New Orleans is committed to Shough as the team's starting quarterback for the 2026 season, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

Shough looked impressive in the second half of the 2025 campaign, as he took over for Spencer Rattler (finger) as the team's starting quarterback midway through Week 8's game against the Buccaneers. Across 10 regular-season appearances since, Shough completed 225 of 325 pass attempts for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while also rushing 45 times for 186 yards and another three scores. He also played three offensive snaps versus Seattle in Week 3 and failed to complete either of his two pass attempts. New Orleans currently holds the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but it appears the team considers Shough a potential long-term answer at quarterback and will focus on improving his supporting cast during the coming offseason.

Newsome (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Newsome was able to return to last Sunday's game against the Titans after sustaining the shoulder injury, meaning the cornerback will likely play through it for Sunday's playoff game against the Bills. The 25-year-old will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation in the hopes of dodging an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.

Mitchell caught 33 of 74 targets for 453 yards and two touchdowns while rushing once for minus-4 yards in 16 games split between the Colts and Jets.

Mitchell played eight games with each team in 2025 but saw a major uptick in usage after being traded to the Jets, catching 24 of 58 targets for 301 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns with New York. His abhorrent 43.4 percent catch rate (56 catches on 129 targets) through two NFL seasons is a red flag, but subpar quarterback play has certainly contributed to that ugly statistic, though Mitchell has played his part with drops and mental mistakes. The 2024 second-round pick's ability to get open is intriguing, and there's a path to fantasy relevance in 2026 if the Jets improve their QB situation, as Mitchell's favored to hold onto a starting role on the outside, barring the addition of a starting caliber wideout in free agency or the draft.

Van Lanen (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Van Lanen left last Sunday's win over the Titans late in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. The left tackle's status for Sunday's wild-card game against the Bills will likely be determined by the results of Thursday and Friday's practices. If Van Lanen is unable to upgrade his participation and must sit out Sunday's game, Walker Little would likely start at tackle opposite Anton Harrison.

Metchie caught 33 of 48 targets for 274 yards and two touchdowns while rushing three times for minus-5 yards in 16 games split between the Eagles and Jets in 2025.

Metchie had just four catches for 18 yards in seven games with the Eagles but was much more involved after being traded to the Jets, catching 29 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns in nine games with Gang Green. The 2022 second-round pick of the Texans has already bounced around to three NFL teams, but it was encouraging that he took on a larger role in his most recent landing spot. The Jets plan to re-sign Metchie as a restricted free agent, and he can be tentatively penciled in as a top-three wide receiver for the team, barring any notable additions via free agency or the draft.

Trapilo (knee/quad) was limited in practice Wednesday.

The Bears returned to practice Wednesday after holding a walkthrough session Tuesday, in which Trapilo was also listed as limited. The starting left tackle was also limited in practice prior to being held out Week 18. Meanwhile, backup tackle Braxton Jones (knee) has been a full participant since having his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday.

Taylor (knee) completed 80 of 134 passes for 779 yards and a 5:5 TD:INT across six appearances (four starts) in 2025. He added 27 rushing attempts for 143 yards and one touchdown.

Taylor was a more effective passer than Justin Fields (knee) or Brady Cook, but that isn't saying much on a Jets offense that didn't have a player exceed 395 receiving yards. Injuries have continued to hamper Taylor's availability, and he was available only as the emergency third quarterback due to a knee injury as the Jets' 3-14 season mercifully came to its conclusion in Week 18. The 36-year-old quarterback has proven capable enough in a backup role that he'll likely garner some interest in free agency during the offseason if Taylor regains health and chooses to continue his NFL career.

Nwangwu finished the 2025 season with 13 carries for 49 yards and no targets or touchdowns on offense while adding 604 yards and one touchdown on 18 kickoff returns in 12 games.

Nwangwu maintained his status as one of the NFL's best kickoff returners when healthy, as he's up to five kickoff return touchdowns in as many NFL seasons. He didn't record a touch on offense through Week 16 but set a new career high for carries in each of the last two games as the Jets battled backfield injuries, logging six in Week 17 and seven in Week 18. The special teams ace is set to turn 28 years old the day after the Super Bowl and will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Lambert-Smith (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Lambert-Smith suffered a hamstring injury during the Chargers' Week 18 loss to the Broncos and was unable to return to the contest. The 23-year-old has two more chances to participate in practice before Sunday's playoff matchup against the Patriots. Should Lambert-Smith be unable to return, Tre' Harris and Derius Davis could see a slightly higher snap count at wide receiver.

Gordon (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Gordon remains on injured reserve, but his ability to log a practice in any capacity is a good sign for the cornerback's chances to suit up for Saturday's wild-card matchup with the Packers. The 26-year-old's season was derailed by injuries, and he only participated in three games, logging 117 defensive snaps for seven tackles (two solo). The return of Gordon could bolster the Bears' secondary as they head into a tough elimination game against a familiar opponent.