NFL Player News

Foster could serve as the No. 2 receiver over the Bills' final four games after the team released Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes earlier this week, Kyle Silagyi of the Bills' official site reports. "I don't want to say [it's] a confidence boost," Foster said. "I just want to say that I don't want to allow myself to get comfortable. I keep saying that over and over, I don't want to get comfortable. I just want to continue to do what I'm doing and hope that it shows up on Sundays."

It's quite the ascension for Foster, who was sitting on the practice squad less than a month ago. A few big games and a couple of roster moves later, Foster now looks to be no worse than the third option at receiver. The Buffalo passing game is incredibly inconsistent, but with a strong-armed rookie in Josh Allen throwing him the ball, the speedy Foster should have a few more big plays in him before the season draws to a close.

McCloud could earn more work on offense over the final quarter of the season after the Bills waived fellow wideouts Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes this week, Kyle Silagyi of the team's official site reports. "It's an opportunity for me, an opportunity for the team," McCloud said. "Just help us grow the future and develop for future years just to see what we're all about."

McCloud hasn't played the last two games after a series of disappointments on offense and special teams. Since the Bills are using the last four games as an audition for 2019, it seems likely the sixth-round rookie will get some more looks before the campaign concludes. Zay Jones is the clear-cut No. 1 option at receiver, while Robert Foster and Isaiah McKenzie seem to be next in line. It's uncertain if McCloud or veteran Deonte Thompson is the fourth man at the position.

Washington will be part of the Steelers' game plan during Sunday's game against the Raiders, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Washington was a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Chargers and has struggled to produce to begin his rookie season -- he has only eight catches for 77 yards and one touchdown across 10 games. The second-round pick was reportedly sought out by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Wednesday, who told Washington that he's "still confident" in him. With Justin Hunter (shoulder) having been placed on injured reserve and Ryan Switzer in the concussion protocol, Washington could serve as Pittsburgh's No. 3 wideout during Sunday's tilt against the Raiders. The rookie will work to capitalize on his increased opportunity.

Ridley practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday due to hand and elbow injuries, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Two weeks ago, Ridley dealt with a thigh concern before tearing up the Saints secondary on Thanksgiving Day to the tune of eight catches (on 13 targets) for 93 yards and one touchdown. Last week, he tended to ankle and elbow issues, only to post three receptions for 22 yards on five targets last Sunday against a staunch Ravens secondary. He's now ditched the ankle injury but has added a hand issue to the mix. Coming off the second-worst performance of his rookie campaign in terms of yardage, Ridley will be looking to bounce back in Week 14 versus an exploitable Packers defense that has allowed 13.5 yards per reception and 17 total touchdowns to wideouts in 12 games.

Coutee (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Coutee was also a limited participant all of last week, with his status eventually coming down to a game-time decision before he was ruled out ahead of Sunday's 29-13 win over the Browns. DeAndre Carter stepped in as the No. 3 wide receiver in Coutee's stead, catching each of his six targets for 32 yards in his first extended offensive action in the NFL. The Texans hope to have Coutee back in action Sunday against Indianapolis, but it's unwise to count on him immediately recapturing a prominent role in the passing attack if he suits up.

Hopkins (foot) was listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday.

The listing is nothing out of the ordinary for Hopkins, who has been a fixture on injury reports all season but has yet to be truly in any danger of missing game action. The expectation is that Hopkins will approach this weekend's game against the Colts minus an injury designation, an outcome that should be confirmed Friday.

Beasley (foot) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News reports. "I'm feeling good," Beasley told Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News. "If it was game time, I'd be able to go right now."

Beasley sprained his right foot last Thursday against the Saints when an opposing defender landed on it as he stretched for a first down. Considering his comments, he seems a good bet to take the field this weekend against the Eagles, barring a setback.

Goodwin (personal) wasn't listed on the 49ers' injury report Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

In his return to the team facility, Goodwin logged every practice rep in his first session since Nov. 23. With his personal issue behind him, he'll turn his focus to a Week 14 matchup with the Broncos, who will be without top cornerback Chris Harris (fibula) on Sunday.

Cobb (hamstring) was limited in practice Wednesday, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

In his return from a three-game absence Week 13 against the Cardinals, Cobb consistently worked in three-receiver sets, compiling three catches (on five targets) for 25 yards. Since Cobb played 80 percent of the offensive snaps in that contest, the Packers are likely placing a cap on his reps for maintenance purposes rather than as a result of any setback with his hamstring. Nonetheless, those relying on Cobb in deeper leagues will want to check back in on his status before the end of the week as the Packers prepare for a matchup Sunday with the Falcons.

Thomas was held out of Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Assuming he picked up the injury during last Thursday's 13-10 loss to Dallas, the 25-year-old wideout will at least have the benefit of a few extra days to recover ahead of the Saints' Week 14 road matchup with the Buccaneers. He's missed just one game in three NFL seasons, but there won't be any denying the concern if Thomas doesn't make it back to practice in some capacity Thursday. Assuming he gains clearance for the weekend, Thomas should feast on a injury plagued pass defense that has surrendered 8.6 yards per attempt and 28 touchdowns through the air in 12 games.