NFL Player News

Waller (pectoral) has had his 21-day practice window opened and was a limited participant in Wednesday's session, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller is practicing for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury Week 7 versus the Browns and being placed on IR. While it's possible the veteran tight end could gain clearance to retake the field as early as Sunday's contest against the Saints, he may first need to prove an ability to handle full practice reps. Once back in action, Waller will join Jaylen Waddle (foot), Malik Washington and RB De'Von Achane as one of the Dolphins' top options in the passing game. In the event that Waller misses any more time, Greg Dulcich will continue to operate as Miami's top pass-catching tight end.

Irving (shoulder/foot) was a full participant at Wednesday's walkthrough.

After being listed as limited on the Buccaneers' five previous injury reports, Irving finally was able to log an uncapped session to begin Week 13 prep, seemingly putting him on a path for his first game action since Week 4. He missed the last eight seven games due to a subluxation in his shoulder and a sprained left foot, so he may not take on his normal role as Tampa Bay's lead runner Sunday against the Cardinals. In such a scenario, fellow RBs Sean Tucker and Rachaad White would be available for any snaps and touches that don't go to Irving.

Waddle (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waddle previously managed a shoulder injury in September and a hamstring issue in October, but Wednesday's practice report is the first time this season he's been listed with a foot issue. So far, those injuries haven't prevented the 27-year-old wideout from suiting up for all 11 of Miami's regular-season games, in which span he's racked up a 49-722-5 receiving line on 73 targets. As long as Waddle is able to maintain at least limited activity during the Dolphins' remaining two practices of Week 13, it will bode well for his chances of suiting up Sunday versus the Saints.

Mayfield (left shoulder) was a non-participant at Wednesday's walkthrough.

Mayfield injured his left non-throwing shoulder during this past Sunday's loss at the Rams and was ruled out from returning after halftime. After undergoing an MRI, he was revealed to have suffered a sprained AC joint, and, while it's considered a low-grade sprain, he does have a chance to suit up Week 13 against the Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Ultimately, Mayfield's ability to play will be tied to pain management, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, so he may not need to practice this week in order to be available Sunday. Teddy Bridgewater is on hand in the event Mayfield isn't able to play.

Thomas (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

In reference to Thomas' chances of returning to action Sunday against the the Titans, coach Liam Coen noted Wednesday that the Jaguars will take it "day-by-day" with the wideout, who last saw game action in Week 9, per Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 FM Jacksonville. If Thomas remains out or is limited Sunday against the Titans, Tim Patrick would a candidate to log added Week 13 snaps alongside fellow WRs Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington.

Hill (neck) is ruled out for Thursday's contest against Cincinnati.

Hill was not listed on Monday's injury report, but he's since missed back-to-back practices due to a neck issue and will be forced to remain sidelined Week 13. In his stead, Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali will stand to handle increased backfield roles behind Derrick Henry on Thanksgiving Day, a divisional matchup that could make for a high-scoring affair with quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) expected to return to the starting lineup for the Bengals.

Bateman (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Bengals.

The Ravens listed Bateman as a full practice participant Wednesday for the first time since he sprained his ankle back in Week 10. He'll return from a two-game absence to face one of the NFL's worst defenses, albeit on a cold night in Baltimore while playing for a Ravens offense that doesn't seem to have its usual spark.

Ayomanor (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Ayomanor wasn't able to suit up for Tennessee's loss to the Seahawks in Week 12, so it's encouraging too now see him back on the practice field. The rookie fourth-round pick will have two more opportunities to prove he's able to handle full practice reps ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars.

Jackson (toe) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Bengals.

Jackson hasn't looked as spry as usual since returning from a hamstring injury, but none of the injuries he's been listed with in recent weeks has posed a real threat to his game availability. He'll get WR Rashod Bateman (ankle) back in the lineup for a Thanksgiving matchup against one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

Okonkwo (foot) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Okonkwo has regularly played through his lingering foot injury as of late, so as long as he maintains at least a limited participation level at practice there will be no genuine cause for concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. He logged three limited practices Week 12 but wasn't assigned an injury designation heading into Tennessee's loss to the Seahawks, in which he secured three of four targets for 40 yards.