NFL Player News

Johnson (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

The uncapped session marks Johnson's second in a row, but it's unclear if he's passed through the final phase of the protocol for head injuries. On Wednesday, coach Matt Eberflus noted Johnson had "one more hurdle" to get past in order to see his first game action since sustaining a concussion Week 5 in Washington, per Chris Emma of 670TheScore.com. Having said that, the Bears may not indicate whether that has happened until they post their final practice report of Week 8 on Friday. If Johnson gains clearance to play Sunday at the Chargers, he may split the backfield reps with D'Onta Foreman with Khalil Herbert (ankle) still on injured reserve.

Barkley (elbow) was a limited at practice Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Barkley maintained his activity level for a second consecutive session to kick off Week 8 prep as he manages the hyperextended left elbow that he suffered this past Sunday against the Commanders. Considering he logged 83 percent of the snaps and racked up 24 touches while playing through the injury, he doesn't appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jets, but there's a chance that he enters the weekend with a designation.

Kamara (illness) was spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara missed the Saints' first Week 8 practice Wednesday after falling ill, but his presence on the field a day later bodes well for his chances of being available Sunday in Indianapolis. The Saints' second injury report of the week will be released later Thursday and will reveal whether Kamara was a full or limited participant in his return to practice.

Ford (ankle) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The Browns haven't officially ruled Ford out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but with two straight absences from practice to begin Week 8 prep, the running back looks all but guaranteed to sit out this weekend. On a positive note, the Browns remain optimistic that Ford's right high-ankle sprain will keep him out for just 1-to-2 weeks, putting him on track to avoid a stint on injured reserve, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. According to Petrak, Kareem Hunt is scheduled to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session due to a lingering thigh injury, so he'll presumably be in line to lead the backfield in Seattle while Pierre Strong works in a complementary role.

Hunt (thigh) returned to practice Thursday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

After he missed practice Wednesday, Hunt's return to Thursday's session has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Assuming he's active this weekend, he could be busy Week 8 with Jerome Ford (ankle) a candidate to be unavailable.

Mostert (ankle) was back at practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

After he missed Wednesday's practice, Mostert's return to the field a day later bodes well for his chances of being available for Sunday's game against the Patriots. The Dolphins' upcoming injury report will clarify whether Mostert was limited or worked fully Thursday.

Jones (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's session due to his lingering left hamstring injury, Jones at least participated in individual drills one day later. Coach Matt LaFleur chalked up Jone's absence to being "just a little bit sore" in the aftermath of Sunday's loss at Denver, per Ryan Wood of USA Today. Ultimately, Thursday's practice report will reveal how much work Jones was able to handle.

Moss (elbow/heel) returned to practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Moss missed Wednesday's session, but his return to the field Thursday bodes well for his chances of being available for Sunday's game against the Saints. The Colts' upcoming injury report will reveal Moss's participation level, but he likely will need to practice fully by Friday in order to avoid a Week 8 injury designation.

McKinnon (groin) won't practice Thursday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

McKinnon practiced fully Wednesday, so it's unclear if his absence a day later is indicative of a setback or a matter of rep management. Friday's injury report will add further context regarding McKinnon's Week 8 status, but if the running back is available Sunday against the Broncos, he'll be in line to continue to handle a change-of-pace role behind top back Isiah Pacheco.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Montgomery (ribs) won't practice Thursday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

While Campbell said that Montgomery is showing improvement in his recovery from cartilage damage to his ribs, the coach noted he's counting on Jahmyr Gibbs to step up and lead the Detroit backfield this week. Campbell's comments imply that Montgomery is trending toward a second straight absence Monday against the Raiders, though whether the running back is ruled out ahead of the contest or listed as doubtful or questionable may not be decided until after Saturday's practice session. The Lions are on bye Week 9, giving Montgomery added time to heal up before a Week 10 game against the Chargers on Nov. 12.