NFL Player News

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.

Jones (knee) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday.

The second-year pro from Texas has not played this season due to a knee injury, but it appears he's nearing a return. Jones now has 21 days to be activated to the Cardinals' active roster before reverting to IR. Once fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of Arizona's top reserve tackles.

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday that Lowe will start at left tackle in place on the injured Will Campbell (knee), Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

With Campbell expected to be placed on the injured reserve list soon, Lowe will likely operate as the Patriots' starting left tackle for the remainder of the regular season. The fourth-year pro from Illinois is no stranger to the role, having started 21 games for New England between 2023 and 2024.

Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Wednesday that Campbell (knee) will be placed on the injured reserve list, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Although Campbell hasn't officially been placed on IR yet, Vrabel's comments Wednesday indicate that Campbell will miss at least the Patriots' next four games, with his earliest possible return coming in the Week 18 matchup against the Dolphins. While the 2025 first-round pick is sidelined, Vederian Lowe is expected to start at left tackle.

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.