NFL Player News

Williams (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Williams cleared the third step of the NFL's five-step concussion protocol Thursday by being cleared for non-contact practice. If the defensive tackle hopes to play Sunday, he will have to practice Friday and be cleared by an independent neurologist. If Williams can not be cleared of his concussion in time for Sunday's game, Kenny Clark and Solomon Thomas would be in line for expanded roles on the Cowboys' defensive line.

Luepke (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Luepeke took the third step toward clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol Thursday by upgrading to a limited participant after missing Wednesday's session. The fullback will have to practice Friday and be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to suit up for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Vaki (thumb) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Vaki upgraded to a full participant Thursday and was cleared of any injury designation after being limited with a thumb issue in Wednesday's session. The running back will likely continue in his role as a relief option behind starters Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Dorlus (illness/shoulder) did not participate in practice Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Dorlus accounted for two tackles, including 1.0 sacks, in the Falcons' Week 15 win, but he has not practiced in back-to-back days to open the week. The 24-year-old is in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Cardinals if he is unable to practice in any form Friday. Ruke Orhorhoro (groin), who was limited in practice Thursday, is listed as the next man up behind Dorlus. Should neither player be available, Kentavius Street could see an increased role against Arizona.

Hines-Allen (illness/shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Hines-Allen upgraded to limited participation Thursday after missing Wednesday's session due to a mix of illness and shoulder issues. Now back on the practice field, the defensive end will have one more opportunity to upgrade his participation and potentially dodge an injury designation before Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Goldman (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Eagles, Ben Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Goldman suffered a concussion in last Sunday's win over the Giants and was unable to practice all week. The defensive tackle's absence, combined with Jer'Zhan Newton's (illness) questionable status, leaves Sheldon Day as the only surefire depth option at the position for Saturday's contest.

Jones (ribs) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Eagles, Ben Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Jones missed the Commanders' Week 15 win over the Giants due to a rib issue, but the cornerback was able to string together two complete practices before logging a DNP Thursday. If Jones can overcome Thursday's setback in time for Saturday's contest, he should reclaim his spot as the primary depth option at cornerback behind current starters Antonio Hamilton and Mike Sainristil.

Olszewski (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Olszewski logged back-to-back full practices to start the week, an encouraging sign after missing Week 15 due to a concussion suffered in Week 13. The 29-year-old still needs to clear the league's concussion protocol to have any chance to play against Minnesota in Week 16.

Newton (illness) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Eagles, Ben Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Newton was a new addition to Thursday's injury report with an illness. The defensive tackle's ability to play Saturday will hinge on how quickly his immune system bounces back. The 23-year-old should be set to suit up, but if he is unable to go, Sheldon Day will be the lone reserve option behind Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw.

Yankoff (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Eagles, Ben Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

Yankoff was unable to practice all week due to the ankle injury he sustained in last Sunday's win over the Giants. The tight end's absence means the position room only has John Bates and Ben Sinnott ready for Saturday. Due to this development, rookies Robert McDaniel out of Jackson State University or Gee Scott out of Ohio State could be elevated from the practice squad ahead of Saturday's contest.