NFL Player News

Stevenson (toe) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Stevenson last saw game action in Week 8, but the running back's limited participation Wednesday suggests that he could return to the lineup Sunday against the Bengals. He'll have two more opportunities to increase his participation level before the Patriots assign Week 12 injury designations, but if Stevenson is available this weekend, he'd be in line to rejoin a backfield time-share with TreVeyon Henderson, who combined for five total TDs over New England's last two contests.

Hill (toe) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

With Hill back in action, Keaton Mitchell doesn't figure to get much playing time in passing situations this Sunday against the Jets. Both should have roles off the bench behind lead back Derrick Henry.

Pacheco (knee) was a full participant Wednesday in his return to practice.

He thus appears ready to return for Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis after missing the past two games due to a knee sprain. Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports that Pacheco had a large brace over his right leg/knee during Wednesday's practice, but it apparently didn't stop the running back from being a full participant. Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith still figure to have roles, with Pacheco typically limited to fewer than 15 touches even when he's starting and working as the lead runner.

Benson (knee) officially was limited at Wednesday's practice, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official sire reports.

The Cardinals designated Benson for return from injured reserve Wednesday, and he followed up the transaction with a capped session to begin Week 12 prep. On a positive note, he wasn't wearing a brace on either of his knees, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic, and looked spry going through individual drills. Fellow RB Emari Demercado already has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars due to a high-ankle sprain, while Bam Knight also was limited Wednesday due to an ankle issue. If Benson proves the health of his knee following arthroscopic surgery on a meniscus injury in early October, he could take on a significant role right away considering the health of his position mates. Currently, Michael Carter is the sole healthy running back on Arizona's active roster.

Thomas (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Thomas was also limited at practice last week before being listed as questionable for this past Sunday's win over the Chargers, a game that the wideout was inactive for. Thomas -- who last saw game action in Week 9 -- now has two more chances to practice fully ahead of this weekend's game against the Cardinals. In his absence versus Los Angeles, Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and Tim Patrick headed Jacksonville's Week 11 wideout corps.

Long (hip/knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Long has missed back-to-back games due to a pair of injuries, but this marks his third consecutive limited practice session dating back to Week 11. That bodes well for Long's chances of being able to retake the field for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals. That said, if Brenton Strange (hip) is brought off IR in time to play Week 12, Long will stand to revert to the No. 2 role at tight end even if healthy.

Golden was limited at Wednesday's practice due to shoulder and wrist injuries.

Golden didn't play Week 10 against the Eagles due to a shoulder injury but was able to return to action for this past Sunday's win at the Giants. He logged a season-low 33 percent snap share Week 11 and managed to haul in just one of three targets for 24 yards. The Packers' receiving corps continues to deal with numerous injuries, with Christian Watson (knee), Romeo Doubs (wrist) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) all limited to begin Week 12 prep, while Savion Williams (foot) was a DNP, so the overall situation is one to watch to get a sense of who among them will be available Sunday versus the Vikings.

Likely (calf) did not practice Wednesday.

Likely appears to have picked up a new calf injury during Baltimore's win over the Browns in Week 11, in which he secured two of three targets for 15 yards. He'll have two more opportunities to get back on the practice field before Sunday's game against the Jets. If Likely misses any time, top tight end Mark Andrews will figure to see a slight uptick in receiving opportunities.

Kamara (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Kamara injured his ankle during practice Oct. 8 and has been listed on injury reports ever since. Any limitations are likely just a matter of maintenance, with Kamara presumably on track for his usual role after a Week 11 bye. Blowout losses have limited his rush attempts a number of times this season, but that's less likely to be a problem this week against the injury-riddled Falcons.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury.

Last week, Jackson was deemed a non-participant Wednesday due to knee soreness, but he was then able to practice fully both Thursday and Friday. With that in mind, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com previously reported that coach John Harbaugh indicated that the QB's most recent absence was the "same type of situation," which suggests that Jackson could follow the pattern that he did last week, which resulted in him heading into Week 11 action without an injury designation, this time as he manages a different injury issue. Thursday's practice report is destined to provide added context on that front, in any case.