NFL Player News

Phillips (triceps) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Phillips has been on injured reserve since Oct. 18, and Friday constitutes his first on-field practice since suffering the triceps injury. With cornerback Mike Hughes (ankle) unlikely to suit up for Monday night's game against the Rams, the remainder of the week for Phillips will be key. If the 24-year-old can string practices together, he may be able to be activated off injured reserve and start Monday's game at outside cornerback.

Melton (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Melton has missed the last four games due to a heel injury, but he has a chance to return for Week 17 after logging three consecutive limited practices. Will Johnson (thumb/chest) is also listed as questionable, so Denzel Burke and Darren Hall would be the top candidates to start at outside corner if one or both of Johnson and Melton were to be ruled out.

Johnson (thumb/chest) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Johnson was listed as a limited participant in all three practices due to chest and thumb injuries, and his status for Sunday's game may not be officially known until the Cardinals announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If the rookie second-rounder is ruled out, then Darren Hall or fellow rookie Denzel Burke would be slated to start in Johnson's stead.

The Jets placed Mauigoa (neck) on injured reserve Friday, Susanna Weir of the Jets' official site reports.

Mauigoa suffered a neck injury in Week 14 and hasn't participated in practice since. With the move to IR, the 2025 fifth-round pick will finish with 45 tackles (16 solo) in 12 games played. Mykal Walker is expected to have a larger role with Mauigoa out for the final two games of the season.

Orhorhoro (knee) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Orhorhoro was not present on the Falcons' estimated practice report Thursday, so his appearance on Friday's injury report is a bit worrisome. The nose tackle appears to have suffered a knee injury, but the ability to practice through it in any capacity means that he could potentially play with it. The 24-year-old will have one more opportunity to upgrade his practice participation to full in an attempt to dodge an injury designation ahead of Monday night's primetime contest against the Rams.

Pearce (neck) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pearce's ability to practice in a limited capacity bodes well for the linebacker's chance of playing Monday. The rookie first-rounder will have one more chance to upgrade his practice participation to full in the hope of dodging an injury designation ahead of the contest.

Smyth (illness) was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Smyth popped up on the practice report as a limited participant Friday due to an illness, so his status will need to be monitored ahead of Sunday's road matchup. New Orleans doesn't have another kicker on the active roster or practice squad, so if the team doesn't make any signings at the position in advance of Sunday's game, it will be an indication that Smyth is on the right track.

Sweat (ankle/knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Sweat was held out of practice all week due to ankle and knee injuries, but the Cardinals are still giving the veteran pass rusher a chance to play Week 17. His status may not be officially known until the Cardinals announce their list of inactive players approximately 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Sweat doesn't play, then Dante Stills and Jordan Burch would be in line for more snaps on the defensive line.

Hughes (ankle) did not participate in Friday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

The Falcons held an estimated practice Thursday where Hughes was a DNP as well, which does not bode well for the cornerback's chances to suit up for Monday night's game against the Rams. With the Falcons eliminated from playoff contention, it is unlikely they will risk the 28-year-old's health by rushing him back. Cobee Bryant will likely get the start at outside cornerback if Hughes is ruled out for Monday's contest.

Henderson (concussion), who the Patriots list as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets, was a full practice participant Friday, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Henderson, who left last Sunday's win over the Ravens in the second quarter after banging the back of his head on the ground while being tackled, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday while sporting a red (non-contact) jersey and remained listed as limited on Thursday's practice estimate. On Friday, the running back shed his non-contact jersey, which suggests that he advanced further through the NFL's concussion protocol. In order to gain clearance to play this weekend, however, Henderson will need to be cleared by an independent neurological consultant, so unless the Patriots officially upgrade or downgrade him, fantasy managers may need to wait for confirmation of his Week 17 status until the team's inactives are posted ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Henderson ends up being ruled out, fellow RB Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line to pace New England's ground game against New York.