NFL Player News

Benford (toe) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Benford wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, but he then downgraded to limited practice activity Thursday and missed Friday's practice entirely, which may indicate that he's trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game. He was spotted with a walking boot on his left foot Thursday. Rookie first-round pick Maxwell Hairston will stand to draw a start at cornerback if Benford can't play Sunday.

Metellus (shoulder) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

The Michigan product logged consecutive limited sessions to open the Vikings' week of practice, but it appears he's moved past his shoulder injury in time to play Sunday. Now fully healthy, Metellus is expected to operate as Minnesota's top strong safety in Week 15.

Reid (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Reid upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to limited practice sessions Thursday and Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup. The first-year Saint is an integral part of the team's defense, recording 60 total tackles and four passes defensed, including one pick-six, across 12 appearances this season. If active for the Week 15 contest, Reid is expected to operate as New Orleans' top strong safety.

Trubisky (illness) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Trubisky did not practice Thursday due to an illness, but he resumed practicing in full Friday. He'll handle his usual backup role behind star quarterback Josh Allen during Sunday's road divisional matchup against New England.

Brown (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Brown, who is tending to a personal matter, didn't practice Wednesday, was limited Thursday and then was listed as a non-participant Friday before being deemed out for Week 15. The wideout's next opportunity to return to the lineup will occur Sunday, Dec. 21 against the Titans. In Brown's absence this weekend, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy figure to lead the Chiefs' Week 15 WR corps, with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton candidates to see added snaps versus Los Angeles.

Gould (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks.

Gould sustained a foot injury in the Week 14 loss to the Jaguars and didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, so it's no surprise that he won't play Sunday. The second-year pro from Oregon State has operated as Indianapolis' top return man this season, tallying 647 kick-return yards and 131 punt-return yards across 11 appearances. While he's sidelined in Week 15, expect Ameer Abdullah and Josh Downs to handle the Colts' kick- and punt-return duties, respectively.

Gardner (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks.

The fourth-year pro from Cincinnati didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a non-contact calf injury. While Gardner remains sidelined in Week 15, expect Mekhi Blackmon and Johnathan Edwards to operate as Indianapolis' top boundary cornerbacks.

Armour-Davis (Achilles) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Armour-Davis will miss a third straight game while working his way back from an Achilles injury, despite seemingly having made progress at practice in Week 15. His next chance to retake the field will come Week 16 versus the Chiefs. Marcus Harris will stand to continue handling a starting role at cornerback until Armour-Davis retakes the field.

Johnson was elevated from the Patriots' practice squad to the active roster Friday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With Terrell Jennings (concussion) set to miss the Week 15 divisional matchup against the Bills, Johnson's addition to the active roster provides New England with much-needed depth at running back. The 29-year-old has appeared in three games for the Patriots this season, rushing four times for seven yards. He's expected to play behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson on Sunday.

Spillane (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bills, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The 29-year-old linebacker popped up on the Patriots' injury report Thursday and logged consecutive limited practice sessions to end the week. Spillane is an integral part of New England's defense, recording 97 total tackles and five passes defensed, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble through 13 games this season. If he's sidelined Sunday, Marte Mapu will likely have an expanded role in the Patriots' linebacker corps.