NFL Player News

Werner logged two assisted tackles Sunday in a loss to Chicago.

It was a quiet game from a statistical perspective for Werner, who recorded his lowest tackle tally of the campaign. The veteran linebacker also continued to see his playing time decrease -- he logged a season-low 53 percent defensive snap share. Meanwhile, rookie Danny Stutsman was productive with a 24 percent snap share and could be pushing Werner for playing time.

The 49ers designated Burford (knee) to return to practice on Wednesday.

Burford hurt his knee in Week 2 against New Orleans and subsequently landed on IR. He's since missed the required four games and is eligible to be activated when the team deems him ready. Burford logged a limited practice session Wednesday, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic, and it's unclear if he'll be back in action this Sunday versus Houston.

Smith (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Smith has been a frequent name on the injury report in October due to a nagging knee injury, but he's been able to play and log every Dallas offensive snap each of the past two weeks. There's no indication that Smith's limited practice session Wednesday was anything more than continued injury management.

Belton (ankle) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Belton has missed three straight games due to the ankle injury and was able to practice in limited fashion all week leading up to Green Bay's Week 7 matchup. He has a realistic chance to return in Week 8 against Pittsburgh, though his status remains unclear.

Banks (groin) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Banks has played in consecutive games, but has dealt with ankle and groin injuries all season. His recent availability suggests he'll be able to play Sunday against the Steelers, though there's some uncertainty for the time being.

Tom (back) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Though practically a constant presence on the Packers' injury report, Tom has played in consecutive games. Given his recent trend, it appears likely that he'll be available Sunday against the Steelers, but he could draw an injury designation heading into the matchup.

Elliss (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Elliss last played in Week 5 against Philadelphia, and he's missed the Broncos' subsequent two games due to injury. The second-year linebacker didn't practice at all last week, so his limited session Wednesday represents a step in the right direction toward a return. Nonetheless, Elliss should be considered iffy to suit up Sunday against Dallas.

Darrisaw (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Chargers, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.

Darrisaw made his season debut in Week 7 against Cincinnati after recovering from torn ACL and MCL injuries. He wasn't on the injury report until Wednesday, when he did not practice. It's possible the team was just limiting his reps, but Darrisaw's status is now unclear.

Johnson (calf) was cleared to return to practice Wednesday.

Johnson has dealt with the calf injury since early August and has yet to play this season. He logged a full practice Wednesday, suggesting he could make his first appearance of 2025 in Week 8 against the Jets.

The Falcons designated Norton (ankle) to return from IR on Wednesday, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Norton began the season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury that required surgery. He was initially deemed likely to miss six to eight weeks, so a return to practice this week sits within that timetable. Norton will need to be activated within 21 days or else be required to miss the remainder of the campaign.