NFL Player News

Waller (knee/rest) was a limited participation in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Waller continues to have his practice reps managed, as has been standard for the veteran tight end all season. Barring any setbacks, there's not yet any reason to believe Waller's status is in much genuine doubt for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals. Waller is fresh off a two-TD performance on Monday Night Football against the Steelers and now faces an exceptional matchup against the league's worst-rank defense against opposing TEs, but Miami's overall passing game carries an air of uncertainty heading into what will be the first regular-season start of rookie Quinn Ewers' career.

Taylor (groin/knee) was listed as limited at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor is now listed with a knee injury in addition to the groin injury that kept him out of this past Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. Brady Cook made his first NFL start against the Jaguars and has already been named the starter for Sunday's game against the Saints. The healthier of Taylor or Justin Fields (knee) will work as the backup, with that race being too close to call after a pair of limited listings from both veteran quarterbacks Wednesday and Thursday.

Ward (calf) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Ward has not practiced since sustaining a calf injury during the Browns' Week 14 loss to the Titans. If he hopes to suit up for Sunday's game against the Bills, he will liklely have to log participation of some kind in Friday's practice. If the starting cornerback is ultimately sidelined, Sam Webb will likely continue to see an increased snap share at cornerback for Sunday's contest.

Taylor (neck) remained a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor missed a fifth consecutive practice Thursday due to a neck injury, which kept him out of the Jets' Week 15 loss to Jacksonville. Barring a surprisingly abrupt recovery from Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert is set to continue filling in as the Jets' primary tight end Sunday against the Saints, with the latter fresh off signing a two-year extension.

Kamara (knee/ankle) didn't take part in Thursday's practice.

Kamara still hasn't resumed practicing since he sprained his MCL in Week 12, and while coach Kellen Moore hasn't ruled him out like he did fellow RB Devin Neal (hamstring) on Wednesday, the veteran back seems to be in danger of missing a fourth game in a row Sunday against the Jets. At the moment, Audric Estime and Evan Hull are the only healthy options at the position on the Saints' active roster.

Brooks (chest) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Bears, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Brooks isn't the only banged-up Packers running back, as Josh Jacobs (knee) is listed as questionable and MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) has been ruled out. Jacobs expects to play Saturday, so Brooks will likely be left to split backup duties with Emanuel Wilson at best, if he plays at all following three limited practices.

Fant (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Fant was unable to practice Wednesday due to the ankle injury he sustained during Cincinnati's loss to the Ravens in Week 15, but he's now making tangible progress in his recovery. Friday's session will represent Fant's last chance to prove he's capable of handling full practice reps ahead of Sunday's matchup against Miami.

Higgins (concussion) was listed as a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Ben Baby of ESPN.com notes that Higgins hasn't been a full practice participant since reporting concussion-like symptoms following the Bengals' Dec. 7 loss to the Bills. The wideout thus has one more chance to log a full session this week, and he'll also need to receive clearance from an independent neurologist in order to be removed from the five-step concussion protocol. If Higgins is still limited in Friday's practice, he could be ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins ahead of the weekend.

Lloyd (hamstring) is officially ruled out for Saturday's road game against the Bears, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Lloyd came off IR temporarily on Wednesday, as part of Green Bay's reported plan to place him back on IR, to make it possible for the 2024 third-round pick to get healthy in time for a return during the playoffs. With Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) and No. 3 back Chris Brooks (chest) both officially questionable to face Chicago, Emanuel Wilson is the only fully healthy member of the Packers' backfield.

Nailor (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Coming off a two-touchdown performance in this past Sunday's 34-26 win over the Cowboys, Nailor has been slowed by a back injury during Week 16 prep. He's now been a limited practice participant for two straight days, but so long as he can upgrade to full activity Friday, he'll likely approach Sunday's matchup with the Giants without an injury designation.