NFL Player News

The Packers signed Sheppard off their practice squad Wednesday.

The 23-year-old wideout joined the Packers' practice squad in late August and has now been promoted to the active roster. Sheppard has yet to make his NFL debut after tallying 1,305 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 95 receptions during his final two collegiate seasons at Vanderbilt and Colorado, respectively. He could play a depth role in the Week 13 matchup against the Lions on Thursday, as Matthew Golden (wrist), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Savion Williams (foot) and Jayden Reed (foot) are all dealing with injuries.

The Packers waived Havrisik on Wednesday.

Havrisik signed with the Packers in early October and kicked in three games while Brandon McManus was sidelined with an injury. During that span, Havrisik converted all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 61-yarder in Week 7 against the Cardinals, but went just seven of nine on point-after tries. Now on waivers, he's expected to be a popular option for teams in need of a kicker.

Huntington (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The 23-year-old exited Cleveland's Week 12 win over the Raiders with a groin injury, so his absence Wednesday comes as no surprise. Huntington likely needs to practice in a limited fashion either Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at suiting up for the Week 13 matchup against the 49ers on Sunday.

Wright (quadriceps) is not practicing Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Wright was sidelined for the Browns' Week 12 win over the Raiders due to a quadriceps injury, and Wednesday's DNP suggests he's still dealing with the issue. The UAB product is one of Cleveland's top defensive linemen, having recorded 24 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in nine appearances this season. He likely needs to practice in full either Thursday or Friday to avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

Ward (migraine) is not practicing Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ward has appeared in all 11 of the Browns' games this season, recording 32 total tackles and eight passes defensed, including one interception. He likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to play in Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

Turpin (shoulder/illness) doesn't have an injury designation for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys listed Turpin as a full participant after Wednesday's walk-through. He should be fine for his usual part-time role on offense while handling kick and punt returns.

Demercado (ankle) is not participating in the early portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Demercado didn't practice in any capacity prior to being ruled out for Week 12. He's recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered Week 11 during Arizona's loss to the 49ers, so it wouldn't be surprising if Demercado remains on the sideline Thursday and/or Friday as well. Trey Benson (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened Week 12 and could be a candidate to action in time for Sunday's road matchup against the Buccaneers, and the Cardinals still have Bam Knight and Michael Carter on hand to contribute out of the backfield.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy has made enough progress through the concussion protocol to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

McCarthy reported symptoms of a head injury on the flight back to Minnesota from Green Bay on Sunday, which spurred the Vikings to place him in the concussion protocol. His ability to log at least individual drills at Wednesday's practice would seem to give him a chance to be available for Sunday's game at Seattle, but backup Max Brosmer is handling all the first-team reps at the beginning of Week 13 prep.

Stroud (concussion) participated in practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

The Texans' upcoming injury report will reveal Stroud's official participation level, but Wilson indicates that the QB is expected to clear the NFL's concussion protocol at some point this week. Stroud has missed three straight games, but in the event that he is cleared for Week 13 action, Davis Mills -- who has gone 3-0 while filling in -- would be in line to return to working as Houston's No. 2 signal caller.

Wilson (neck) has no injury designation ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chiefs, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Wilson was dealing with a neck injury following the Cowboys' Week 12 win over the Eagles, but he was estimated to practice in full at Wednesday's walkthrough, suggesting he's moved past the issue in time for Thursday's contest. The 30-year-old has appeared in nine games for Dallas this season, recording 44 total tackles and four passes defensed, including two interceptions. Now fully health, Wilson is expected to start alongside Malik Hooker to form the Cowboys' top safety duo in Week 13.