NFL Player News

Bateman (ankle) isn't practicing Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Bateman has missed Baltimore's first two practices after spraining his ankle in the Week 10 win over the Vikings. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns. Tylan Wallace, LaJohntay Wester and Devontez Walker would be candidates for additional playing time alongside Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins if Bateman doesn't play.

The Commanders announced Thursday that Jackson (knee) has been designated for return from IR.

Jackson spent the entire 2024 season and half of 2023 on injured reserve due to a significant knee injury. The fourth-year player has 21 days to string together enough practices to officially be activated. However, Thursday was a step in the right direction, as he was limited in practice.

Hill (toe) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Hill also missed Wednesday's session, so what the running back does Friday will loom large in terms of his Week 11 status. If Hill is limited or out Sunday against the Browns, Keaton Mitchell likely would see added snaps behind lead back Derrick Henry, provided he's able to play through the knee issue that limited him Wednesday.

Jackson (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday due to knee soreness, but in his return to work a day later, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com notes that the star QB was moving around well during the open portion and looked ready to start Sunday against the Browns. The Ravens' upcoming injury report will clarify Jackson's official participation level, but his presence at Thursday's session nonetheless bodes well for his Week 11 status.

The Cardinals announced Thursday that Conner (knee) has been designated for return from IR.

The rookie sixth-round pick has spent the entire regular season to date on IR due to a knee injury suffered during the preseason, but he appears to be nearing a return to action. Conner will now have a 21-day window to practice without counting against the 53-man roster. He can be activated at any time within that span, meaning he could suit up as early as Sunday's game against the 49ers, if healthy.

Fairbairn (quad) isn't practicing Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Fairbairn was expected to miss more than one week after getting hurt in Week 9 against the Broncos, per an earlier report from Wilson. The standout kicker is tracking toward a second consecutive absence Sunday against the Titans, though Fairbairn could give himself a chance to play by returning to practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. Matthew Wright filled in for Fairbairn in Week 10 against the Jaguars and would do so again Sunday if Fairbairn's ruled out.

Kincaid (hamstring) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

With back-to-back 'DNPs' looming, Kincaid's status for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers looks cloudy at this stage. If Kincaid ends up ruled out for the contest come Friday, fellow tight ends Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes would be on track to see added snaps and targets this weekend.

New York signed Hodgins to the 53-man roster from the Steelers' practice squad Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Hodgins will provide depth for New York at wide receiver in the wake of the team having seen Lil'Jordan Humphrey poached from their practice squad by Denver. Hodgins spent time with the 49ers in training camp and has resided on Pittsburgh's practice squad for most of the regular season, but his last game action came across three appearances with the Giants in 2024.

Schultz (shoulder) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Schultz didn't practice Wednesday, so the tight end's status will need to be monitored ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. Back in Week 9, when Schultz was managing knee and shoulder issues, he was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a full session Friday. Though not a lock to occur, a similar scenario unfolding this time around remains plausible.

Saunders was waived by the Jaguars on Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Saunders appeared in just two games for the Jaguars this season, recording three total tackles. The 29-year-old defensive tackle was traded to the Jaguars in August to act as a depth piece behind veteran Arik Armstead. Now that he is set to hit waivers, the seventh-year veteran will have a chance to play a reserve role again should he be signed.