NFL Player News

Mapu (hip) is questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

This is a new injury for Mapu. Most of his opportunities this season have come on special teams, though he may rotate in for a few snaps on defense at linebacker if healthy. Mapu played one defensive snap in each of the Patriots' previous two playoff games.

Davis (concussion) is questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Davis entered the NFL's five-step concussion protocol after exiting during the Patriots' win over the Texans in the AFC divisional round. He was cleared for contact ahead of Friday's practice, but the starting cornerback still needs to get the green light from an independent neurologist in order to suit up Sunday.

Landry (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Landry has been able to play through a knee injury in recent weeks, but it evidently worsened, as he'll be unavailable for Sunday's pivotal playoff matchup. Elijah Ponder, Anfernee Jennings and Bradyn Swinson are all candidates for larger roles at outside linebacker alongside K'Lavon Chaisson.

Davis (head) is practicing in a regular jersey Friday, which indicates he has been cleared for contact, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Davis being cleared for contact would indicate that he has made progress toward clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, though he will still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist to suit up for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. He had previously practiced in limited fashion while wearing a non-contact jersey after exiting in the second half New England's win over the Texans in the AFC divisional round.

Cross (foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

The fourth-year pro has missed the first two practices of the week due to a foot injury, but head coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism Thursday that Cross would play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams, per John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site. Backup tackles Josh Jones (knee/ankle) and Amari Kight (knee) also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, so Friday's practice report and injury designations should provide some clarity on the Seahawks' health on the offensive line heading into Sunday's contest.

The Rams designated Havenstein (ankle) to return from injured reserve Thursday.

Havenstein landed on injured reserve in mid-November due to an ankle injury. He was limited in his return to practice Thursday, and he would need to be activated from IR in order to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against Seattle.

Lake (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Lake was held out of Wednesday's practice due to an illness. He recovered enough to log a full session Thursday and will be available to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks. Lake posted seven tackles (two solo) during the Rams' overtime win over the Bears in the NFC divisional round.

Young (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

The third-year linebacker has missed back-to-back practices while recovering from a knee injury, but head coach Sean McVay told reporters Thursday that he expects Young to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks, per Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. Young's participation in Friday's practice will play a factor in whether he is tagged with an injury designation heading into Sunday's contest.

Nwosu (hamstring) was a full participant during Thursday's practice.

Nwosu popped up on Wednesday's injury report as a limited participant due to a hamstring injury. He was cleared to practice in full Thursday, which puts the veteran linebacker on track to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams. Nwosu logged one tackle during the Seahawks' NFC divisional-round win over the 49ers this past Saturday.

The 49ers signed Rucci to a reserve/future contract Thursday.

Rucci joined the 49ers' practice squad Jan. 14 but wasn't elevated to the active roster for the NFC divisional-round game against the Seahawks despite the absence of George Kittle (Achilles). Rucci will be on the 49ers' 90-man roster when the offseason officially begins Feb. 9, giving him the opportunity to participate in OTAs and minicamp.