NFL Player News

Fields (knee) won't start Sunday's game at New Orleans but could be active as the backup if he's healthy, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Brady Cook will start, with the backup situation apparently depending on who of Fields or Tyrod Taylor (knee) is healthier.

Heyward carried four times for four yards and a touchdown in Monday's 28-15 win over the Dolphins.

A hybrid fullback/tight end who had logged just eight touches through the Steelers' first 13 games of the season, Heyward was surprisingly called upon for direct snaps on all four occasions he was on the field for the Pittsburgh offense in Monday's win. After extending drives in the first and second quarters on a pair of 4th-and-1 conversions, Heyward then found paydirt on a 3rd-and-goal carry with 17 seconds left in the first half to give Pittsburgh its first points of the night. The touchdown was the second of the season for Heyward, who previously recorded a 12-yard receiving score in a Week 6 win over the Browns.

Jackson missed Wednesday's practice due to flu-like symptoms, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh didn't sound too concerned, but it's perhaps worth noting that Jackson has missed an unusual amount of time (mostly practices) due to illnesses throughout his career. The good news for Baltimore is that Jackson got sick early in the week, giving him at least four full days to recover before the Ravens face the Patriots on Sunday night.

Davis (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro was sidelined for the Week 15 win over the Chiefs due to an ankle injury, and Wednesday's DNP suggests he's still dealing with the issue. Davis likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday to play in the Week 16 matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Taylor (groin) won't start Sunday's game at New Orleans but could be active as the backup if he's healthy, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn named Brady Cook as his Week 16 starter, with the backup situation depending on injuries to Taylor and Justin Fields (knee). Either way, Taylor isn't assured of seeing the field again this season.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that Mickens (shoulder) won't practice Wednesday and "could miss time," Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie safety from Clemson exited the Week 15 win over the Chiefs with a shoulder injury, and it appears that issue could sideline him further. Mickens' practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Hudson recorded three catches for 16 yards on five targets in Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Ravens.

The three receptions were one shy of matching a season-high total for Hudson, who took the field for 19 of the team's 43 offensive snaps. Though Hudson has demonstrated some solid pass-catching chops when he's on the field, he's still no better than the second or third receiving option at the position behind Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant, the latter of whom exited Sunday with an ankle injury. The Bengals also continue to keep Drew Sample involved on offense as a blocking specialist, which typically leaves few snaps left over for Hudson.

Ekwonu (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

The fourth-year pro from NC State appears to have sustained a knee injury in the Panthers' Week 15 loss to the Saints. Ekwonu now likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid an injury designation heading into the Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers.

Kincaid (knee) is listed as a non-participant after Wednesday's walk-through practice.

Kincaid wasn't on the injury report last week, and there was no report of an issue during/after Sunday's 35-31 win over New England. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the situation, but it is possible Wednesday's absence is indicative of maintenance more so than real concern about missing time.

Wharton (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

The 27-year-old was sidelined for Carolina's Week 15 loss to the Saints due to a hamstring issue, and Wednesday's DNP suggest he's still dealing with the issue. Wharton has been impactful in his first season with the Panthers, recording 36 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and one pass defensed across nine contests. He likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to play in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Buccaneers.