NFL Player News

Awuzie did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder issue.

Awuzie logged just a 21 percent defensive snap share -- his lowest of the season -- this past Sunday in a loss to Pittsburgh, and that may be explained by the shoulder injury he is currently dealing with. It's unclear how serious the issue is, but his level of participation in practice Thursday and Friday should provide clarity about Awuzie's likelihood of playing Sunday versus Cincinnati.

Smartt (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Smartt appeared to sustain the injury late in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, and he finished that game playing 22 snaps (three on offense, 19 on special teams) while failing to haul in his lone catch. Given his DNP on Wednesday, Smartt faces an uphill battle to be cleared to play this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Mason Taylor (neck) also working through an injury, Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods are the two remaining healthy tight ends on the Jets' active roster for the start of Week 15 prep.

The Steelers cut Sermon from their practice squad Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

In a corresponding transaction, Pittsburgh signed veteran offensive tackle David Sharpe to its practice squad. Sermon could be a candidate to rejoin the organization at some point down the line, but with the Steelers healthy at running back at this point, he'd be unlikely to be brought up for action on offense anyway.

Thornton (concussion) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com previously indicated that Thornton -- who was inactive in Week 14 -- had cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, but the wideout was nonetheless deemed limited Wednesday. He'll have two more opportunities to upgrade his participation level before the Raiders assign game statuses for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Adams (groin) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Adams suffered a groin injury Week 13 against Atlanta and missed this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. However, his return to full practice participation Wednesday suggests that he should be able to return to action against Jacksonville this weekend. Isaiah Oliver logged a start at safety in Adams' stead versus Miami, but Oliver will likely return to a rotational role should Adams indeed be able to suit up Sunday.

Landry (knee) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Landry has been on the injury report with a knee issue for the last couple of weeks, but he's managed to suit up anyway. Given that he's starting the week with a limited session, he should be in good position to play in New England's Week 15 showdown with the Bills.

Herbert (left hand) was limited at practice Wednesday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Herbert, who sustained a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand during Week 13 action, was able to play in Monday's 22-19 overtime win over the Eagles, and while he completed just 12 passes and was sacked seven time in the contest, he wound up as the Chargers' leading rusher with 66 yards. Looking ahead to this weekend's game against the Chiefs, Herbert noted Wednesday that he's in a healthier spot than he was this time last week. "I think for the most part, it's gotten a lot better," The QB said of his injured hand. "I feel like my grip strength has gotten better and just being able to use it has gotten better too."

Tonga (chest) logged a full practice Wednesday.

Tonga missed New England's Week 13 win over the Giants with a chest injury, though he had the team's bye week to pick up extra rest. He's in to return for a pivotal Week 15 showdown with the Bills.

Jackson (knee/groin) didn't practice Wednesday.

It's been another long season for Jackson, who signed with Washington in mid-October and almost immediately was placed on IR. He had his practice window opened Nov. 13 and was activated off injured reserve Dec. 4, though at that point he hadn't been able to consistently take part in practices. It appears Jackson is still trying to fully recover from the knee injury that he suffered during a game more than two years ago, and his DNP to begin this week of prep isn't a good sign for his readiness to return this coming Sunday versus the Giants.

Morris (ankle) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Morris was bothered by a groin injury that cost him two games earlier in the season. It's unclear if the ankle injury will jeopardize his status for a Week 15 matchup against the Jets. Morris has primarily contributed as a blocker and on special teams this season.