NFL Player News

Hopkins (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The Texans have managed Hopkins' practice reps carefully all season while he's been listed on the injury report with a variety of minor issues, but the wideout has never been in serious danger of missing any game action. Hopkins' status for Sunday's tilt with the Browns shouldn't be viewed as a concern as he looks to bounce back after having his five-game touchdown streak snapped in the Week 12 win over the Titans.

Ridley (ankle/elbow) was limited at Thursday's practice, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ridley has been injured at times during his rookie campaign, but he has logged at least 60 percent of the snaps on offense in eight of 11 games, including each of the last five. His peripheral numbers -- 9.5 YPT and 17.0 percent TD rate -- suggest he's set to erupt on a weekly basis. However, the presence of target-hog Julio Jones keeps Ridley contained most games. Assuming he puts ankle and elbow issues behind him, Ridley has a tough matchup Sunday against a Ravens defense that has allowed just 10.9 receptions per game to opposing wideouts this season.

Thielen (calf) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

For the third week in a row, a calf injury was attached to Thielen, inducing a cap on his practice reps. Expect him to be cleared on the Vikings' final injury of Week 13, as he has been before both of the team's previous two games. Assuming he is, Thielen will face a Patriots defense Sunday that has yielded 7.5 YPT and 12 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.

Cobb (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Cobb was a limited participant all of last week before missing his third straight contest in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Vikings, so he may need to advance to full participation Friday to gain clearance for the Packers' Week 13 matchup with the Cardinals. If Cobb is active for the contest and reclaims his usual role out of the slot, it could result in a reduction of snaps for rookies Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown (elbow).

St. Brown (elbow) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown's reps have been restricted in back-to-back days, so he may need to put in a full practice Friday to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. If he suits up this weekend, it's possible St. Brown's role could be scaled back a bit, as the Packers remain hopeful that fellow wideout Randall Cobb (hamstring) may be ready to return from a three-game absence.

Powell (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Powell was not listed on Detroit's injury report to begin the week, so it remains to be seen where he picked up his calf injury. The undrafted rookie has been a healthy scratch for two straight games, and he's unlikely to see a notable offensive role against the Rams on Sunday even if he's able to suit up.

Samuel (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Samuel's absence from Wednesday's session came as a surprise after there was no indication he got banged up in the Panthers' Week 12 loss to the Seahawks, during which he played a season-high 54 offensive snaps. The wideout's return to full activity a day later suggests his restrictions Wednesday were likely maintenance-related, leaving no concern about his status for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. While Samuel will draw a favorable matchup against a dreadful Tampa Bay secondary, he may not be tasked with filling as prominent of a role on offense with No. 1 receiver Devin Funchess (back) potentially in line to return from a one-game absence.

Smith (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Smith's lack of restrictions offer credence to the notion that his limitations Wednesday were likely maintenance-related after he returned from a four-game absence due to play 13 offensive snaps in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Seahawks. The wideout should be ready to handle a larger workload in Week 13 in Tampa Bay, but it's uncertain if he'll be needed for extended snaps. No. 1 wideout Devin Funchess (back) returned to practice as a limited participant Thursday and could be ready to go after a one-game hiatus, while youngsters D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel have both made cases for enhanced roles of their own. It therefore wouldn't be surprising if Smith ranked fourth or fifth among the Carolina receivers in snap share this weekend.

Diggs (knee) expects to play in Sunday's game at New England, despite sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Although he was a non-participant Thursday, Diggs was seen running on the side with his left knee wrapped, according to Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The four-year vet likely doesn't need many (if any) practice reps to be ready for gameday, but a return in some capacity Friday would provide more confidence that his comments Thursday weren't in vain. It should be noted that Vikings practices this week have featured Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell, Aldrick Robinson and Brandon Zylstra at wide receiver.

Anderson (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.

Anderson's ankle issue has already caused two absences this season, but his involvement in Thursday's session offers hope that he'll be able to avoid the inactive list for Sunday's game in Tennessee. Even if Anderson suits up this weekend, it's hard to bank on him delivering much fantasy value, as he's topped 45 receiving yards only once this season (Week 5 against the Broncos), with two of his three touchdowns coming in that contest. Anderson's outlook is further muddled by the team's uncertain situation at quarterback, as the Jets have yet to reveal if Sam Darnold (foot) or Josh McCown (thumb/back) will start in Week 13.