NFL Player News

Hooker (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Hooker played every single defensive snap and logged two solo tackles during the Titans' Week 17 loss to the Saints, but he may have tweaked his ankle injury in the process. The veteran safety will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars.

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

Gabriel was added to the injury report last Friday after picking up a shoulder injury late in the week, and he ended up being inactive for Sunday's win over the Steelers. The rookie QB's limited practice to begin Week 18 prep suggests he's feeling better, but a full practice by the end of the week would go a long way toward ensuring he'll be cleared to play Sunday against Cincinnati. If Gabriel does suit up, he'll resume working as the Browns' No. 2 QB behind fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders.

Key (hip) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Key was removed from the Titans' Week 17 loss to the Saints due to what was initially reported as a back injury. He has since been diagnosed with a hip issue, which prevented him from participating in the opening practice of Week 18 prep. The veteran pass rusher will have two more opportunities to log at least a limited session ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars. Key has accumulated 16 tackles (seven solo), including 2.5 sacks, across seven games since the Titans' Week 10 bye.

Mayfield (right shoulder/knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

One day removed from being limited at Tuesday's walkthrough due to right shoulder and knee injuries, Mayfield had no on-field restrictions. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard confirmed as much Wednesday, telling Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Mayfield is "ready to roll." Mayfield thus is set to lead a Tampa Bay team that needs a win against the Panthers on Saturday, combined with a Falcons loss or tie Sunday versus the Saints, to lock down the No. 4 seed on the NFC side of the playoffs.

Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Austin wasn't able to practice at all prior to being ruled out for Pittsburgh's loss to the Browns in Week 17, but head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned the wide receiver as a player who "definitely has a chance" to retake the field for Sunday night's contest against the Ravens. With DK Metcalf (suspension) unavailable for Week 18, and the Steelers facing a game in which the victor will secure the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs while the loser will be eliminated from postseason contention, Austin's availability could be crucial for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

Ossai (ankle) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's practice report.

An ankle injury has prevented Ossai from playing in each of the Bengals' last two games, and he would likely have to return to practice over the next two days to have a realistic chance of playing against the Browns on Sunday. Cameron Sample and rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart would continue to see more snaps at defensive end if Ossai cannot play in Week 18.

Watt (lung) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Watt logged a trio of limited practices last week but missed his third consecutive game in Week 17. There have been multiple reports that Watt is gearing up for a return Sunday against Baltimore in a game that will decide the AFC North.

Bates (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Bates managed an ankle issue earlier in December, but the shoulder injury appears to be something new. The second-year tight end has been seeing more offensive reps of late, logging 53 offensive snaps over the past two weeks and catching one of two targets for 19 yards while David Njoku (knee/personal) has been sidelined. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, and Njoku remained a DNP as well, so Bates could have a path to even more work Week 18 against the Bengals if he's able to suit up.

Croskey-Merritt didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Croskey-Merritt paced the Commanders backfield in place of an ill Chris Rodriguez last Thursday versus the Cowboys, taking 11 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Their fates have switched this week, though, as Rodriguez isn't listed on the injury report at all. As such, Rodriguez seems poised to take back a majority share of Washington's RB reps this Sunday in Philadelphia, even if Croskey-Merritt is well enough to play.

The Packers claimed Diggs off waivers from the Cowboys on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Diggs missed a total of eight games for Dallas so far this season due to a concussion and a knee injury, but he was healthy enough to suit up for both of the team's last two contests. Now set to join Green Bay, the 2021 All-Pro cornerback will bolster a secondary that had been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. Given the short onboarding period with his new team, Diggs is unlikely to debut in Sunday's regular-season finale against Minnesota, but he should be ready to contribute for the Packers in their first playoff contest.