NFL Player News

Benson (knee) isn't practicing Thursday, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.

With just six days remaining in his 21-day window in which to potentially return from injured reserve and now five straight DNPs dating back to last week, Benson appears to be trending in the wrong direction to play again this season. The Cardinals have been riding the trio of Bam Knight, Michael Carter and Emari Demercado during Benson's absence, and Demercado practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 11. Assuming Benson isn't activated by Saturday afternoon, Knight, Carter and Demercado (provided he's active) will be the Cardinals' options out of the backfield Sunday against the Rams.

Bernard (elbow) was not seen practicing Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Bernard suffered an elbow injury during the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans that put him in a sling. The linebacker was not sent to the injured reserve, but he has been unable to practice since. Bernard's return timeline therefore remains uncertain, but he will likely return to the field before his absence eclipses the four-week mark that injured reserve would necessitate.

Jackson (knee) was activated from injured reserve Thursday.

The Commanders announced Nov. 13 that Jackson's 21-day window to return from IR had opened, and the team appears to have waited until the last possible moment to fulfill their obligation to activate him. The defensive end was a non-participant Wednesday and has struggled to consistently practice during the return window in general. The activation seems to imply Jackson will be ready soon, but his status for Week 14 is still up in the air.

Palmer (knee/ankle) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Palmer also logged a 'DNP' in Wednesday's walkthrough, which gives him one more chance to practice before the Bills assign game statuses for Sunday's game against the Bengals. If Palmer remains sidelined this weekend, Khalil Shakir, Gabe Davis, Keon Coleman,Tyrell Shavers and Brandin Cooks would continue to handle Buffalo's WR duties versus Cincinnati.

The Commanders waived Savage on Thursday.

Savage was a healthy scratch for the Commanders' Week 13 loss to the Broncos. The organization granted the safety's request for release Thursday, Ben Standig of Big 100 Washington D.C. reports. Savage will now go on waivers and will become a free agent if he goes unclaimed.

Marks (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Marks was a non-participant in Wednesday's session, so his return to the field a day later aligns with coach DeMeco Ryans' previous comment to Alexander that the running back was among the Texans' initial DNPs who should be fine for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. The team's upcoming injury report will reveal if Marks was limited Thursday or practiced fully.

Carter is expected to miss Monday's game at the Chargers after undergoing procedures on both of his shoulders this week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The development has left Carter week-to-week, and Schefter also reports that while this may turn into a multi-week absence for the third-year pro, injured reserve doesn't appear to be an option for him for the time being. Through 11 games this season, Carter has tallied 32 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and six pass defenses. Byron Young figures to be the biggest beneficiary during Carter's absence alongside DTs Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo.

Walker (knee) was seen participating in practice Thursday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Walker did not participate in Wednesday's session, so even a limited session Thursday would be a significant development for the defensive end's chances to suit up for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Colts. The starting edge rusher's presence would be a huge factor for a Jaguars team that is looking to secure its first AFC South title since the 2022 season.

Slay has informed the Bills that he is contemplating retirement and will not report to team facilities after being claimed off waivers Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Slay and the Steelers mutually parted ways after the veteran cornerback was a healthy scratch during last Sunday's loss to the Bills. The very same Bills then enlisted his talent by claiming him off waivers, a move that the cornerback's former team, the Eagles, also attempted. The Bills had higher waiver priority and ended up with the 34-year-old. It is worth considering that Slay's plan was a retirement tour with the team he won a Super Bowl with last February, and the Bills' claim scuttled those plans and prevented him from serving as a potential replacement for outside cornerback Adoree' Jackson in Philadelphia.

Washington (hip) was spotted at practice Thursday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports.

After logging a 'DNP' on Wednesday, the wideout's presence a day later offers hope that he could be available Sunday against the Colts. The Jaguars' next injury report will clarify Washington's official participation level in Thursday's session.