NFL Player News

Waddle (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism Monday about Waddle's chances of returning from a two-game absence for the regular-season finale Sunday against the Jets. Malik Washington has filled in capably the past two weeks while topping 80 percent snap shares in consecutive games, but it would still be a huge boost for the Dolphins to get Waddle back in the lineup as they fight for a wild-card spot on the final day of the season. Waddle previously managed limited practice participation Thursday and Friday last week before being listed as questionable and ultimately made inactive ahead of last Sunday's 20-3 win over the Browns.

Skowronek (hip) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Skowronek opened the Steelers' week of practice as a limited participant after missing the team's Christmas Day loss to the Chiefs. However, he upgraded to full participation Wednesday, suggesting he's since recovered from his hip injury. The 27-year-old is likely to serve as a depth piece in Pittsburgh's wide receiver room in the Week 18 matchup against the Bengals.

Boutte sat out Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Boutte will have two more days this week to attempt to return to practice before the Patriots decide whether he'll take a designation into Sunday's game against the Bills. The wideout played sparingly last season but has grown into a bigger role in 2024, logging at least 75 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps every game since Week 6. If Boutte were to be unable to suit up Week 18, Kendrick Bourne would probably slide into New England's No. 2 receiver role.

Ford-Wheaton (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

The 24-year-old played through a shoulder injury in the Giants' Week 17 win over the Colts, and Wednesday's limited practice session suggests he's still nursing the issue. Ford-Wheaton's participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can suit up in Week 18, when the Giants travel to Philadelphia.

Samuel won't participate in Wednesday's practice due to rib and knee injuries, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Since the 49ers' Week 9 bye, Samuel has managed more than 40 yards from scrimmage just two times in eight games, turning 46 touches into 334 total yards and two receiving touchdowns during that span. With a pair of new health concerns in tow, it's unclear whether he may be in danger of missing Sunday's season finale in Arizona, but the next two days of work likely will determine if he has a chance to suit up this weekend.

Odunze was held out of Wednesday's walk-through practice due to an illness.

Fortunately for the rookie first-round pick, Odunze's status for Week 18 isn't in peril, as interim head coach Thomas Brown told Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network. Odunze will have two more chances this week to get on the practice field before the Bears potentially give him a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Kansas City designated Hardman (knee) for return from its injured reserve list Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Hardman has missed the Chiefs' last four games due to a lingering knee issue, but it now looks like he's on track to suit up again soon. However, with rookie first-rounder Xavier Worthy having taken over as Kansas City's top speed threat, it's not totally clear what kind of role awaits Hardman when that happens.

Samuel (ribs) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-though practice, Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News reports.

The Bills have clinched the AFC's No. 2 seed, but head coach Sean McDermott noted Monday that he's hopeful that Samuel will be able to get some playing time this Sunday against the Patriots after having missed two straight contests, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com. Samuel has two more chances to practice fully before Buffalo posts its designations for the Week 18 game.

Crowder caught three of five targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 30-24 win over the Falcons.

Crowder's five targets were a season-high for the veteran wideout, yet he was unable to get much going with his increased opportunities. The 31-year-old plays a minimal role in Washington's offense, keeping him off the fantasy radar as the Commanders host the Cowboys in Week 18.

McCloud caught his lone target for a 13-yard gain and rushed once for 14 yards in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Commanders.

McCloud played 40 of the Falcons' 64 offensive snaps but wasn't especially involved. Though he appears to have settled in as Atlanta's No. 3 receiver of late, McCloud is averaging just 2.6 targets per contest over the past three weeks. That level of volume isn't enough to make McCloud a dependable fantasy option heading into Atlanta's Week 18 game against Carolina.