NFL Player News

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.

Harrison (appendix) returned to practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Harrison has missed the last two games after undergoing an appendectomy between Weeks 10 and 11, but his ability to resume on-field work Wednesday indicates he's progressing well in his recovery. He was spotted running routes and catching passes, but whether or not he's on a path to return to action Sunday at Tampa Bay remains to be seen. Wednesday's injury report will reveal Harrison's initial activity level of Week 13 prep.

Hooker (toe/thigh) has no injury designation ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Cowboys, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

The 29-year-old upgraded from a limited practice session Tuesday to a full go Wednesday, suggesting he's moved past his injuries in time to play Thursday. Hooker has appeared in just six games this season, recording 28 total tackles and one pass defensed. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as Dallas' top free safety in Week 13.

Carson (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chiefs, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Carson popped up on Dallas' injury report Tuesday as a limited practice participant due to a hamstring issue, putting his availability for Thursday in question. He's been an impactful corner for the Cowboys over the last two weeks, recording six total tackles and two passes defensed during that span. If the second-year pro is sidelined in Week 13, expect rookie Shavon Revel to have an expanded role in Dallas' secondary.

The Panthers are placing Thornton (fibula) on injured reserve Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Thornton suffered a season-ending broken fibula during Monday's loss to the 49ers. The undrafted rookie out of Louisville appeared in 12 regular-season games with Carolina, in which span he played 95 snaps on defense and 83 snaps on special teams and recorded 14 tackles (eight solo), three passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Guyton (ankle) has officially been ruled out ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Chiefs, Clarence Hill Jr. of AllDLLS.com reports.

Guyton sustained a high ankle sprain in the Cowboys' Week 12 win over the Eagles, so his absence Thursday comes as no surprise. Nate Thomas is expected to start at left tackle in Guyton's stead.

Pickens (knee/calf) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Pickens opened the week as a non-participant at Monday's walkthrough due to knee and calf injuries, but he followed it up with Tuesday's limited practice and Wednesday's full walkthrough, which was enough for the Cowboys to clear him with a quick turnaround between games. Since the team's Week 10 bye, he's reeled off 18 catches (on 20 targets) for 290 yards and two touchdowns over the last two contests, making him an easy plug and play for fantasy purposes.

The Panthers are signing Barnes from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Barnes was elevated for Monday's loss to the 49ers with Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring) and Trevin Wallace (shoulder) both inactive, and he proved productive in the spot start, playing 99 percent of defensive snaps and recording 10 tackles (three solo). If Rozeboom and Wallace both remain sidelined Sunday versus the Chargers, Barnes will represent a pivot option for fantasy managers in IDP formats.