dolphins before being waived on Wednesday, recording 19 total tackles and one pass defensed. Judon has been a very productive pass rusher over the course of his 10-year NFL career, totaling 72.0 sacks. Now a free agent, he could be picked up by a team in need of edge-rusher depth in the near future.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that London will participate in practice and remains day-to-day, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Morris expressed optimism Monday about London's chances of retaking the field for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals, and it appears the star wideout will take a tangible step in the right direction Wednesday. In all likelihood, London will be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, but if he's able to upgrade to full on field-reps even once in Week 16, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's matchup.

Vannett (oblique) was a limited practice participant Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The 32-year-old played 11 special-teams snaps and likely picked up an oblique injury during the Rams' Week 15 win over the Lions. Vannett's practice participation Wednesday and Thursday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Seahawks.

The Panthers announced Wednesday that Moore (elbow) has been designated to return from IR and had his 21-day practice window opened, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Moore can be activated from IR at any point within his 21-day practice window, making Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers his earliest tentative return date. When officially back to full health, Moore will resume handling a depth role in Carolina's wide receiver corps. He practiced in full Wednesday.

Latu (neck) didn't participate in Tuesday's walkthrough.

The Alabama product played a season-high 19 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Raiders, but it now appears he sustained a stinger in the process. Latu likely needs to upgrade to limited practice either Wednesday or Thursday to have a chance at suiting up for the Week 16 matchup against the Commanders on Saturday.

Ruckert signed a two-year, $10 million extension with the Jets on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The fourth-year pro from Ohio State has agreed to a new deal that keeps him with the Jets through the 2027 season. Ruckert has played a reserve role for most of his NFL career, catching 55 of 75 targets for 427 receiving yards and one touchdowns across 55 games. His role in the Jets' offense could grow following Wednesday's extension, though he's still expected to remain the top backup behind Mason Taylor.