NFL Player News

Lazard (abdomen) returned to practice Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for the receiver to be activated from injured reserve, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Since he's already missed three games after having core-muscle surgery in early October, Lazard is eligible to return from IR, but the Packers have yet to decide if he'll be fit to play Sunday against the Vikings. The Packers have taken cautious approaches this season with key players working through injuries in Davante Adams and Aaron Jones, and Lazard may fall in the same category as Green Bay's clear No. 2 wideout. If he's unable to play Sunday, Lazard would stand a good chance to play Week 9 against the 49ers as long as he responds to practice well.

Moore (thigh) isn't listed on Baltimore's injury report Wednesday.

The 27-year-old was inactive for the win over the Eagles prior to the Week 7 bye, but he was able to practice with no limitations with the added recovery time. Moore has yet to see the field this season due to thigh and finger injuries, but he appears on track to make his season debut Sunday against the Steelers.

Gage (knee) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game in Carolina.

Gage logged a limited offensive snap count (32 percent) during Sunday's loss to the Lions, marking the second time in seven contests in which he didn't earn at least 60 percent. Still, he made an impression in the box score, with six receptions (on seven targets) for 54 yards. Gage's practice reps were capped Monday through Wednesday due to a knee injury, so the Falcons could still be judicious with his workload in Thursday's game even though he won't be taking a questionable tag into the matchup.

St. Brown (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

St. Brown spent the first four games of the season on injured reserve, but even after his return Week 6, he's actually played more snaps on special teams (15) than offense (14) over the last two contests. His lingering knee injury continues to inhibit his ability to practice and clearly be a part of the offense, and until he elevates to full participation, St. Brown may not be a regular in the Packers' receiving corps. Playing time will be even harder to come by for St. Brown once Allen Lazard (core) is cleared to return from IR, likely in the next week or two.

James (ankle) was a nonparticipant at Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The 25-year-old picked up the injury during Sunday's win over the Patriots. James has mostly contributed in the return game since returning from injured reserve for Week 6.

Perriman (concussion) isn't practicing Wednesday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Perriman finally returned from a three-game absence related to an ankle injury last week, only to pick up a concussion in the Jets' 18-10 loss to the Bills. He'll need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol within the next few days in order to play Sunday in Kansas City.

Crowder (groin) isn't practicing Wednesday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Crowder was limited to strength and conditioning work on the side, but the team hopes that he'll be able to resume practicing with the main group Thursday. The slot wideout missed last week's loss to Buffalo, but his possible return Week 8 is unlikely to move the needle much for the winless Jets' chances of pulling a historic upset in Kansas City on Sunday.

Johnson didn't practice Wednesday due to a toe injury, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

The Steelers' injury report doesn't reference an ankle bruise the wideout reportedly suffered in the Week 7 win over the Titans, but it bears noting that Johnson previously managed a toe issue earlier in the season. His status will be revisited again Thursday, when Johnson should upgrade to limited or full practice participation as the Steelers prepare for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

McKenzie (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

McKenzie appears to have picked up an ankle injury during Sunday's win over the Jets, in which he caught both his targets for 14 yards and lost 11 yards on his only carry. There's not yet any reason to be overly concerned about the depth wideout's Week 8 status.

Edwards (ankle/foot) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Wednesday marked Edwards' first practice since he sprained his ankle in Week 3. If he shows enough progress in practice this week to suit up Sunday in Cleveland, Edwards could find himself out of the mix for a regular starting role alongside Henry Ruggs and Hunter Renfrow. Nelson Agholor has stepped up for the Raiders in Edwards' absence, hauling in 11 of 15 targets for 218 yards and three touchdowns over the past three contests.