NFL Player News

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

Hill has been playing through the same wrist injury for most of the season without missing a game. He caught just two of seven targets for 36 yards in a 20-12 loss to Houston last week, after briefly flashing his 2022-23 level of production Weeks 13 and 14 (16 catches for 198 yards and two TDs). The real question for Miami at wide receiver is Jaylen Waddle, who suffered a knee injury Sunday and hasn't practiced since.

Means (ankle) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report.

Means was designated to return from injured reserve Dec. 4, but he has either been a DNP or limited practice participant since. The rookie fifth-round pick would have to log multiple full practices in order to be activated off IR, and it doesn't appear likely that he'll be able to play against the Packers on Monday.

Brown (knee/rest) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Brown was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's walk-through due to rest, so having his knee included as a reason for practice restrictions one day later indicates his health is compromised somewhat. The wideout was on the receiving end of an apparent hip-drop tackle and was slow to get to his feet late in this past Sunday's win against the Steelers. With an injury now evident, Brown's status will be monitored in advance of Sunday's Week 16 road matchup versus the Commanders.

Baker (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Baker was limited in Wednesday's practice, and his upgrade to full participation Thursday indicates that he is progressing through the league's concussion protocols. Another full practice Friday would put him in a good spot to be cleared to play in Sunday's AFC East clash against the Bills.

Metchie (shoulder) did not practice Thursday and has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Chiefs.

Metchie was unable to practice all week due to a shoulder injury he suffered against the Dolphins this past Sunday. With Metchie ruled out for Saturday's game, his next opportunity to play will be Christmas Day against the Ravens. Robert Woods and Xavier Hutchinson are the top candidates to serve as the Texans' No. 3 wide receiver behind Nico Collins and Tank Dell on Saturday due to Metchie's injury.

Samuel (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The Bills held a walkthrough Wednesday, and Samuel remained limited in the first official practice of the week Thursday due to a rib injury he suffered in Buffalo's Week 15 win over Detroit. Samuel's snap count diminished due to the return of rookie wideout Keon Coleman, and the former shouldn't have a heavy role in the Bills' offense against the Patriots on Sunday if he does suit up. Over his last five games, Samuel has logged 12 catches (on 19 targets) for 109 yards and one touchdown while adding eight rushing yards on two carries.

Meyers (ankle) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Meyers, who also was limited Wednesday, logged back-to-back capped sessions last week as well before practicing fully Saturday and approaching this past Monday's game against the Falcons without an injury designation. Chances are that pattern will be repeated ahead of Sunday's contest versus the Jaguars, with Friday's final injury report set to confirm that notion either way.

Dulin (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Dulin has been sidelined for the Colts' last two games due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Lions in Week 12. His return to practice Thursday indicates that he is progressing in his recovery, and logging a full practice Friday would put him on track to play against the Titans on Sunday. Dulin has been held without a catch since Week 2 against the Packers.

Boyd (foot) didn't practice Thursday, Jim Wyatt of tennesseetitans.com reports.

Boyd played through the same injury the past couple weeks and handled his usual workload as the No. 3 receiver. A return to practice Friday would set him up to play again Sunday against the Colts.

Westbrook-Ikhine (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Jim Wyatt of tennesseetitans.com reports.

WR Tyler Boyd (foot) and RB Tony Pollard (ankle) also missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but they're dealing with injuries they played through the past few weeks, while Westbrook-Ikhine's ankle is a new problem. The Titans have Bryce Oliver, Mason Kinsey and Jha'Quan Jackson for WR depth if Westbrook-Ikhine and/or Boyd doesn't play Sunday against Indianapolis.