NFL Player News

Thomas (foot) wasn't on the field for the open portion of Thursday's practice and is expected to be listed as a non-participant, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Though Adam Schefter of ESPN reported over the weekend that Thomas was likely to return from a two-game hiatus to play Sunday against the Bengals, the wideout's continued absences from practice would seem to suggest otherwise. The Saints will wait until after Friday's session before providing an update on Thomas' status for the team's matchup with Cincinnati, but the 29-year-old will likely need to put in a full workout just to avoid taking a questionable designation into the weekend.

Bateman (foot) isn't practicing Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Bateman will sit out for the second consecutive day and will be missing his fifth consecutive practice overall while he continues to tend to the left foot injury that forced him out late in the Ravens' Week 4 loss to the Bills. He'll almost certainly need to get back on the field in some capacity Friday to have a legitimate shot at returning to action Sunday against the Giants. If Bateman can't go, the Ravens would be more likely to spread his vacated targets among their tight ends and running backs; Devin Duvernay was the only Baltimore wide receiver to draw more than two targets in last week's win over the Bengals.

Higgins (ankle) wasn't in uniform for Thursday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

The report notes that the wideout headed to the rehab field Thursday, so Higgins now is destined to be listed as a non-participant at practice for the second day in a row. He'll have one more chance to practice in advance of Sunday's game against the Saints, but unless Higgins is able to log a full practice Friday, he figures to head into the weekend with a Week 6 injury designation.

Gage (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gage didn't practice Wednesday, so his return to Thursday's session is a step in the right direction for the wideout ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers. The Buccaneers' upcoming injury report will reveal whether Gage was limited or worked without limitations Thursday.

Brown (groin), who is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Bears, is expected to play, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Washington has already ruled out wideout Jahan Dotson (hamstring) and tight end Logan Thomas (calf) for the second straight week, but Brown looks like he'll avoid an absence due to the groin issue that resulted in him being listed as a limited practice participant Monday through Wednesday. While Dotson was sidelined for the Week 5 loss to the Titans, Brown stepped up to deliver 75- and 30-yard touchdown receptions, but he didn't reel in either of his other two targets across his 20 snaps on offense on the afternoon. Assuming he avoids the inactive list, Brown could step into a larger role Thursday on the heels of his big performance, but his projected target volume still might not be large enough to make him a reliable fantasy option in most leagues.

Eskridge did not participate during practice Wednesday due to an illness, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

This illness will leave Eskridge's availability for Sunday's game against the Cardinals up in the air. The 25-year-old has caught three of five targets for 16 yards through the first five games of 2022, so his potential absence should not have a significant impact on Seattle's passing game in Week 6.

Harty (foot) did not participate during the Saints' practice Wednesday.

Harty is expected to miss some time after suffering what is feared to be a significant turf toe injury during Sunday's win over the Seahawks. The 25-year-old has served as New Orleans' primary returner for both punts and kickoffs when healthy this season, so his likely absence should lead to more special-teams usage for fellow wideout Marquez Callaway.

Nailor (hamstring) was listed as a full participant on the Vikings' injury report Wednesday.

Nailor was inactive during Sunday's win over the Bears after being limited with a hamstring injury in practice Thursday and Friday. However, the rookie wideout appears to be healthy again after participating in full during the first practice of Week 6. Nailor recorded once reception on his lone offensive snap of the season in Week 4, and he should continue to primarily play on special teams, barring any injuries to Minnesota's wide receiver corps.

The Lions signed Alexander to the practice squad Wednesday.

Alexander was waived by the Lions on Monday after playing two offensive snaps in as many games this season. The rookie wideout has yet to record a target in his NFL career, but he did see usage as Detroit's primary kick returner since Week 4. Alexander will now be eligible for three game-day elevations while on the Lions' practice squad this season.

The Cardinals added Treadwell to the practice squad Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Treadwell will join up with Arizona after being let go from New England's practice squad last Tuesday. The 27-year-old recorded 33 receptions (on 51 targets) for 434 yards and a touchdown over 12 games with Jacksonville last season, and he could be a reliable game-day elevation for the Cardinals' under-manned wide receiver corps.