NFL Player News

Watson (chest/shoulder) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Chicago, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Watson thus appears to have a chance to miss no time as a result of the chest-related injury that he sustained while laying out for a deep ball from QB Jordan Love this past Sunday against the Broncos that resulted in a trip to a Denver-area hospital. After he logged a limited practice Wednesday, Watson told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic that he was "feeling pretty good" and expects to be "alright" for Week 16 action. On Thursday, coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday's session was "encouraging" for Watson, but "it's going to come down to a medical decision and where he's at on Saturday," per Zach Kruse of USA Today. Watson's status will be confirmed about 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Ravens defensive coordinator said Wednesday that Simpson will replace Teddye Buchanan (ACL) as the starting inside linebacker alongside Roquan Smith (knee) beginning Sunday versus the Patriots.

Orr said he has "the utmost confidence" in Simpson, who racked up nine tackles (four solo) while playing 46 percent of defensive snaps during Baltimore's win over Cincinnati in Week 15, a contest that saw Buchanan depart early due to his season-ending injury. Previously, when Smith missed time early in the year, Simpson was thrust into a starting role Weeks 5 and 6. In that span, he racked up 19 total tackles (eight solo), including 1.5 sacks.

Watt (chest) did not practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Watt remains sidelined at practice as he continues his recovery from surgery to address a collapsed lung. He missed Monday's win over the Dolphins and appears unlikely to retake the field in time for Sunday's road matchup against the Lions.

Wallace (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Wallace practiced in full Wednesday and played 100 percent of defensive snaps during Carolina's loss to the Saints in Week 15, recording three assisted tackles. If the starting inside linebacker is unable to resume handling full practice reps Friday, he'll be at risk of being assigned an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

McMillan (foot/ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

McMillan sat out Carolina's first Week 16 practice, but he was able to take every rep Thursday to clear up any lingering doubt about his availability for a critical matchup Sunday versus the 7-7 Buccaneers, who currently hold the tiebreaker over the 7-7 Panthers for the division lead. The rookie first-round pick has yet to miss a game this season and has produced a 59-851-6 receiving line on 102 targets through Carolina's first 14 contests.

Ogbongbemiga (hamstring) is ruled out for Saturday's game against the Packers.

Ogbongbemiga upgraded to a limited practice session Thursday after having been listed as a non-participant Tuesday and Wednesday, but he nonetheless won't suit up Week 16. With Ogbongbemiga unavailable, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Noah Sewell will be candidates to handle expanded depth roles on defense.

Edmunds (groin) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Packers after practicing fully Thursday.

Edmunds' full participation Thursday bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Saturday's pivotal matchup, but the linebacker would first need to be added back to the roster from injured reserve in order to be eligible to play. His practice window to return from IR was opened Monday, and Edmunds subsequently put forth a pair of limited practices before upgrading to full participation Thursday.

Conner signed with the Giants' practice squad Thursday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Conner lands with the Giants organization one day after being cut from Miami's practice squad. He has nine receptions for 91 yards in nine games with the Dolphins this season and has appeared in 33 regular-season games split across four seasons in Miami.

Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Packers.

Swift showed up on the Bears' Week 16 practice report Wednesday as limited due to a groin injury and maintained that activity level one day later. His status now won't be confirmed until about 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff, but if Swift is inhibited or even sidelined, Kyle Monangai would be poised for a larger workload out of Chicago's backfield.

Burden (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game versus the Packers.

Since injuring his ankle during this past Sunday's win against the Browns, Burden wasn't able to practice in any capacity and now will miss his second contest of the campaign. He'll be joining Rome Odunze (foot) on the sidelined Saturday, while Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay will take on expanded roles alongside DJ Moore. Burden's next chance to play is Sunday, Dec. 28 in San Francisco.