NFL Player News

Claypool (hamstring) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Claypool was limited for a second straight practice session as he continues to manage a hamstring injury that sidelined him in Week 4. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether or not Claypool is able to practice fully to close the week and approach Sunday night's contest against the Seahawks minus a Week 6 injury designation.

Washington (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Washington was unavailable for Sunday's Week 5 win over Denver, but he's practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and Thursday. He appears to be trending toward playing against the Seahawks on Sunday, and he's expected to handle an increased workload after JuJu Smith-Schuster underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

Toney (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Along with Toney, fellow wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton have logged capped practice sessions this week as they aim to get back on the field for the first time since Week 3. Toney has benefitted from the pair's DNPs, including a 10-catch, 189-yard effort on 13 targets this past Sunday in Dallas before he was ejected for throwing a punch in the second half. If Kenny Golladay sits, as expected, Sunday against the Rams due to his hyperextended knee, all of Toney, Shepard and Slayton would benefit, assuming they're all available.

Slayton (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

The same can be said for Sterling Shepard as both wide receivers attempt to end their absences at two games. On a positive note, the Giants are optimistic about the ability of Shepard and Slayton to do so, as coach Joe Judge told Dan Salomone of the team's official site earlier Thursday. New York is expected to be without top wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee) for at least Sunday's contest versus the Rams, so Slayton could have an elevated profile in the passing game if he's active this weekend.

Shepard (hamstring) was limited at Thursday's practice, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Shepard maintained his activity level from Wednesday, leaving him with just one more session to bump up to participation in every drill. Even if he doesn't, though, coach Joe Judge told Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site on Thursday that the team has optimism that both Shepard and Darius Slayton will return from two-game absences after dealing with respective hamstring injuries. With Kenny Golladay slated to miss at least Sunday's contest against the Rams due to a hyperextended knee, Shepard could be New York's top wide receiver this weekend.

Thielen (foot) stretched and ran routes before Thursday's practice, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's unclear if Thielen's activity will equate to a limited showing, but he did leave the field for rehab work during the media portion of Thursday's session. The same can be said for Justin Jefferson (ankle), as the Vikings' top two receivers tend to injuries. Thielen's level of participation will become known upon the release of Thursday's practice report.

Brown (knee) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Brown didn't appear in Sunday's game against the Saints due to his knee injury, but he's practiced in a limited capacity on each of the last two days. The rookie could enter Week 6 without an injury designation if he's a full participant in Friday's practice.

Hill (quadriceps) won't practice Thursday, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Following back-to-back practice absences, what Hill is able to do during Friday's session will be telling with regard to his availability for Sunday's game against Washington. If Kansas City's top wideout is out this weekend, the Chiefs would have to get by with Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle and Josh Gordon as its primary options at receiver.

Parker (shoulder/hamstring) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

With that, Parker's status for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London is cloudy. Friday's injury report will reveal the wideout's chances of suiting up Week 6, but if Parker is out or limited versus Jacksonville, Preston Williams likely would be in store for a heightened role in the Miami passing attack along with Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki and Myles Gaskin.

Jefferson (ankle) will return to practice Thursday as a limited participant and said he expects to play Sunday against the Panthers, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Jefferson was surprisingly absent from Wednesday's practice due to the ankle injury, which he apparently picked up in last weekend's thrilling win over the Lions. Though the Vikings are taking things slowly with their top wideout heading into the team's Week 6 game in Carolina, Jefferson looks like he'll be ready to fill his usual high-volume role in the Minnesota passing attack come Sunday. Whether he carries a questionable designation into the contest will likely hinge on the extent of his participation in the team's final Week 6 practice session Friday.