NFL Player News

Brown (illness) wasn't present for Friday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Back-to-back practice absences recorded by the wideout are concerning, though it remains to be seen how the team lists his his Week 17 availability. Added clarity with regard to Brown's chances of suiting up Sunday against the Rams should arrive upon the posting of the Ravens' final Friday injury report and/or transactions.

The Titans activated Westbrook-Ikhine (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Westbrook-Ikhine landed on the virus list Monday but was quickly able to clear the NFL's COVID-19 return-to-play protocol. Julio Jones (illness) remains on the list, so Westbrook-Ikhine could serve as Tennessee's No. 2 wideout Sunday against the Dolphins if Jones remains out.

Evans (hamstring) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Evans landed on the COVID list early this week but was able to clear league protocols over the past few days. However, the 28-year-old isn't necessarily in the clear to play Sunday against the Jets because he continues to nurse the hamstring strain that sidelined him for Week 16.

Coach Robert Saleh said Crowder (calf) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Crowder has been unable to practice this week, and it appears he'll also be sidelined for Friday's session. The 28-year-old missed last week's win over Jacksonville and is now also expected to be sidelined for Week 17.

Meyers (thigh) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Meyers has typically avoided New England injury reports this season, but he's tending to a thigh issue in the aftermath of the Patriots' Week 16 loss to the Bills. Fortunately for the third-year wideout he's at least been able to practice in some capacity for the Patriots' first two sessions of the week, a sign that he'll likely be ready to play Sunday against the Jaguars.

Harry (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Harry was also limited in practice Wednesday, but so long as he's able to maintain that level of activity Friday or upgrade to full participation, he should be in good shape to play Sunday against the Jaguars. Meanwhile, Nelson Agholor (concussion), who sat out last week's loss to the Bills, was unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday, perhaps putting him in line for another absence this weekend. If that's the case, Harry would likely maintain a regular role in three-receiver sets alongside Jakobi Meyers (thigh) and Kendrick Bourne.

Houston listed Conley (knee) as a limited practice participant Thursday.

After being listed as limited for Wednesday's walk-through session, Conley didn't take a notable step forward in terms of activity a day later. That being said, the Texans haven't indicated that Conley has suffered any sort of setback with the lingering knee issue, which has resulted in him being included on the injury report for the second straight week. He played through the health concern in last week's win over the Chargers, finishing with three receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Shenault (shoulder/foot) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Shenault missed Week 16 after landing on the COVID-19 list last week, but he's back on the active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Patriots. The 23-year-old was nursing foot and shoulder injuries before going on the virus list, and his participation level at Friday's practice should provide an idea of his outlook for this weekend.

Metcalf (foot) practiced fully Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

After kicking off Week 17 prep with no on-field reps Wednesday, Metcalf handled all of them one day later. His maintenance plan has allowed him to suit up for every game this season, but the results have been tepid since the Seahawks' Week 9 bye. Over the last seven contests, Metcalf has put together a modest 25-266-1 line on 53 targets.

Brown didn't practice Thursday due to an illness.

Brown was a full practice participant Wednesday, so his absence Thursday is notable. At this stage, it's unclear if the wideout's illness could impact his availability for Sunday's game against the Rams, but a return to the field, in any capacity, on the part of Brown on Friday would be reassuring to those considering him in Week 17 fantasy lineups.