NFL Player News

Higgins (hamstring) is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

The 21-year-old has been limited at practice this week due to the hamstring issue, but it isn't expected to affect his availability for the season finale. Later Friday, the Bengals will release their final Week 17 injury report, which will reveal whether he carries an injury designation into the contest.

Boyd (concussion) is expected to play Sunday against the Ravens, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 26-year-old sat out the Week 16 win over the Texans and was limited at practice the past couple of days while making his way through the concussion protocol, but he should be good to go for the season finale. It's unclear if Boyd will avoid an injury designation for the Week 17 contest altogether, but he's expected to avoid the inactive list ahead of the 1 p.m. ET kickoff.

Beasley (knee) won't take part in Friday's practice, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The 31-year-old has been unable to practice all week after picking up the knee injury during the Week 16 win over the Patriots, putting his availability in doubt for Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins. The Bills previously labeled Beasley week-to-week, so he seems unlikely to be available for the final game of the regular season. John Brown was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, and he'll likely step back in as Buffalo's No. 2 wide receiver this weekend.

Hopkins (hip) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's session due to a hip issue, Hopkins made some progress with an appearance on the field Thursday. He's regularly received days off in his first season with the Cardinals, so the increase in reps is consistent with his weekly preparation. Friday's injury report could clear up Hopkins' status entirely for Sunday's game with the Rams in L.A.

Merritt was activated as a COVID-19 replacement for Sunday's Week 17 road battle against the Bills.

Miami will be without Ryan Fitzpatrick for Week 17 given his positive COVID-19 result from Thursday. Merritt swings up to the active roster as a late addition, aligning the 23-year-old for his second game appearance of 2020. He fielded one snap on offense and seven more on special teams during his NFL debut Week 9 against Arizona.

Coach Ron Rivera said Thursday that McLaurin, who hasn't practiced this week due to a high-ankle sprain, "looked good" and "moved around" Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports. "It was a positive step," Rivera added. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow."

During the open part of practice, McLaurin put in some time with Washington's training staff on the side, per John Keim of ESPN.com. Despite this and Rivera's comments, McLaurin has yet to make a noticeable step in his recovery from an injury that typically sidelines a player for multiple games. Still, Rivera seems to be holding out hope McLaurin will make a leap and put himself into a position to play Sunday in Philadelphia, a game that has postseason implications.

Guyton (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Guyton's ability to take every rep Thursday clears the way for him to fill a starting role out wide for the Chargers in Sunday's game versus the Chiefs. Though Guyton has typically served as a secondary target for quarterback Justin Herbert this season, the receiver could be in store for a heightened role in the passing attack Week 17. No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) has already been ruled out for the contest after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list, while top tight end Hunter Henry remains on the same list as of Thursday and is uncertain to gain clearance for the season finale.

Brown (ankle) practiced fully Thursday, John Glennon of BroadwaySportsMedia.com reports.

Brown thus is good to go for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Texans and in line to remain a key component of the Titans' Week 17 passing attack. Through 13 games to date, he's been a reliable fantasy contributor, having logged 60 catches (on 95 targets) for 924 yards and 10 TDs.

Lazard (core/wrist) was limited at Thursday's practice.

Since he returned to the lineup Week 11 following a six-game absence due to core muscle surgery, Lazard has had his practice reps capped. In six contests in the interim, he's only reached 50 receiving yards twice and scored one touchdown on 25 targets. Lazard likely will be available again Sunday at Chicago, but he has yet to show his early season strides from before the procedure.

Allen, who had been dealing with a hamstring issue, has been placed on the COVID-19 list by the Chargers, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

With Allen out for Sunday's season finale, Jalen Guyton (hamstring) and Tyron Johnson should be in line to see added opportunities in the Chargers' Week 17 passing game alongside starting wideout Mike Williams.