NFL Player News

Bateman (ankle) is participating in Wednesday's practice, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Bateman will likely be limited Wednesday, but it's encouraging to see him back on the practice field after he missed Baltimore's win over the Bengals in Week 15. He was added to the injury report as limited last Thursday then missed practice entirely Friday. Bateman's production has been disappointing in 2025, as across 11 regular-season appearances he's tallied just 18 catches for 217 yards and two scores on 36 targets.

Thornton (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thornton sustained a concussion in the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, so it's no surprise he won't practice Wednesday. The fourth-year pro has been one of Kansas City's most productive receivers this season, catching 19 of 36 targets for 438 yards and three touchdowns while also accumulating 475 kick-return yards. He must still clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Titans on Sunday.

Plumlee joined the Steelers' practice squad Wednesday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

The UCF product was dropped from the Steelers' practice squad on Dec. 16, but it now appears the team had a change of heart. Plumlee has yet to make his NFL debut after posting 505 rushing yards and five touchdowns during his final collegiate season in 2023.

Restrepo (ankle) will practice Wednesday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie wideout from Miami was carted off the field in the Week 13 loss to the Jaguars due to an ankle injury, but it now appears he's moved past the issue. Although Restrepo remains on Tennessee's practice squad, he could be elevated to the active roster to ensure depth at wide receiver for Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs.

Oliver (knee) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

The Youngstown State product has been sidelined since the Titans' Week 2 loss to the Rams due to a knee injury, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Once fully healthy, Oliver is expected to play a depth role in Tennessee's receiving corps while also contributing on special teams.

Rice (concussion) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Per Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com, Rice reported concussion symptoms Monday, and the wideout is now in the NFL's concussion protocol as Sunday's game against the Titans approaches. He now has two more chances to practice before the Chiefs' Week 16 game statuses are posted, but with the team eliminated from playoff contention, look for caution to be exercised with both Rice and fellow WR Tyquan Thornton, who is also in the protocol.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Watson (chest/shoulder) is expected to practice in a limited capacity, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Watson was not able to participate in Tuesday's walk-through practice after being injured during Sunday's loss to the Broncos, so it's highly encouraging to see him back on the field, even if only as a limited participant. LaFleur said Watson is "fighting to play" Saturday versus the Bears, but at this stage the wideout's availability appears legitimately up in the air. If Watson is able to handle at least limited on-field reps again Thursday, he figures to have a fair chance to gain clearance for Week 16.

Hardman (calf) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The veteran wideout from Georgia has been sidelined for the Bills' last four games after sustaining a calf injury in the Week 11 win over the Buccaneers, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Hardman will likely contribute as one of Buffalo's top kick and punt returners once fully healthy, though he must still be activated to the team's active roster in order to suit up for the Week 16 matchup against the Browns.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that London will participate in practice and remains day-to-day, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Morris expressed optimism Monday about London's chances of retaking the field for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals, and it appears the star wideout will take a tangible step in the right direction Wednesday. In all likelihood, London will be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, but if he's able to upgrade to full on field-reps even once in Week 16, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's matchup.

The Panthers announced Wednesday that Moore (elbow) has been designated to return from IR and had his 21-day practice window opened, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Moore can be activated from IR at any point within his 21-day practice window, making Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers his earliest tentative return date. When officially back to full health, Moore will resume handling a depth role in Carolina's wide receiver corps. He practiced in full Wednesday.