NFL Player News

Harper (concussion) didn't participate in practice Wednesday.

Harper was diagnosed with a concussion during last Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Vikings. He'll need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to have a chance of suiting up Sunday versus Chicago. If Harper can't play, Jalen Mills could absorb most of his defensive snaps.

Nelson (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Nelson suffered a sprained knee during the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The injury prevented him from playing against the Dolphins in Week 17, and the 2019 fourth-rounder has been held out of each of the first two practices of Week 18 prep. He would need to practice in at least a limited capacity Thursday to have a realistic chance of playing in Saturday's regular-season finale against the Panthers.

Anzalone (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Anzalone suffered a concussion against the Vikings on Christmas Day. To have any chance of playing in Sunday's season finale against Chicago, he'll need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. If Anzalone can't suit up for that contest, Malcolm Rodriguez will likely get a start at linebacker for the Lions.

Herbert (left hand/rest) was limited at practice Wednesday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Coach Jim Harbaugh announced Monday that Herbert is not in line to see action in the playoff-bound Chargers' regular-season finale against the Broncos on Sunday, with the QB's listed limitations Wednesday an acknowledgement that he continues to manage a (non-throwing) hand issue ahead of Week 18. In any case, if Herbert isn't officially ruled out on Friday's final injury report, he's on track to be made inactive Sunday, which sets the stage for Trey Lance to start against Denver, with practice squad member DJ Uiagalelei in line to be elevated to serve as the team's No. 2 QB.

Dean (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

Dean sustained a shoulder injury during the Buccaneers' Week 17 loss to the Dolphins. He did not work in Tuesday's walkthrough nor in Wednesday's practice, so his participation in Thursday's session will shed clarity on his chances of playing against the Panthers on Saturday. Kindle Vildor could draw the start at outside corner if Dean is unable to play.

Rankins (elbow) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Rankins may have picked up the injury during the Texans' win over the Chargers in Week 17, when he logged 0.5 sacks. The veteran defensive tackle will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts.

Vidal (neck) returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant.

Omarion Hampton (DNP - ankle) and Hassan Haskins (LP - head) are also on the injury report, after Vidal and Haskins missed Saturday's loss to Houston. Health won't be the only factor, as Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh already said QB Justin Herbert won't play this Sunday at Denver. Other starters may also be held out or pulled early.

Ersery (thumb) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Ersery suffered a broken hand Week 16 against Las Vegas and wasn't able to suit up in Saturday's win over the Chargers. However, he has a chance to return to action this Sunday against the Colts with a limited practice session under his belt to begin the week. If Ersery is able to suit up, it'll be a boost to Houston's offensive line, which could be without starting tackle Trent Brown (ankle/knee).

Brown (ankle/knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

Brown didn't practice at all last week and missed Saturday's win over the Chargers. He's still not ready to return to practice, so his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against Indianapolis is certainly in question. Blake Fisher and Tytus Howard will likely be Houston's starting tackles Sunday if Brown can't return to action.

Hampton (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

There was no sign of injury during Saturday's 20-16 loss to the Texans, in which Hampton took 22 touches for 60 yards and a touchdown while playing 83 percent of snaps. Injury or not, Jim Harbaugh's announcement about resting Justin Herbert indicates that Hampton is highly unlikely to get a full workload this week. In fact, it's not clear the rookie will play at all, potentially opening up a starting opportunity for Kimani Vidal (neck), Hassan Haskins (head) or Jaret Patterson.