NFL Player News

Cleveland was restored to the Broncos' practice squad from the practice squad COVID-19 list Wednesday, Aric DiLalla from the Broncos' official site reports.

Cleveland has appeared in six games for the Broncos this season but none since Week 10. Now cleared to return to the team, Cleveland will work to earn another shot with the Broncos' active roster in Week 18 against the Chiefs.

Smith (chest) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

After picking up a chest injury Week 16 against the Dolphins, Smith didn't log any practice reps last Wednesday through Friday and was ruled out ahead of this past Sunday's contest against the Panthers. His return to on-field work during the first session of Week 18 prep is a sign that he's trending in the right direction, but his activity level over the next two days will be key to determine whether he'll be available this weekend in Atlanta.

New York activated Slayton (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, MIchael Eisen of the Giants' official site reports. Slayton was then listed as a limited participant on the Giants' estimated practice report due to a shoulder injury, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger.

Slayton's return from the list and participation in practice -- albeit in a limited capacity -- sets the stage for him to play Sunday against Washington after missing the Week 17 blowout loss at Chicago. He'll likely be a starter and get plenty of snaps if his conditioning is OK, but there's not much upside for the New York passing game with Jake Fromm likely starting at quarterback.

Watkins (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Watkins will be on the field Saturday against the Cowboys, but he still hasn't caught more than four passes in a game this season, and his snap share dropped well south of the usual range in two of the past three weeks. His fantasy floor is low, and his upside is modest in a run-heavy offense.

Evans (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Evans sat out Week 16 due to a hamstring issue, which was followed by a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Fortunately, he was able to clear league protocols last Friday, then practiced on a limited basis to enter the weekend being listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the Jets. He ultimately suited up and played 75 percent of the Bucs' offensive snaps in the 28-24 win, finishing with four catches (on seven targets) for 47 yards and one touchdown in the 28-24 win. With Antonio Brown (personal) expected to be cut loose by the Buccaneers in the near future, Evans is the team's clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver with Chris Godwin (knee) out for the season. Evans now will aim to head into Sunday's season finale versus the Panthers without an injury designation.

The Eagles activated Johnson (undisclosed) from the practice squad COVID-19 list Wednesday.

Johnson landed on the practice squad COVID-19 list Friday but will rejoin the team after less than a week of isolation. He hasn't yet appeared in a game this year.

Johnson (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimation, Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Johnson has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and his status on Wednesday's injury report isn't encouraging for his Week 18 status. If he hopes to have a chance to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against Washington, he'll likely need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday.

Denver activated Patrick (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Jerry Jeudy (illness) also came of the same list Wednesday, setting the stage for the two wideouts to return from one-game absences to play in Saturday's season finale with the Chiefs. With Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) on injured reserve, the starting receiver trio of Patrick, Jeudy and Courtland Sutton will be drawing targets from Drew Lock (shoulder), who is on track to make a third consecutive start.

Denver activated Jeudy (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The Broncos also brought back Tim Patrick (illness) from the same list, setting the stage for both players to return from one-game absences for Saturday's game against the Chiefs. With Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) on injured reserve, the starting receiver trio of Jeudy, Patrick and Courtland Sutton will be taking targets this weekend from Drew Lock (shoulder), who draws a third straight start.

Anderson didn't practice Wednesday due to a quadriceps injury.

If Anderson was hurt in this past Sunday's loss at New Orleans, it wasn't evident in his workload, as he was on the field for 98 percent of Carolina's offensive plays on his way to hauling in both of his targets for 10 yards. With a health concern now in tow, his activity level will be something to watch Thursday and Friday to get a sense of his potential to play Week 18 at Tampa Bay.