NFL Player News

Al-Shaair (ankle/knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Al-Shaair played 65 defensive snaps in Week 15 versus the Cardinals, and it's not immediately clear when he suffered any injury. He'll have two more opportunities to practice before Houston publishes its last practice report of the week Friday.

Melton (heel) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official website reports.

Melton has missed three straight games with a heel injury, and he's now been forced to sit out the team's first practice session of the week. Melton will have two more chances to return to practice prior to Sunday's matchup with the Falcons.

Phillips (heel) turned in a limited practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Phillips played his typical allotment of snaps in Sunday's loss to the Commanders, so it's unclear when the issue occurred. That he was able to turn in a limited session to begin the week suggests his status for the Giants' Week 16 matchup is not in jeopardy. However, Phillips' participation in practice throughout the rest of the week will be worth monitoring.

Hodge (shoulder) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hodge played through the issue with his shoulder in Week 15 at Tampa Bay, so it's possible he and the team are just playing things safe. He'll have two more chances to practice before Atlanta releases its final practice report of the week Friday.

Harper (concussion) was a Richard Silva of The Detroit News in Wednesday's practice.

It's unclear if Harper remains in the league's concussion protocol, but it appears he has a good chance to suit up Sunday against the Steelers after missing last Sunday's loss to the Rams. With Brian Branch (Achilles) out and Kerby Joseph dealing with a knee injury, Harper could be in line for heavy snaps on defense against Pittsburgh.

Thibodeaux (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Thibodeaux has been sidelined for the team's last four contests while nursing a shoulder issue, and he has yet to return to practice. If the 25-year-old is going to play in Week 16, he'll likely have to return to practice in some capacity before Sunday's matchup with the Vikings.

Robertson (hand) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Robertson is sporting a club on his injured hand, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News, but the plan is for him to play Sunday against Pittsburgh. Robertson suffered the injury in last Sunday's loss to the Rams. He's appeared in all 14 games this season, making 10 starts, and has produced 45 tackles (40 solo), a career-high 12 pass breakups, including one interception, and a pair of forced fumbles.

Collins (neck/concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Collins was designated to return to practice Dec. 10, but he has trended negatively since. He suffered a setback Friday that prevented him from playing in Week 15, and it was also enough to keep him sidelined Wednesday. Collins will seemingly have to make a significant step in his recovery to be ready for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Vaki (thumb) was limited in Wednesday's practice,

Seemingly on the injury report weekly due to various ailments this season, Vaki has appeared in eight games, playing just one offensive snap and another 136 on special teams. He carries next to no fantasy value.

Olszewski (concussion) logged a full practice Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Olszewski suffered a concussion in New York's Week 13 loss and missed the team's loss to the Commanders on Sunday, even after a bye week. His return to a full practice is positive, though it's unclear if he's cleared the league's concussion protocol. That will be the necessary final step for him to return for Sunday's game against the Vikings.