NFL Player News

Awuzie (foot) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

Awuzie didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday after exiting this past Sunday's win over the Bengals due to a foot injury. The starting cornerback will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. T.J. Tampa would probably continue to fill in if Awuzie doesn't play.

Neal (back) will not practice Thursday due to soreness, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Neal had his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday and was a full participant Wednesday, but he now appears to be battling a setback. It's worth noting that prior to being placed on IR mid-November, Neal did not play a single offensive snap with for the Giants this season. With New York's O-line mostly in a healthy state, Neal likely wouldn't play Sunday against the Vikings even if he proves he's in 100 percent form.

Higgins (concussion) made an appearance in the final moments of the open portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

After not being spotted during the initial portion of the session, Higgins -- who was limited at practice Wednesday -- showed up with a helmet while working with the Bengals' training staff. Ultimately, Thursday's injury report will reveal Higgins' official participation level.

Rice (concussion) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice will sit out a second consecutive practice Thursday, having also missed Wednesday's session after reporting concussion symptoms Monday. To have any chance at clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol prior to Sunday's game against the Titans, Rice would have to upgrade to full participation Friday and gain clearance from an independent neurologist, so his chances of suiting up Sunday look slim. Xavier Worthy could work as the top wide receiver for a Chiefs team that has been eliminated from playoff contention and will start Gardner Minshew at quarterback.

Higgins (concussion) wasn't spotted on the field during the early portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, so his absence to begin Thursday's session is notable. The Bengals' second injury report of the week will be released later Thursday and will provide official word on the extent of the wideout's practice participation. If Higgins isn't available Sunday against the Dolphins, Mitchell Tinsley would be in line to see more snaps alongside fellow receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas.

Thornton (concussion) will not practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thornton and top wideout Rashee Rice (concussion) have both kicked off Week 16 with back-to-back absences from practice, a scenario that could leave Gardner Minshew shorthanded for Sunday's game against the Titans. Prior to entering the concussion protocol during Kansas City's loss to the Chargers in Week 15, Thornton secured two of three targets for 47 yards.

Jackson (illness) was on the field for practice Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday, but the star quarterback's return to the field Thursday puts him on track to be available Sunday against the Patriots. The Ravens' second practice report of the week will be released later Thursday and will reveal the extent of his participation in the session.

New York signed Hooker to the practice squad Thursday.

Hooker previously spent time on Carolina's practice squad from late August to early November. He was elevated for one game with the Panthers, a Week 8 tilt against the Bills, but he didn't record any offensive snaps. Now, Hooker will provide the Jets with emergency depth behind Brady Cook, Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee).

McMillan (foot/ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

McMillan sat out Wednesday's walkthrough due to foot and ankle injuries, after which coach Dave Canales called the rookie wide receiver "day-to-day," per David Newton of ESPN.com. McMillan's ability to mix into drills a day later is a step in the right direction as the Panthers continue preparation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Thursday's practice report will reveal if he was a limited or full participant.

The Jets placed Adams (groin) on injured reserve Thursday.

Adams will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a groin injury sustained during New York's loss to the Jaguars in Week 15. The team also placed safety Isaiah Oliver (knee) on injured reserve Monday. As such, Keidron Smith, Dean Clark and Jarius Monroe will all be candidates to step into expanded roles on defense at safety alongside Malachi Moore.