NFL Player News

Anderson (ankle) wasn't spotted on the field during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.

The wideout wasn't involved in pre-practice stretching and wasn't seen taking part in individual work, suggesting he'll go down a non-participant on the Jets' practice report for the second straight day. The lack of activity coming out of the Week 11 bye seemingly doesn't bode well for Anderson's chances of avoiding a second straight absence Sunday against the Patriots.

Cobb (hamstring) appeared to practice Thursday in a limited fashion, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

It doesn't sound like the Packers incorporated Cobb into team drills for their second session of the week, as Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com notes that the wideout did some individual work on the side before jumping on an elliptical machine. While it's good to see that Cobb was involved both Wednesday and Thursday in some fashion, he may need to take contact at Friday's practice to have a realistic shot at returning from a two-game absence Sunday in Minnesota.

Jones (knee) won't play Thursday against the Bears, but he has a chance to return to action against the Rams on Dec. 2, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jones has been dealing with a bone bruise in his knee, but it looks like the receiver's absence may be limited to two games, with his Week 13 playing prospects bolstered by the added healing time the Lions' current short week will afford him. With Jones out Thursday, look for TJ Jones and Andy Jones, along with Bruce Ellington (assuming he plays through back issue) to see added work in the Detroit passing game behind top option Kenny Golladay.

Bourne (undisclosed) isn't listed on the 49ers' injury report, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Bourne reportedly appeared limited when the 49ers resumed practice after a Week 11 bye, but there isn't any issue warranting his presence on the injury report. He could get another chance to fill in for Pierre Garcon (knee), who was held out of practice Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game in Tampa Bay. Bourne took advantage of Garcon's absence with four catches for 33 yards on six targets in a Week 10 loss to the Giants, leading all San Francisco wideouts in offensive snap share (95 percent). The Niners might keep Bourne in a key role even if Garcon is available, as the latter has managed just 6.2 yards per target this season. Bourne also has been limited to 6.2 per target, but there's a clear argument for giving the 23-year-old regular snaps down the stretch run of a lost season.

Goodwin (personal) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Goodwin is back with the 49ers after missing Monday's practice for personal reasons. His target volume has been disappointing, but there is cause for optimism this week as he prepares to face a Bucs defense that has yielded a league-worst passer rating of 124.9.

Coach Ron Rivera sounded skeptical about Smith (knee) being ready to play Sunday against the Seahawks, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site reports.

Smith returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant, making his first appearance of any kind since he suffered a knee injury Nov. 21. He may have to settle for a minor role whenever he's ready to play, as young receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel have both looked good in recent weeks.

Smith (foot), who is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Falcons, said he feels good and expects to be available for the contest, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports. "In my eyes, I'm playing [Thursday]," Smith said.

The rookie's status for Thanksgiving Day appeared shaky after he was unable to practice Tuesday and put forth only a limited showing in what was presumably a light practice Wednesday. Smith's comments after practice paint a more optimistic picture of his availability for Thanksgiving Day, but confirmation on that front may not arrive until the Saints release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before Thursday's 8:20 p.m. EST kickoff. If Smith's prediction comes to pass, he'll look to build on the breakout performance he delivered in the Week 11 win over the Eagles (10 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown).

Ridley (thigh) practiced fully Wednesday and doesn't carry an injury designation into Thursday's game against the Saints, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Ridley's thigh issue was never thought to be a major worry, but his availability to avoid even a questionable tag heading into the Thanksgiving Day matchup provides further confidence in his health. The wideout enjoyed his best outing of the season in the Falcons' previous meeting with the Saints in Week 3, finishing with seven receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns on eight targets.

Thielen (calf/lower back) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

The same injuries resulted in Thielen logging limited practice reps last Wednesday and Thursday, but he ultimately suited up in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Bears and made seven catches for 66 yards. Thielen handled a normal snap count in that contest and didn't report any injury-related setbacks heading into this week, so the assumption is that his restrictions Wednesday were mainly for maintenance purposes.

Smith (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Falcons, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Smith was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. Since the Saints likely held only a light walk-through session Wednesday to close out their Week 12 preparations, the rookie's lack of participation in Tuesday's practice could be the more significant piece of information with regards to his status. The Saints may ultimately wait and see what Smith is able to do in a pregame workout before determining his availability for the divisional matchup, making him a risky option in any Thanksgiving Day DFS lineups with kickoff in New Orleans set for 8:20 p.m. EST. Perhaps in anticipation of Smith being held out of the contest or limited, the Saints added a receiver to the 53-man roster Wednesday, activating Tommylee Lewis (knee) from injured reserve.