NFL Player News

Smith (knee) isn't slated to practice Friday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Smith has now been a spectator for both of the Eagles' first two Week 16 practices, so he'll likely need to log some on-field reps Saturday to inspire more confidence in his chances of playing Monday versus the Giants. If Smith ends up missing his first game of the season Monday, the Eagles would likely turn to a three-man rotation of Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus and Julio Jones to pick up reps in two- and three-receiver sets alongside No. 1 wideout A.J. Brown.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Pittman has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will be available Sunday against the Falcons, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

After being listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Pittman took part in a full-contact session Thursday. He apparently passed the final step of the protocol -- gaining clearance from an independent neurologist -- before or after Friday's practice, so he's now on track to continue leading the Colts' receiving corps Week 16. The fourth-year wideout has produced a fantasy-friendly 99-1,062-4 receiving line on 143 targets through 14 appearances this season.

Toney (hip) isn't practicing Friday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Toney is sitting out practice for a second consecutive day. He'll look to raise his participation level Saturday before the team publishes its Week 16 injury report for Monday's game against the Raiders. With Skyy Moore (knee) done for the remainder of the regular season, Kansas City's receiving corps behind rookie Rashee Rice includes Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Richie James and Justyn Ross, while it remains to be seen if Toney or Mecole Hardman (thumb) will be available Monday.

Beckham (illness) returned to practice Friday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Beckham missed practice Thursday, and while the extent of his participation Friday has yet to be revealed, it's a step in the right direction nonetheless. The Ravens play Monday night in Week 16 against the 49ers, so Beckham's game status won't be revealed until Saturday's injury report, though he could avoid an injury designation altogether by logging full participation Friday or Saturday.

Smith-Schuster (ankle) wasn't spotted on the field for the start of Friday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Smith-Schuster was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, so his apparent absence from Friday's session is noteworthy. The Patriots will release their final Week 16 injury report later Friday, when it will be known whether the wideout carries a designation into Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Pittman could clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol as soon as Friday, potentially putting him on track to enter Sunday's game against the Falcons without a designation, Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Pittman went through a full-contact practice Thursday, passing through the fourth step of the protocol after he exited last week's win over the Steelers due to the concussion. If he gains clearance from an independent neurologist, Pittman will be removed from the protocol and should reprise his role as Gardner Minshew's top target this weekend in a game that could prove crucial for the 8-6 Colts' playoff hopes.

Dortch (shoulder) will return to practice Friday and could play in Sunday's game at Chicago, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

It sounds like Dortch is headed for a 'questionable' designation on the final injury report, after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday. Marquise Brown, meanwhile, has been ruled out for Week 16 after aggravating his heel injury yet again during the Cardinals' Week 15 loss to San Francisco. If he makes it through Friday's practice without incident, Dortch could get a lot of snaps and targets in Chicago this Sunday.

Brown (heel) is ruled out for Sunday's game at Chicago, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Coach Jonathan Gannon made multiple comments earlier this week about hoping to get Brown back before the end of the season, but a decision to rule the wide receiver out for Week 16 before Friday's practice even starts isn't the most encouraging development. Brown made early exits Week 13 and 15 -- sandwiched around a Week 14 bye -- and he's now missed every practice ahead of Week 16. The most likely beneficiaries in terms of additional WR snaps/targets are Michael Wilson, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch and Zach Pascal, though Dortch missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a shoulder injury. Brown's next chance to play is Dec. 31 at Philadelphia.

Godwin (knee) returned to practice Friday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Godwin played through the same injury last week after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, ultimately catching 10 of 12 targets for a season-high 155 yards in a 34-20 win over the Packers. He should be fine to play at Jacksonville on Sunday, especially after missing just one practice (Thursday) this week.

Coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Jones (hamstring) is "probably not" going to suit up Sunday versus Tampa Bay, Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville reports.

Jones, who Pederson recently called week-to-week, looks set to miss at least one contest due to the hamstring injury he sustained in this past Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Ravens. Considering that Jones has already missed back-to-back practices, it wouldn't be surprising to also see him sidelined during Friday's session. Pederson did, however, note that Jones is making progress, which lends optimism to the idea that he could be available Dec. 31 versus the Panthers. On a plus note for Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence (concussion) is set to resume practicing Friday, per John Shipley of SI.com.