NFL Player News

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.

Heyward (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Heyward dealt with an ankle injury last week, though he was able to suit up Sunday against Chicago. He was limited in the Steelers' first practice this week, but with a full session Thursday, he seems likely to suit up against Buffalo on Sunday.

Metcalf (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Metcalf injured his ankle during Pittsburgh's loss to the Bears in Week 12 but managed to play through the issue, and after sitting out Wednesday's session, it appears he's now fully on track for Sunday's game against the Bills. The same can be said for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sat out Week 12 due to a left wrist fracture but is now practicing in full while wearing a cast. Metcalf has drawn at least seven targets in four of his last five regular-season appearances, giving him a solid floor. That said, Metcalf hasn't scored or topped 50 receiving yards in four straight games, and in back-to-back contests he's finished without so much as a target in the red zone. Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports that Metcalf's left ankle remained taped at Thursday's practice.

Rodgers (wrist) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Rodgers' unrestricted practice level effectively confirms Ian Rapoport of NFL Network's report that the veteran quarterback is on track to return to the starting lineup for Sunday's contest against the Bills. Rodgers missed Week 12 due to a non-displaced fracture to his non-throwing wrist, and per Saunders still wore a cast at Thursday's practice. It's possible he'll still have the wrist stabilized during Sunday's game. Top wideout DK Metcalf (ankle) also practiced in full Thursday.

Brown was waived by the Bears on Thursday.

The running back was let go to help make room for the activation of defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon from injured reserve. Brown signed with the active roster from the practice squad Nov. 22 and played on 10 special-teams snaps in Week 12 against Pittsburgh. In two games this season, Brown has carried the ball five times for 37 yards and a touchdown.