NFL Player News

Watson (knee) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Watson attempted to play through a left knee injury that he sustained during Monday's win against the Saints but ultimately was shut down. On Tuesday, coach Matt LaFleur called the issue "just a bruise" and noted that Watson's availability for Sunday's game at Minnesota would be determined by his on-field work this week, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site. With none to speak of yet through Thursday, Watson may be trending in the wrong direction, but his situation may receive some clarity as soon as the team posts its final practice report of the week Friday. Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath all could stand to benefit behind Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs if Watson is limited or out this weekend.

Valdes-Scantling (chest) was limited at practice Thursday.

Valdes-Scantling has cobbled together back-to-back limited listings on the injury report this week, giving him only one more chance to get back to full participation Friday before the Saints potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest versus the Raiders. If he's able to suit up this weekend, Valdes-Scantling may be welcoming back Chris Olave (concussion), who remains on injured reserve but practiced fully Thursday.

Olave (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Olave now has been listed as full on back-to-back injury reports, which has left the wide receiver "day-to-day," as interim coach Darren Rizzi told Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football on Thursday. Sidelined since suffering a concussion Week 9 at Carolina, Olave seemingly has a good chance to return to action Sunday against the Raiders. However, the Saints still have one practice report to post this week, and how he's listed there may reveal his odds to be activated from injured reserve by Saturday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline to do so.

Jeudy (knee/shin) was limited at practice Thursday.

Jeudy -- who is coming off a two-catch, 20-yard effort in Week 16, was also deemed a limited participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, so the wideout will probably have to practice fully Friday in order to approach Sunday's game against the Dolphins without an injury designation. If available this weekend, Jeudy is likely to continue to work with QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf), who was also limited Thursday but trending toward a second straight start.

Tillman (concussion) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Tillman has been slow to move through the NFL's concussion protocol after sustaining the head injury in a Nov. 21 win over the Steelers. He's sat out the Browns' last four games, and despite being a limited participant in both of the team's first two practice sessions of Week 17, he's far from a lock to clear the five-step protocol ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Jerry Jeudy (knee/shin) was also limited for the second day in a row while tight end David Njoku (knee) remained a non-participant, so the Browns could be without as many as three key pass catchers this weekend.

Hill (wrist/rest) was limited at practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill -- who has been managing a wrist injury -- also was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, but the wideout could be cleared for Sunday's game against the Browns as soon as Friday. Meanwhile, fellow starter Jaylen Waddle (knee), who was inactive Week 16, returned to a limited practice Thursday, so it's possible that the Dolphins will have both players players available for Week 17 action.

Waddle (knee) was limited at practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waddle, who was sidelined for this past weekend's win over the 49ers, was deemed a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, but his return to a limited session a day later offers hope that he could return to action Sunday against the Browns. Also limited Thursday was Tyreek Hill (wrist/rest), with added context regarding the duo's Week 17 statuses set to arrive via Friday's final injury report.

Jones (groin) is questionable to play against the Broncos on Saturday after logging a limited practice Thursday.

Jones has been sidelined for the Bengals' last seven games due to a groin injury he suffered in Week 8 against the Eagles. He was a limited practice participant all week and appears to be getting closer to making his return. Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams would continue to serve as the Bengals' kick and punt returners if Jones is unable to play.

Higgins (ankle/knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Broncos, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Higgins maintained a limited listing on all three of the Bengals' practice reports this week, but given his official questionable designation, the wideout's Week 17 status will need to be verified ahead of Saturday's 4:30 p.m. ET contest. If Higgins ends up limited or out versus Denver, added opportunities alongside top WR Ja'Marr Chase would be available for Andrei Iosivas and Jermaine Burton.

Brown (hamstring) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Brown instead was seen on the side during the open part of Thursday's session, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. It's unclear if Brown is in danger of missing Sunday's contest against the Falcons due to the hamstring injury that forced an early exit from a Week 16 matchup versus the Eagles, but the Commanders could make a ruling on that front when they post their final practice report of the week Friday.