NFL Player News

Woods (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Woods has been dealing with a hamstring issue for several weeks and hasn't played since Week 9. He's begun this week with consecutive limited practices, suggesting that he has a chance to return to action Sunday against Jacksonville. If Woods is able to suit up for that contest, Kevin Winston -- who has been starting in Woods' stead -- could return to a rotational role.

Palmer (ankle) didn't practice Thursday.

Palmer was limited Wednesday, so his downgrade in participation a day later clouds his Week 13 status. Friday's final injury report will clarify whether the wideout -- who has caught two passes in each of his last five games -- heads into the weekend with a chance to face the Steelers on Sunday.

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

Hairston sustained a concussion in the Bills' loss to the Texans last Thursday and was a limited participant in practice Wednesday. The upgrade to full participation is encouraging, but Hairston will still have to clear the league's concussion protocol to play in Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Ayomanor (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Ayomanor was also limited in his return to practice Wednesday. The rookie fourth round-pick was kept on the sidelines against Seattle in Week 12 due to a hamstring injury, but he's making notable recovery progress ahead of Sunday's home game against the Jaguars. If Ayomanor can manage to upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Week 13.

Armour-Davis (Achilles) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Armour-Davis is dealing with an Achilles issue that held him to a limited practice Wednesday. Given his downgrade to a DNP tag Thursday, the fourth-year cornerback's status for Sunday against Jacksonville is very murky. If Armour-Davis is unable to suit up against the Jaguars, Kaiir Elam -- who just signed with Tennessee on Wednesday -- could be immediately thrust into a major role.

Kincaid (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday.

Kincaid hadn't been able to practice since hurting his hamstring during Week 10 action, so his return to the field Thursday, albeit in a limited capacity, is a step in the right direction for the tight end ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether Kincaid is able to upgrade his practice participation, as well as his Week 13 game status.

Okonkwo (foot) did not practice Thursday.

Okonkwo has played through a foot injury without missing a single game since late October, but his status will now need to be closely monitored ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. The fourth-year pro turned in his usual limited activity level Wednesday, and he may have to resume handling similar reps at Friday's practice in order to be cleared for Week 13. Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm will benefit from increased opportunities if Okonkwo misses any time.

Philips (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Philips didn't practice Wednesday, but was able to get back on the field and log a limited session Thursday. The defensive tackle has been nursing a foot injury for multiple weeks and has managed to play through it. If the starter can log at least limited participation again Friday, he will likely suit up for Sunday's contest against the Falcons.

Highsmith (pectoral) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Highsmith has missed Pittsburgh's past two contests due to a pectoral injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday, but with a full session under his belt Thursday, a Week 13 return seems to be in order. Highsmith has tallied 5.5 sacks over seven games this season.

Tippmann (personal) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Tippmann was added to Thursday's injury report, and the nature of his personal absence is unknown. If the personal issue persists, Xavier Newman-Johnson might get the start at right guard for Sunday's contest against the Falcons.