NFL Player News

Johnson (foot) is ruled out for Saturday's game against the Commanders.

Johnson has yet to resume practicing since sustaining a right Lisfranc sprain versus the Lions in Week 11. His next chance to retake the field will come Week 17 versus Buffalo.

Kinnard (neck) is questionable to play Saturday against Chicago, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website reports.

Kinnard was a limited participant at each of the Packers' three practice sessions throughout the week with a neck injury, and his status for Week 16 is now in question. With Zach Tom (back/knee) also banged up, the team may have to shuffle their offensive line around versus the Bears.

Tom (back/knee) is questionable to play in Saturday's contest against the Bears, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website reports.

Tom was unable to practice at all during the week, placing some significant doubt on his ability to play in Week 16. The offensive lineman is dealing with back and knee injuries, and if he can't go versus Chicago, Darian Kinnard (neck) would be a top candidate to draw the start at right tackle.

O'Neill (heel) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

O'Neill was unable to practice Wednesday as he was nursing a heel injury, but he was able to return to the field Thursday, albeit in limited fashion. The offensive lineman will have one more shot to log a full practice prior to Sunday's contest against the Giants.

Kelly (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Kelly was unavailable for Wednesday's first session of the week, but he was able to make his return to practice Thursday. The offensive lineman is dealing with a knee injury, and he'll have one more chance to log a full practice before Sunday's contest against the Giants.

Frazier (triceps) did not practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Frazier wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his triceps issue appears to have occurred during practice. The starting center's presence will now need to be monitored ahead of Sunday's contest against Detroit. Frazier will have one more chance to get back on the practice field during Week 16 prep on Friday.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Thursday that Smyth will be signed from the practice squad to the active roster in advance of Sunday's game against the Jets, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Smyth has exhausted his practice-squad elevations after appearing in each of New Orleans' last three games, in which span he converted four of five field-goal attempts and all five of his extra-point tries. He'll remain the Saints' starting kicker for the remainder of the regular season and work to continue displaying consistency.

Lewis (illness) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Lewis was able to return to practice after missing Wednesday's session due to an illness. The offensive lineman will have one more chance to log a full practice prior to Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.

Bland is expected to require surgery on his left foot, but he's seeking a second opinion, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland sustained a foot injury in the team's Week 15 loss to the Vikings, and he's now facing the prospect of undergoing surgery on his left foot for the second straight year. No surgery has been scheduled yet, but the cornerback will likely be placed on injured reserve in the near future, bringing his season to an end anyway. In his absence, Trikweze Bridges, Caelen Carson (shoulder) and Shavon Revel (knee) will all have chances to step into more prominent roles in the secondary.

Speed (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Speed sat out Wednesday's practice entirely after having missed Week 15 versus Arizona. His return to practice Thursday, even as a limited participant, bodes well for his odds of gaining clearance for Sunday's game against the Raiders. To return Week 16, however, Speed may have to prove he can handle full practice reps Friday.