NFL Player News

Valdes-Scantling (back) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Valdes-Scantling maintained his listing from Wednesday's estimated injury report. He has one more session remaining during Week 15 prep, after which the Packers may give him a designation ahead of Sunday's game in Baltimore.

Humphrey (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The limited session marks a step forward for Humphrey, who didn't participate in practice last Friday due to the hamstring injury before sitting out Sunday's win over the Jets. He remained idle for the Saints' first Week 15 practice Wednesday, but Humphrey's return to the field Thursday should give him a chance at being available this weekend in Tampa Bay. If he's cleared to suit up, Humphrey could serve as the Saints' No. 3 receiver, a role that Kenny Stills filled last week to little success (no targets on 27 snaps).

The Bears placed Robinson on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

He was one of six Chicago players to land on the list Thursday. If vaccinated, Robinson would have an outside shot at being available for Monday's game against the Vikings if he's asymptomatic for 48 hours and tests negative for the virus on two occasions at least 24 hours apart. At this point in the week, however, Robinson seems more likely than not to sit out Monday, potentially leaving Chicago shorthanded at receiver with Marquise Goodwin (foot) also looking uncertain to play against Minnesota.

Samuel was sidelined for Thursday's practice due to a hamstring injury, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel has been a fixture on injury reports throughout the season due to a groin issue that dates back to training camp, but it's another lower-body concern that has been attributed to his absences from practices Wednesday and Thursday. Washington hasn't yet commented on Samuel's potential availability for Sunday's game in Philadelphia, but the injury prone wideout will likely have to get back on the field in some capacity Friday to have a shot at playing. Even if he's active this weekend, Samuel likely won't be entrusted with a major role on offense. He's played fewer than 40 percent of Washington's offensive snaps in each of his five appearances in 2021.

Schwartz (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Raiders, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Schwartz was unable to clear the league's concussion protocols ahead of Week 15, and he'll be forced to miss a fourth consecutive game. Rashard Higgins and Ja'Marcus Bradley will likely see increased playing time Saturday.

Washington listed McLaurin (concussion) as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

While the Washington roster continues to be ravaged by COVID-19-related absences, McLaurin's ability to upgrade from no participation in Wednesday's practice to limited activity Thursday qualifies as some rare good news. McLaurin will still need to receive clearance to take contact and will also need to get the green light from an independent neurologist in order to suit up Sunday in Philadelphia, but the wideout looks to be trending in a positive direction.

Thielen (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Thielen remains in recovery mode from a high-ankle sprain as the Vikings took the field for the first time during Week 15 prep. Earlier Thursday, coach Mike Zimmer told Chad Graff of The Athletic that he's "hopeful" Thielen will be able to return Monday in Chicago. Considering Thielen suffered the injury Dec. 5, it may be wishful thinking for the wide receiver to play just a little more than two weeks later. Having said that, he does have two more sessions at his disposal to prove the health of his ankle.

Moore (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Moore picked up a hamstring issue near the end of this past Sunday's loss to the Falcons. Coach Arthur Smith considered Moore day-to-day as of Monday, and the wide receiver has followed up that comment with back-to-back capped sessions. Even if he enters the weekend with a designation, Moore doesn't seem to be in much danger of missing the Panthers' Week 15 game at Buffalo.

The Seahawks placed Lockett (undisclosed) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Lockett and Alex Collins (abdomen) are the second and third Seahawks to be placed on the list this season after Gerald Everett sat out Weeks 4 and 5 due a positive test of the virus. If Lockett is unable to suit up Sunday at the Rams, Seattle may be a bit compromised at wide receiver, as all of DK Metcalf (foot/back), Freddie Swain (ankle) and Dee Eskridge (foot) are tending to injuries at the moment.

McLaurin (concussion) took part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

One day removed from working with team trainers on a side field, McLaurin appears to have cleared another hurdle in his quest through the protocol for head injuries. However, how much work he was able to handle won't be known until Washington posts its second Week 15 injury report later Thursday.