NFL Player News

Cooks (illness) has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Cooks joins a lengthy list of Texans on the list in advance of Sunday's game against the Chargers. If the team's top wideout doesn't clear protocols in advance of the contest, Nico Collins, Chris Conley and Phillip Dorsett would be in line for added Week 16 snaps and targets.

The Jets signed Zuber to their practice squad Wednesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

Zuber was released from Cleveland's practice squad in mid-November, but he'll land a spot on the Jets' practice squad just over a month later. He appeared in four games with the Patriots last year and secured both of his targets for 29 yards while rushing twice for 21 yards.

Evans (hamstring) is listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

The Buccaneers only held a walk-through session, but Evans wouldn't have been available for a real practice. He hasn't been ruled out for the upcoming game against Carolina, but his chances of suiting up don't look great after his early exit from Sunday's 9-0 loss to the Saints. With teammate Chris Godwin (knee) out for the season, Antonio Brown (ankle) could be the Bucs' No. 1 receiver this week in his first game back from a prolonged absence.

Thielen (ankle) didn't take part in Wednesday's walk-through practice, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Thielen has yet to practice since sustaining a left high-ankle sprain Dec. 5 in Detroit, missing two contests as a result. In the Vikings' last game Monday at Chicago, he actually was considered a game-time decision, but after putting in a brief pregame workout he was included on the team's inactive list. Thielen still has a couple more chances to mix into practice this week, but he told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Wednesday that he may not have to get any on-field work to make himself available to Minnesota's offense Sunday versus the Rams.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Moore (hamstring) likely will be a game-time call for Sunday's tilt with the Buccaneers, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Moore's practice reps were capped all of last week before he handled 90 percent of the offensive snaps this past Sunday at Buffalo en route to six catches (on 11 targets) for 48 yards. He was held out of practice entirely Wednesday, after which Rhule touched on Moore's status. Getting back on the field Thursday and/or Friday may put Moore in a better position to be available this weekend, so his activity level will be something to monitor as the week goes on.

Bourne still has a chance to play in Sunday's game against the Bills after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Bourne is vaccinated, and the timing of his placement on the COVID list gives him several days to test negative on back-to-back days. It's still probably no better than 50/50, and the Pats also have other issues at wide receiver with Nelson Agholor (head) and N'Keal Harry (head) both getting banged up during Saturday's loss to Indianapolis.

Hart wasn't targeted in Tuesday's 20-10 loss to the Rams.

Even with Tyler Lockett out of the lineup, Hart played just seven offensive snaps and wasn't targeted on any of Russell Wilson's 31 pass attempts. Hart will continue to be used sparingly in this offense for the rest of the season.

Moore didn't practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Moore was listed as a limited participant on all three Week 15 practice reports due to the same health concern before handling a 90 percent share of the offensive snaps this past Sunday at Buffalo. The results in the box score were modest -- six catches (on 11 targets) for 48 yards -- and he's only scored one touchdown since Week 4. Now, with no practice activity to begin Week 16 prep, Moore's status will be one to watch to ensure he's available this weekend against the Buccaneers.

Eskridge didn't catch any of his four targets in Tuesday's 20-10 loss to the Rams.

Eskridge handled his biggest snap share of the season (70 percent), largely because Tyler Lockett (illness) missed the game while on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The rookie second-round pick has played in only seven games this season, recording just seven receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Harry (head) was on the field for practice Wednesday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Meanwhile, Nelson Agholor (head) and Kendrick Bourne (reserve/COVID-19 list) were absent from the Patriots' first Week 16 session. If neither or both players aren't cleared to play Sunday against the Bills, Harry -- assuming he's available -- would be in line for added snaps alongside Jakobi Meyers.