NFL Player News

Austin was limited in practice Friday due to a calf issue.

Austin wasn't listed on the Steelers' initial Week 15 practice report, so it's possible he sustained a calf injury during Friday's session. Either way, the wideout's game status for Monday night's game against the Dolphins is set to be revealed Saturday. If Austin is limited or out versus Miami, Adam Thielen, Ben Skowronek (hand) and practice-squad member Marquez Valdes-Scantling would be candidates to log added snaps behind top WR DK Metcalf.

Young (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Lions, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Young sat out Friday's practice after being limited in the first two sessions of Week 15 prep due to a lingering knee injury. That appears to have been a maintenance day for the third-year edge rusher, who has been given the green light to play in Sunday's home tilt. Young has tallied 1.0 sacks in back-to-back games, and his 11.0 sacks (through 13 regular-season games) is tied with Danielle Hunter and Josh Sweat for fifth most in the NFL.

Wicks (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest in Denver, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Wicks followed up back-to-back limited sessions to kick off Week 15 prep with a full practice Friday, indicating that his lingering ankle injury likely isn't much of an issue any longer. With all of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed (shoulder), Matthew Golden (wrist) and Bo Melton also in the clear for Sunday, Wicks' workload is up in the air, especially after he earned just six offensive snaps and no targets during a Week 14 win against the Bears.

Carter (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Carter was unable to practice this week, making it consecutive weeks on the bench for the defensive lineman. Byron Young will likely continue to see an increased snap share at defensive tackle in the 2023 first-rounder's absence.

Tinsley is focused on making the most of his expanded offensive opportunities with Tee Higgins (concussion) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Tinsely was previously targeted nine times versus Baltimore in Week 13, a contest that Higgins also sat out, though he secured just two of those targets for 22 yards. With Higgins back on the field Week 14, Tinsley played just nine of 60 offensive snaps and wasn't targeted once. Opportunity knocks once again for Tinsley in Week 15, however, and he said he's "looking forward to proving" his consistency during Sunday's rematch. Andrei Iosivas also will be in line for increased snaps behind top WR Ja'Marr Chase as long as Higgins remains sidelined.

Nolen (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

The rookie first-rounder was limited in practice during Week 15 prep, giving him a shot at returning Sunday from a two-game absence due to a knee injury. Nolen has played in just four of 14 regular-season games due to knee and calf injuries, and when he's played he has accumulated eight tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks, one pass defense and one fumble recovery.

Nichols (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Nichols was unable to practice all week due to a knee injury that he sustained during the Cardinals' Week 14 loss to the Rams. Dante Stills and rookie third-rounder Jordan Burch are slated to see more rotational snaps at defensive end alongside Josh Sweat in Nichols' absence. Nichols will aim to progress enough in his recovery to return for Arizona's Week 16 tilt against Atlanta on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Golden (wrist) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest at Denver, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Since he injured his shoulder Week 9 against the Panthers and then picked up a wrist issue after Week 11 action, Golden has missed three contests (Weeks 10, 12 and 13) and logged 23 combined offensive snaps and four targets in his two appearances. He finally was a full participant Friday for the first time since prior to Week 9, so he presumably will be able to take on whatever workload Sunday's game plan allows for. However, all of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed (shoulder), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and Bo Melton also will be available this weekend, meaning Golden could be reduced to certain sub-packages.

Jones (ribs) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Jones was unable to log any participation in practice this week. With the starter faced with an extended recovery, Noah Igbinoghene will likely get an opportunity either as the slot or outside cornerback, depending on what coach Dan Quinn wants to do with current slot corner Mike Sainristil. With Marshon Lattimore (knee) and Trey Amos (lower leg) on injured reserve, defensive back seems to be a prime position for practice squad elevation this week for the Commanders' defense.

Bryant (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Bryant could not practice in any capacity this week due to a hamstring injury, and he'll be forced to sit out at least one game as he works to get healthy. With the rookie third-round pick unavailable, Marvin Mims and Lil'Jordan Humphrey will stand to see increased target opportunities alongside Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.