NFL Player News

Thomas (hamstring) didn't participate in the Giants' practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

Thomas is still dealing with the hamstring injury he suffered during the Week 16 loss to the Vikings. Marcus Mbow would likely start at left tackle during Sunday's matchup versus the Raiders if Thomas ends up not playing.

Smith was claimed off waivers by the Jets on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Smith was cut loose by the Rams earlier in the week, but he has now found a new home in New York. The safety will operate as a top reserve option behind Malachi Moore against the Patriots on Sunday.

Decker (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Decker has managed to play through a shoulder injury since November, so the veteran offensive lineman should be able to play Christmas Day. If not, then Dan Skipper would likely start at left tackle in Decker's stead.

Wharton (hamstring) didn't participate in Carolina's practice Wednesday.

Wharton remains sidelined with the hamstring injury that has held him out of the last two games. The 27-year-old will likely need to practice at some point this week in order to have a chance to play in Sunday's matchup versus the Seahawks. Bobby Brown would get another start at defensive end if Wharton ends up being unable to play.

Gross-Matos (knee) did not practice Wednesday, per the NFL's injury report.

Gross-Matos was activated from injured reserve prior to the 49ers' Week 16 contest against the Colts, which was his first game back from a 10-game absence due to a hamstring injury. However, the sixth-year defensive end is now working through a knee injury, and he would need to practice in full by Friday in order to avoid an injury tag against the Bears on Sunday.

Turner (illness) did not appear on the injury report Wednesday.

Turner battled through an illness in Week 16, playing a season-low 27 defensive snaps in the team's win over the Dolphins. The cornerback now appears to be back to full strength ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals.

Green (neck) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, per the NFL's injury report.

Green was unable to play in Monday's win against the Colts due to a neck injury. He's opened the week with a limited practice and will need to practice fully by Friday to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against Chicago. The 2024 second-rounder has accumulated 52 tackles (30 solo) and nine pass defenses through 13 regular-season games.

Wallace (shoulder) didn't participate in Carolina's practice Wednesday.

Wallace continues to battle the shoulder injury that held him out of the Week 16 win over Tampa Bay. Claudin Cherelus would make another start at inside linebacker if Wallace remains sidelined for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Bethune (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, per the NFL's injury report.

Bethune aggravated an ankle injury during the 49ers' Week 16 win over the Colts on Monday. However, his full practice Wednesday indicates that the injury isn't considered a long-term issue and puts him on track to be available for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Woolen (knee) was not listed on Wednesday's practice report, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Woolen injured his knee during the Seahawks' Week 16 overtime win over the Rams. He received an MRI on the knee Friday, but his absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates that he was a full practice participant and on track to play against the Panthers on Sunday. Woolen has accumulated 18 tackles (13 solo) and eight pass defenses (one interception) across the eight games since Seattle's Week 8 bye.