NFL Player News

Dart was listed as full on Thursday's estimated practice report, and the Giants announced that the rookie quarterback officially cleared the concussion protocol, Dan Salomone of the team's official site reports.

When interim head coach Mike Kafka spoke to the media Wednesday, he told Evan Barnes of Newsday that Dart remained in the protocol for head injuries, but as of the Giants posting their first Week 13 injury report, he's now received clearance for his first game action since Week 10. Dart thus is poised to resume directing the offense Monday at New England, while Jameis Winston will return to a backup role.

Rozeboom (hip/hamstring) was a non-participant in Thursday's walkthrough, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Rozeboom missed Week 12 with a hip injury and has now missed two practices this week as well. If the linebacker wants to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Rams, he will have to practice Friday in some capacity.

Atwell (hamstring), who officially remains on IR, was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Atwell has logged two straight full practices since having his 21-day window opened Wednesday. The expectation is that Los Angeles will activate Atwell to the 53-man roster from IR in time for him to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against Carolina.

Horn (concussion) did not practice in Thursday's walkthrough, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Horn has sat out consecutive practices with the concussion he sustained in the Monday Night Football loss to the 49ers. The cornerback's Week 13 availability will hinge on whether he can return to practice Friday on at least a limited basis and whether he gains clearance from the concussion protocol ahead of kickoff.

Brooks (concussion) practiced in full Thursday.

This is a great sign for Brooks, who didn't play Sunday against Seattle due to a concussion and opened this week as non-participant in practice. However, he'll need to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in order to be able to return to action this Sunday versus Jacksonville. If Brooks does get clearance to play, he'll likely continue to work primarily on special teams, as he's logged just one defensive snap so far this season.

Mathis (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Mathis has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury after being signed to the active roster Nov. 5. The return to full practice participation is a strong indication that the rotational defensive tackle will be able to take the field for Sunday's matchup with the Steelers.

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.