NFL Player News

Samuel (elbow) will practice in full Thursday and will be listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

The 29-year-old from Ohio State has missed the Bills' last eight games due to an elbow injury, but following a week of full practice sessions, he's got a chance to return for the divisional round. Across six appearances this season, Samuel has caught seven of nine targets for 81 yards and a touchdown while also accumulating 223 kick return yards. If Samuel is added to Buffalo's active roster in time to play Saturday, he'll likely operate as one of the team's top wideouts, as Joshua Palmer (ankle), Tyrell Shavers (knee) and Gabe Davis (knee) are all on IR.

Hamlin (pectoral) will practice in full Thursday and is listed as questionable for Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Hamlin has now logged three consecutive full practice sessions, suggesting he could return for Saturday's playoff matchup. However, the 27-year-old must still be activated from injured reserve in order to suit up for the divisional round. If Hamlin returns from his 13-game absence Saturday, he'll likely operate as one of the Bills' backup safeties while contributing on special teams.

Johnson (ankle) will be a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

The 28-year-old from Maryland opened the Bills' week of practice with consecutive DNPs after missing the wild-card round win over the Jaguars. However, Johnson upgraded to limited practice Thursday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Broncos. If active for the divisional round, Johnson will likely operate as the Bills' top backup running back behind James Cook.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Thursday that Hairston (ankle) won't play in Saturday's divisional-round matchup against the Broncos, Matt Parrino of The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

Despite recording three total tackles across 42 defensive snaps in the Bills' Week 18 win over the Jets, Hairston is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. The 2025 first-round pick from Kentucky has appeared in 11 regular-season contests, posting 18 total tackles and five passes defensed, including two interceptions. While he's sidelined Saturday, expect Dane Jackson to operate as Buffalo's top reserve outside corner.

Jones (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Jones has now sat out practice two days in a row as Seattle makes preparations for the divisional round, putting his status for Saturday's game versus the 49ers into serious doubt. His health is of particular interest to the Seahawks right now given he's the projected backup to starting left tackle Charles Cross, who himself was limited at practice Wednesday because of a knee issue.

Puni (ankle) was a limited participant in San Francisco's practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Puni has been limited in each of the team's first two practice sessions to open the week. If the 25-year-old ends up being unable to play in Saturday's divisional-round matchup versus the Seahawks, Connor Colby would likely get the start at right guard in his place.

Cross (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Cross logged a full practice when Seattle began its preparations for the divisional round on Tuesday but he had to be held out for some reps Wednesday, bringing his availability for Saturday's game versus the 49ers into question. He'll likely need to get back to practicing in full Thursday to avoid carrying an injury designation when the Seahawks publish their last practice report of the week.

Williams (hamstring) was a full participant in San Francisco's practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Williams was a full go in practice Wednesday after having been limited in Tuesday's walkthrough. The 37-year-old missed the final game of the regular season with a hamstring injury before returning in last week's wild-card win over the Eagles, and he'll seemingly be good to go for Saturday's divisional-round matchup versus the Seahawks.

Dotson (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant during the Rams' walkthrough Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Dotson has been sidelined since the Week 16 loss to the Seahawks due to an ankle injury but appears closer to making his return. While head coach Sean McVay has expressed optimism that Dotson will be good to go for Sunday's divisional-round matchup versus the Bears, his availability in Thursday and Friday's practice sessions should provide more clarity toward his status for the game.

Carter (hamstring) will remain on Houston's injured reserve for the rest of the campaign, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Carter's season is officially over after his 21-day window to be activated off injured reserve expired. The 25-year-old had been sidelined since the Week 12 win over Buffalo due to a hamstring injury and will now shift his focus to getting healthy for the 2026 campaign.