NFL Player News

Odunze (ankle/heel) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

One of three Bears receivers on the Week 10 injury report, Odunze joined DJ Moore (hip/groin) in advancing from no activity Wednesday to limited participation Thursday, while Luther Burden (concussion) was a full participant on both days. Assuming Odunze is able to log another limited practice Friday or advance to full activity, he should be in good shape to play this Sunday against the Giants.

Burden (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Though Bears head coach Ben Johnson hasn't yet confirmed that Burden has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, all signs point to the rookie wideout being able to play this Sunday against the Giants. After sitting out the Bears' Week 9 win over the Bengals while recovering from the head injury, Burden has turned in two full practices to kick off Week 10 prep. Meanwhile, fellow wideouts DJ Moore (hip/groin) and Rome Odunze (ankle/heel) were limited Thursday, so Burden could have a clear path to a top-three role if either or both of Moore and Odunze aren't available Sunday.

Jones (shoulder/toe) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

According to Emily Leiker of The Minnesota Star Tribune, Jones was seen stretching prior to Thursday's session, and his ensuing listing on the Vikings' second Week 10 injury report indicates that he's progressing through the AC joint sprain in his right shoulder and also a toe issue. Jones will have one more chance to get back to full activity this week, or he's more likely to enter the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game against the Ravens. If he's able to suit up, he likely will continue his relative timeshare out of Minnesota's backfield with Jordan Mason.

Bernard (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Bernard already appears back to full health after having been limited in practice Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, the middle linebacker can be considered on track for his usual every-down role on defense during Sunday's road divisional matchup against the Dolphins.

Hill (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill has now logged back-to-back limited practices, an indication that he's nearing a return to full health after having missed Miami's last two games due to an ankle injury. If cleared for action Sunday versus Buffalo, Hill will stand to operate as the Dolphins' top tight end, though Tanner Conner will also have a role on offense and Greg Dulcich may have earned increased opportunities after impressing as a pass catcher Week 9.

Dowdle (quadriceps) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After sitting out Wednesday's session, Dowdle took a step forward by practicing in a limited capacity Thursday. In order to avoid carrying a designation into Sunday's game against the Saints, Dowdle will likely need to upgrade to full activity Friday in the Panthers' final practice of the week. If he's cleared to play this weekend, Dowdle should be in line for another turn as Carolina's lead back after handily out-snapping and outproducing Chuba Hubbard in an upset win over the Packers in Week 9. In that contest, Dowdle accounted for 141 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 27 touches while playing 72 percent of the snaps. Hubbard, meanwhile, handled a 22 percent snap share and was limited to 17 yards on five touches.

Gordon (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Gordon has now logged back-to-back limited practice sessions after having been forced out of last Thursday's loss to the Ravens early with an ankle injury. If he's able to upgrade to a full practice session Friday, Gordon could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Bills. Jaylen Wright, who was inactive versus Baltimore, will stand to handle a reserve role behind De'Von Achane if Gordon is inactive or at less than full health Week 10.

Pittman (glute) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.

Pittman's return to full participation Thursday suggests his absence from Wednesday's practice was precautionary. The Colts' No. 1 wide receiver is on track to suit up Sunday against the stingy Falcons secondary. He figures to maintain a significant role after racking up 17 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets over his team's previous two games.

Jones (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Jones missed practice Wednesday but has now taken a tangible step in the right direction ahead of Sunday's road matchup against the Dolphins. Thursday's session represents his first practice activity since injuring his calf in pre-game warmups Week 6.

Johnson (groin) was limited in practice Thursday.

Johnson did not practice Wednesday, so limited activity Thursday represents a step in the right direction. If he's able to upgrade to full reps Friday, Johnson could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's road matchup against the Dolphins.