NFL Player News

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

The 2025 first-round pick from Kentucky sustained a concussion in the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so it's no surprise that he's limited at Wednesday's practice. Hairston 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 Ja'Marcus Ingram to have an expanded role as Buffalo's top reserve outside corner.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that Penix (knee) underwent full reconstructive surgery to address the partially torn ACL in his left knee on Tuesday and experienced no complications with the procedure, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Penix faces a nine-month recovery timetable as a result of the procedure. The 25-year-old quarterback has now undergone ACL reconstructive surgeries three times in his career, as he previously had procedures on his right knee in 2018 and 2020 while in college. He also suffered season-ending injuries to each shoulder in 2019 and 2021. Morris has said that the severe nature of Penix's injury will "100 percent" influence Atlanta to "make some different plans" at quarterback this offseason, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, though that could just as easily refer to the team prioritizing a reliable backup rather than bringing in actual competition for the starting role. Kirk Cousins will start the remainder of the season under center for the Falcons, but this offseason the team can exercise a potential 'out' for the final two season of his four-year, $180 million contract at the cost of a $35 million dead-cap hit. Atlanta doesn't currently hold any first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will limit the team's ability to maneuver in pursuit of a high-upside alternative at quarterback.

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

Head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that Bernard was a candidate to be placed on injured reserve after sustaining an elbow injury in the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans, so Wednesday's DNP comes as no surprise. It's likely a longshot for Bernard to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, suggesting Shaq Thompson could have an expanded role in the team's linebacker corps.

Samuel (elbow/neck) will not practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

The 29-year-old missed the Bills' Week 12 loss to the Texans due to elbow and neck injuries, and following Wednesday's DNP, it appears he's still dealing with the issues. Samuel likely needs to practice in at least a limited capacity either Thursday or Friday in order to have a chance at returning for Sunday's matchup against the Steelers.

Kincaid (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.

While coach Sean McDermott noted this past Friday that Kincaid was improving, the tight end hasn't been able to practice since hurting his hamstring in Week 10. When asked Wednesday if Kincaid could return to action Sunday against the Steelers, McDermott replied, "We'll see, there's a chance." If Kincaid is unable to return this weekend, however, Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes would continue to handle Buffalo's tight end duties in Week 13.

Roland-Wallace (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Cowboys.

The USC product downgraded from limited practice Tuesday to a DNP on Wednesday, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up for Thursday's contest. Roland-Wallace has appeared in all 11 of Kansas City's games this season, recording 34 total tackles and three passes defensed, including one interception, over 351 total snaps (189 on defense, 162 on special teams). Nohl Williams could have an expanded role as a slot corner while Roland-Wallace is sidelined in Week 13.

Smith (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Cowboys.

The 26-year-old sustained both high and low ankle sprains in the Chiefs' Week 12 win over the Colts, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up Thursday. While Smith is sidelined, expect Jaylon Moore to operate as Kansas City's top right guard.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Nolen (knee) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Nolen exited this past Sunday's overtime loss to the Jaguars due to a knee injury, and the Cardinals quickly determined that the rookie defensive tackle would need to miss at least one game. The 2025 first-round pick from Ole Miss has been a force when on the field, recording eight total tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown through just four appearances.

Gray (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Gray's next chance to see game action will arrive Dec. 7 against the Texans. In his absence Thursday afternoon, Robert Tonyanand Jared Wiley will be next in line for TE snaps that don't go to starter Travis Kelce.

Murray (neck) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday.

The 31-year-old had missed the Jaguars' last four games due to a neck injury, but it now appears he's nearing a return. Murray has 21 days to be added to Jacksonville's active roster before reverting to IR. Once fully healthy, he's expected to operate as the team's top strong safety, starting alongside Andrew Wingard.