NFL Player News

Bates logged a full practice Friday and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Bates should garner some interest as both Harold Fannin (groin) and David Njoku (knee) having been ruled out for Week 18. Bates and Blake Whiteheart are poised to see more playing time, although practice-squad member Sal Cannella, who led Cleveland's tight ends in targets last week, could steal some thunder if added to the roster for the game.

Stingley (oblique) does not have an injury designation against the Colts on Sunday.

Stingley had his practice reps limited during Week 18 prep while nursing an oblique injury, but he was able to fade an injury tag after logging a full session Friday. The fourth-year pro has accumulated 24 tackles (16 solo), 10 pass defenses (two interceptions and a pick-six) and one forced fumble in 11 games since the Texans' Week 6 bye.

Rankins (elbow) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts.

Rankins put together a DNP/LP/FP practice log for Week 18, and the 2016 first-rounder has done enough to be cleared to play in Sunday's regular-season finale. Rankins has played at least 60 percent of the Texans' defensive snaps in 12 of 16 regular-season games and has been a key piece to Houston's interior defensive line.

Newsome (shoulder) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Newsome logged limited practices throughout Week 18 and was able to dodge an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game without logging a full practice session. The starting cornerback is all set to suit up opposite Jarrian Jones, with neither cornerback missing a game for the Jaguars this season.

Al-Shaair (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts.

Al-Shaair was able to shake off an injury tag for Week 18 after logging a full practice Friday. The veteran linebacker has accumulated 102 combined tackles through 15 regular-season games and will continue to anchor a Texans defense that has been one of the best units in the NFL this season.

Davis (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Davis was able to upgrade to a full participant in Friday's practice, just in time to dodge any injury designation ahead of Sunday's game. The kick and punt returner will play in his first game since he suffered his ankle injury in the Chargers' Week 14 win over the Eagles. The 25-year-old is set to reclaim primary kickoff return duties from rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith. He is also set to replace Ladd McConkey as the primary punt returner for the team.

Lassiter (ankle/knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

Lassiter was unable to practice at all this week due to the ankle injury he sustained during the Texans' Week 17 win over the Chargers. The cornerback was able to return to last Sunday's game, so he must have suffered a setback during the week that will prevent him from playing through the issue. With Lassiter out, Tremon Smith will likely start opposite Derek Stingley at outside cornerback for Sunday's divisional contest.

Franklin (illness) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans.

Franklin appeared on the injury report Thursday with an illness that prevented him from practicing. The linebacker was able to upgrade to a full participant Friday, just in time to clear him of any injury designation for Sunday's contest. Franklin is set to suit up beside Austin Ajiake and Germaine Pratt, with Buddy Johnson and Segun Olubi operating as reserve linebackers if the starters get injured or need to sit out some snaps.

Van Noy (quadriceps) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday night's game against the Steelers.

Van Noy was able to upgrade to a full participant in Friday's practice after missing consecutive practices earlier in the week. The veteran linebacker's ability to suit up for Sunday night's contest means the Ravens will have him available as they attempt to take the AFC North title in the last game of the 2025 regular season. The 34-year-old will likely continue to share snaps at outside linebacker with rookie second-rounder Mike Green in Sunday's game.

Smith (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday night's game against the Steelers.

Smith was able to upgrade to a full participant in Friday's practice after logging consecutive limited sessions earlier in the week. The avoidance of an injury designation ahead of Sunday night's game means Smith is set to suit up and lead the Ravens' defense in a winner-take-all contest for the AFC North title and No. 4 seed in the AFC.