NFL Player News

Jackson (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

For the second straight week, Jackson sat out a Wednesday practice to receive maintenance for an injury. In Week 11, Jackson managed a sore knee, but he's been tending to an ankle issue in Week 12. Much like last week, Jackson was able to upgrade to full activity in practice after sitting out Wednesday, so assuming he maintains full participation in Friday's session, he'll be in the clear to make his fourth consecutive start this Sunday against the Jets. Since returning from a three-game absence Week 9, Jackson has led Baltimore to three consecutive wins while completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 573 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions, but he hasn't been his usual productive self as on the ground with an 18-60-0 rushing line over that stretch.

Hooper (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Hooper missed Week 11 while in the concussion protocol, but he's now trending toward a return for Sunday's road matchup against the Bengals. Of course, Hooper will need to gain full clearance, including from an independent neurologist, before retaking the field. If active for Sunday's game, Hooper will handle No. 2 tight end reps behind Hunter Henry.

Benson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Since Arizona designated him for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Benson has logged back-to-back capped sessions and will have one more chance to get back to full this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his status ahead of a Week 12 contest against the Jaguars. He's seeking his first game action since undergoing surgery on a meniscus injury following a Week 4 loss to the Seahawks, and the Cards will need to activate him from IR by Saturday afternoon for him to have a chance to play Sunday. With Emari Demercado (ankle) already ruled out and Bam Knight (ankle) also limited so far this week, Michael Carter is the only healthy RB on the active roster.

Tuten (ankle) remained limited at practice Thursday.

The same was true of Travis Etienne (shoulder), so the pair of running backs have followed identical practice patterns after a near-even split of the backfield workload in Week 11 against the Chargers. Etienne was able to finish out that game while Tuten departed in the second half. If either running back pulls ahead in terms of Friday's participation level, that could determine who will get most of the carries Sunday against a Cardinals defense that has allowed five total touchdowns to running backs over the past two games.

Long (hip/knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Long has now logged back-to-back limited practice sessions as he works to gain clearance for Sunday's road game against Arizona. He hasn't played since Week 9 due to a pair of injuries, and Friday's practice will represent Long's last chance to upgrade to unrestricted reps in Week 12. Long will serve as Jacksonville's top tight end if he's able to suit up Sunday, unless the team activates Brenton Strange (hip) from IR to the 53-man roster.

Etienne (shoulder) was listed as limited at practice Thursday.

Etienne didn't take contact at Thursday's practice so a second consecutive limited designation was expected. Bhayshul Tuten (ankle) was also listed as limited both Wednesday and Thursday after splitting carries with Etienne in Jacksonville's Week 11 win over the Chargers. Whether either running back upgrades to full participation Friday could play a significant role in determining which Jaguar gets the lion's share of carries Sunday against Arizona's struggling defense.

Flacco (right shoulder) was limited at practice Thursday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Flacco also was limited Wednesday, but at this stage there's no reason to think he'll be unavailable Sunday against the Patriots. However, with Joe Burrow (toe) having logged his second straight full practice, while taking snaps with the first-team offense in the process, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, it's uncertain if Flacco will continue as the Bengals' starting QB this weekend, with that assignment (or lack thereof) hinging on whether Burrow is deemed fit for his first game action since Week 2.

Doubs (wrist) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Doubs maintained his activity level from Wednesday, giving him just one more opportunity this week to prove the health of his wrist ahead of Sunday's game versus the Vikings. The Packers listed five other wide receiver options as limited Thursday -- Christian Watson (knee), Matthew Golden (shoulder/wrist), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Savion Williams (foot) and Bo Melton (shoulder) -- so Friday's injury report will provide insight into who among them doesn't carry a designation into Week 12 action.

Thomas (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Though Thomas has been on the field for five consecutive Jaguars practices, he's yet to advance beyond limited participation. With that in mind, Thomas may need to upgrade to full activity Friday to improve his chances of not missing a third straight game this Sunday in Arizona. If Thomas is able to move past the ankle sprain and suit up this weekend, he could be in line for plenty of targets with Travis Hunter (knee) out for the season and with top tight end Brenton Strange (hip) uncertain to be activated from injured reserve prior to Sunday.

Okonkwo (foot) was limited in practice Thursday.

Okonkwo managed to play through his foot injury Week 11 without being tagged with an injury designation, so as long as he's able to log at least another limited session Friday, he will have strong odds of being cleared for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Across 10 regular-season appearances so far, Okonkwo has secured 32 of 42 targets for 337 receiving yards, but he's still looking for his first touchdown of 2025.