NFL Player News

Bates (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Per Jackson, the Kentucky product is likely out for Sunday's contest against the 49ers after sustaining an ankle injury in the Week 12 win over the Raiders. Bates has appeared in seven games for the Texans and Browns this season, failing to record an offensive stat across 70 total snaps (41 on offense, 29 on special teams).

Elam signed with the Titans on Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

The 2022 first-round pick from Florida was cut by the Cowboys on Nov. 22 but has already found a new home in Tennessee. Elam appeared in 10 games for the Cowboys before being cut, recording 29 total tackles and one pass defended. However, he struggled in coverage, allowing an 105.0 passer rating when targeted and 14.9 yards per target. Now in Tennessee, Elam will likely operate as one of the team's top boundary corners for the remainder of the season.

The Cardinals signed Johnson to their practice squad Wednesday.

The Florida product was dropped from the Eagles' practice squad in early September but has since found a new home in Arizona. Johnson has yet to make his NFL debut after posting 1,410 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 252 carries during his final two collegiate seasons.

Brown (shoulder) will not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that Brown was a candidate to be placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a shoulder injury in the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so Wednesday's DNP comes as no surprise. If he's sidelined for Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, Ryan Van Demark is likely to take over at right tackle.

Dawkins (concussion) will not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

Dawkins was apparently placed in concussion protocol following the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so it's no surprise he's sidelined Wednesday. The veteran offensive lineman must clear the NFL's five-step protocol in order to play in Sunday's matchup against the Steelers. If he's unable to do so, expect Ryan Van Demark or Chase Lundt to assume Buffalo's top left tackle duties.

Mathis (shoulder) will be a limited practice participant Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The Alabama product has missed the Bills' last two games due to a shoulder injury, but Wednesday's limited session could be an indication he's nearing a return. Mathis likely needs to upgrade to full practice Thursday or Friday to not have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Steelers.

Roach signed a three-year, $29.25 million contract extension with the Broncos on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Roach was set to hit free agency following the 2025 season, but he's now inked an extension to remain in Denver through 2028. The veteran defensive lineman from Texas has flourished with the Broncos, recording 64 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed and one forced fumble across 23 regular-season games in the past two seasons. Following Wednesday's extension, he's expected to remain an integral part of Denver's defensive line for years to come.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday that Bridgewater will get most of the starting reps at practice in preparation for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, but that Baker Mayfield (AC joint) has not yet been ruled out, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Bridgewater replaced Mayfield at halftime during Tampa Bay's 34-7 loss to the Rams in Week 12, at which point the game was already well out of contention. As a result Bridgewater completed just eight of 15 passes for 62 yards versus a dominant Los Angeles defense, but the veteran signal-caller will carry more preparation into Sunday's home game against Arizona if he's called upon to start. Mayfield is dealing with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated closer to the end of the practice week, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Lawrence (elbow) will not practice Wednesday, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

According to Leonard, Lawrence is managing an injury to the same elbow he hurt last year, which limited him throughout the past offseason. The 28-year-old likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at suiting up for Monday's matchup against the Patriots. If he's unable to play, expect D.J. Davidson to have an expanded role on the Giants' defensive line.

Giants interim coach Mike Kafka said Dart will practice in full Wednesday but is still officially in the NFL's concussion protocol, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Dart has missed two consecutive games while progressing through the concussion protocol, and though beginning his preparation for Week 13 as a full participant is a good sign that he'll gain clearance in time to play Monday versus the Patriots, Kafka declined Wednesday to commit to the rookie signal-caller's availability, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Top backup Jameis Winston and Dart will split first-team reps at practice Wednesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports. Dart will need to gain full clearance from the concussion protocol, including from an independent neurologist, in order to be eligible to play Monday.