NFL Player News

McCarthy (right hand) practiced fully Thursday.

McCarthy sat out last Thursday against the Lions due to a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand that he sustained Week 16 at the Giants. He got back on the field Tuesday and had a "really positive" throwing session, as coach Kevin O'Connell told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. With a full practice now under his belt, McCarthy is set to take on the Packers in Week 18.

Henry was listed as limited at practice Thursday.

After missing Wednesday's session, Henry's return to the field a day later, though in a limited capacity, has him trending in a positive direction as Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins approaches. Friday's injury report is destined to reveal whether New England's top tight end carries a Week 18 injury designation or is fully cleared to face Miami this weekend.

Woods (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Woods was limited in Wednesday's session due to a hamstring injury but was held out of Thursday's practice, which has the fourth-year tight end trending in the wrong direction. His practice participation Friday will determine whether he is tagged with an injury designation ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills.

Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday after having missed Week 17, and it's encouraging to see him string together another day of at least partial on-field reps. If he's able to upgrade to a full session Friday, Austin could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's must-win divisional clash against Baltimore.

Stephens (neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The injury appears to be a new issue for Stephens, given that he was not listed on Wednesday's practice report. He dealt with the same issue in mid-October but was ultimately cleared to play against the Broncos in Week 6, so Friday's practice report should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills. The Jets could be without their top outside corners in Stephens and Qwan'tez Stiggers (knee) in Week 18, which would open the door for Keidron Smith and Tre Brown to take on larger roles in the secondary.

Jackson (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Jackson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, meaning his ailment is a new development. If the starting right guard isn't able to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Lions, Luke Newman and Jordan McFadden will both be candidates to take his place along Chicago's offensive line.

Helm (toe) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Helm has missed the first two practices of the week due to a lingering toe injury and was spotted with a boot on his right foot, per Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com. Helm would be unlikely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars unless he were to log at least a limited practice Friday. If the rookie fourth-round tight end is ruled out, then David Martin-Robinson would be in line for a larger role on offense alongside Chig Okonkwo.

Taylor (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor continues to work through a lingering knee injury that popped up in mid-December, so Friday's practice report should shed light on whether the veteran signal-caller will be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills. If Taylor is unable to play, then Hendon Hooker would likely be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster to serve as the Jets' backup quarterback behind Brady Cook.

Hall (knee) was listed as limited at practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Hall suffered a knee injury during Week 17 action that he subsequently downplayed, and though he didn't practice Wednesday, the running back's return to a capped session Thursday suggests that he has a chance to play through the issue in Sunday's season finale against the Bills. Friday's final injury report will clarify whether Hall heads into the weekend with an injury designation or fully cleared for Week 18 action.

Tucker (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Tucker sustained a shoulder injury during the Colts' Week 16 loss to the 49ers, which prevented him from playing against the Jaguars in Week 17. With a full practice under his belt, Tucker will be available to play against the Texans on Sunday.