NFL Player News

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Thursday that Mahomes (ankle) "will most likely" start Saturday's game against the Texans, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Mahomes sustained a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's win over the Browns, but the issue is clearly less severe than the injury he suffered two years ago during the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. The star quarterback managed to practice in full Wednesday, potentially putting him on track to head into Week 16 action without an injury designation at all. Meanwhile, Reid also offered optimism that wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder) will be activated from IR and make his season debut versus Houston on Saturday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Smith (knee) practiced fully Wednesday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Smith injured his right knee in the second half of this past Sunday's loss to the Packers and wasn't able to return. He was able to work out Monday, then received encouraging results after undergoing tests on his knee. With no limitations to begin Week 16 prep, Smith thus is set to remain the Seahawks' starting quarterback Sunday against the Vikings.

Tagovailoa was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a hip injury, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Tagovailoa's listed limitations make his status worth tracking ahead of Sunday's game against the 49ers, but so far there's been nothing to suggest that the quarterback is in danger of sitting out. He'll have two more chances to put in a full practice and erase any concerns about his status heading into the weekend.

Mayfield didn't practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

In addition to Mayfield, three key skill-position players for the Buccaneers -- wideout Mike Evans (rest), tight end Cade Otton (knee) and wideout Sterling Shepard (foot) -- sat out the first practice of Week 16 prep, while running back Bucky Irving (back/hip) was a limited participant. As a result, the group will be monitored as the week goes on to see who will be available for Mayfield in the event the quarterback also is cleared to play Sunday at Dallas.

Mills (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Mills was a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough practice due to an illness. It appears he's past the issue and is on track to serve as Houston's backup quarterback behind C.J. Stroud against the Chiefs on Saturday.

O'Connell (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Guteirrez of ESPN.com reports.

O'Connell's ability to practice without limitations suggests he'll be healthy enough to start in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, barring a setback. His return under center is welcome news for Raiders pass catchers Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, who combined for only 94 receiving yards in Desmond Ridder's spot start during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Falcons.

Herbert (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Broncos.

The Chargers held a walk-through practice Wednesday but estimated that Herbert would have been a full participant in a more strenuous session. He was listed with ankle and thigh injuries last week, before suiting up and completing 21 of 33 passes for 195 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a 40-17 loss to Tampa Bay. Another loss Thursday night would make the Chargers highly unlikely to enter the AFC playoffs as anything better than the No. 7 seed, while a win would keep them in the running for the fifth or sixth seed.

Burrow (wrist/knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Burrow was also limited to begin Week 15 prep while receiving maintenance for a sore knee and his surgically repaired right wrist. He ended up entering the weekend without a designation and threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-27 win over the Titans on Sunday, albeit with three turnovers (two interceptions, one lost fumble). Burrow should be fine to play again this Sunday against the Browns.

The Chiefs listed Mahomes (ankle) as a full practice participant Wednesday.

Mahomes was listed the same way Tuesday after taking part in a walk-through practice, telling reporters beforehand that his high-ankle sprain is less of an issue than the one he played through during the playoffs two years ago. He's on track to play against the Texans on Saturday, albeit with a slightly lesser rushing projection than usual in light of the injury he suffered during the fourth quarter of a 21-7 win over the Browns this past Sunday.

Lock (heel/left elbow) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Lock missed the Giants' Week 15 loss to the Ravens due to a sore heel and a left elbow injury, which kept him off the practice field in advance of that contest. Prior to getting back on the field Wednesday, Lock was effectively named the Giants' starting quarterback for Week 16, with head coach Brian Daboll telling Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com that the team is planning on Lock being under center Sunday in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Tommy DeVito remains in the concussion protocol and also operated with a cap on his reps Wednesday, meaning Tim Boyle is the healthiest signal-caller on New York's active roster.