NFL Player News

Smith-Schuster (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Wednesday absences from practice have become the norm for Smith-Schuster, so expect him to return to the field in some capacity Thursday and eventually gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The wideout is coming off his busiest game of the season, as Smith-Schuster logged 65 of a possible 79 offensive snaps in last week's 27-24 win over the Titans and finished with nine catches (on 14 targets) for 85 yards.

Callaway (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Prior to his departure from Sunday's win against the Panthers due to a minor ankle sprain, Callaway hauled in eight of 10 passes for 75 yards, which more than doubled his season output (5-50-0 on seven targets). With two more opportunities to take the field this week, he can set himself up to be available this weekend in Chicago in a Saints receiving corps that again may be without Michael Thomas (ankle/hamstring) and Emmanuel Sanders (illness).

Thomas (hamstring/ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Thomas seems to have mostly recovered from the high left ankle sprain he suffered Week 1, but the Grade 1 hamstring strain he suffered while practicing last week has continued to delay his return to action. On Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Thomas is in danger of sitting out again Week 8 in Chicago, and the wideout's inability to practice Wednesday tends to back up that sentiment. Still, Thomas has two more chances to prove his health before week's end.

Moore signed with the Chargers' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's media transactions page.

Moore started the season on the Chargers' 53-man roster and played 25 snaps with the team before being waived earlier this season. Now, the 25-year-old wide receiver will have an opportunity to try to work his way back up to the main roster.

Parker (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

The Dolphins are coming off a Week 7 bye, so Parker's inability to handle a full practice load to begin Week 8 is somewhat concerning. That said, the 27-year-old has regularly had his reps capped Wednesdays this season, so as long as Parker is able to keep practicing on at least a limited basis Thursday and Friday, he should be able to play Sunday against the Rams.

Johnson could be in line for an expanded role Monday against the Giants with Chris Godwin (finger) set to miss the contest, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Johnson has had an interesting rookie season, one that saw him inactive for the first two games of the campaign, target-less for the subsequent pair of contests and in the end zone twice on just seven catches over the last three. He was at his busiest in Week 5 against the Bears -- one of three games Godwin has already missed this season -- posting a 4-61 line on six targets. Johnson may not see the same volume versus New York, but he should slot into the No. 3 receiver role with Scotty Miller bumping up to No. 2 spot in Godwin's stead.

Patrick (hamstring) wasn't present during the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

The Broncos have labeled Patrick day-to-day, and he currently looks to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game against the Chargers. The 26-year-old will look to upgrade his level of practice participation Thursday and Friday.

Coulter (neck) was activated off IR on Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Coulter will have an extra week to get up to speed, as Houston's on bye in Week 8 before a Week 9 trip to Jacksonville. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Rhode Island will likely make his NFL debut against the Jaguars, though he's likely to start primarily in a special teams role.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Lazard (abdomen) will return to practice this week, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Green Bay hasn't officially designated Lazard to return from injured reserve, but LaFleur's comments suggest that could happen at some point between Wednesday and Friday. Since he's already missed three games since being placed on IR earlier this month after undergoing core-muscle surgery, Lazard is eligible to be added to the 53-man roster at any point. If Lazard responds well to his return to practice, he could attempt to give it a go Sunday against the Vikings, but a Week 9 appearance against the 49ers is probably more realistic.

Harry (head) wasn't spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice that was open to the media, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Harry was forced out of Sunday's loss against the 49ers in the first half due to a head injury, and a lack of practice reps Wednesday would seem to put his status for Week 8 in doubt. If the 2019 first-round pick can't suit up in Buffalo this weekend, Damiere Byrd, Gunner Olszewski and Jakobi Meyers will handle increased roles on offense alongside slot man Julian Edelman.