NFL Player News

Mason (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.

Mason was knocked out on the first possession of a Week 16 win at the Giants due to an ankle injury that sidelined him last Thursday against the Lions, He's now progressed from limited Wednesday to all activity one day later, while fellow RB Aaron Jones (hip) has yet to practice this week. If Jones is inhibited or sidelined Sunday versus the Packers, Mason could be in line for a leading role Week 18.

Garrett (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The hip injury appears to be a new issue for the veteran pass rusher, given that he wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report. Garrett's practice participation Friday will shed light on his chances of playing Sunday against the Bengals, when he'll look to log one more sack to break the NFL's single-season record.

Gabriel (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Gabriel was inactive for the Browns' Week 17 win over the Steelers due to a shoulder injury. The rookie QB's ability to practice in full Thursday means he should be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bengals, when he'll serve as the Browns' backup behind Shedeur Sanders.

Jones (hip) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Jones has yet to practice this week due to a new hip injury, while fellow RB Jordan Mason upgraded from limited Wednesday to all activity Thursday as the latter attempts to miss just one game due to an ankle issue. Friday's injury report will reveal Jones' odds to suit up Sunday versus the Packers.

Brown (illness) didn't practice Thursday.

Following back-to-back 'DNPs,' the focus shifts to what -- if anything -- Brown is able to do in the Bengals' final practice of the season Friday. If he's limited or sidelined Sunday against the Browns, added snaps/touches would be available for fellow RBs Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks.

Boutte was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Boutte was limited in practice Wednesday and has since shed his non-contact jersey, but the Patriots have not yet officially confirmed whether he's cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. In order to retake the field for Sunday's regular-season finale against Miami, Boutte will need to officially gain full clearance from the concussion protocol, including from an independent neurologist.

Bates (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

A shoulder injury limited Bates' practice participation Wednesday, but his full session Thursday puts him on track to play against the Bengals on Sunday. The second-year tight end has stepped into a more prominent role in the Browns' offense during the absence of David Njoku (knee/personal), and the former could see even more snaps in Week 18 if rookie Harold Fannin (groin) is unable to play.

Mariota (hand) did not practice Thursday.

Mariota is considered doubtful for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Eagles, so it's unsurprising to see him once again listed as a non-participant. The expectation is that Washington will roll with Josh Johnson under center versus Philadelphia on Sunday.

Pierre (calf) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pierre was able to log a limited practice Wednesday but sat out of Thursday's session while managing a lingering calf injury that has caused him to miss the Steelers' last three games. His participation in Friday's practice will shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's pivotal AFC North tilt against the Ravens. Asante Samuel would continue to start at outside cornerback opposite Joey Porter if Pierre is unable to play Week 18.

Croskey-Merritt (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Croskey-Merritt missed practice Wednesday due to an illness, but he appears to have already returned to full health. He and Chris Rodriguez look positioned to split backfield reps again during Sunday's regular-season finale against the Eagles. With Rodriguez sidelined by illness himself in Week 17, Croskey-Merritt managed to rush for 105 yards and two touchdown on just 11 carries, momentum that could result in him seeing a larger share of the backfield workload versus Philadelphia.