NFL Player News

Johnson (groin) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Johnson upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited by a groin injury Wednesday, putting him on track to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers. The starting slot cornerback missed each of the Bills' last two games nursing his groin injury, and he looks set to retake his starting role from Cam Lewis and Ja'Marcus Ingram just in time for a home showdown with a strong Buccaneers offense.

McCarthy (right hand) practiced fully Thursday.

McCarthy opened Week 11 prep Wednesday as limited due to a right hand injury, which stemmed from hitting it on the helmet of a Ravens defender while following through on a throw this past Sunday. He's been wearing padding on the hand in question in practice this week, but on Thursday he was able to take snaps under center and also attempt passes, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. McCarthy's ensuing listing of full indicates that he's good to go ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.

Brown (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Brown's participation was limited Wednesday, but that seems to have been for maintenance purposes. Barring a setback, Brown should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Falcons. He has 3.0 sacks among his 40 tackles (20 solo) this season.

Bernard (ankle) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Bernard upgraded to full participation Thursday after being a limited participant Wednesday due to a persisting ankle injury. Full participation means the captain will likely be able to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers, where he'll need to rally his squad for a strong defensive effort after last week's 30-13 loss to the Dolphins.

Slayton (hamstring) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Slayton suffered a hamstring injury during the Giants' Week 10 loss at Chicago but toughed it out en route to four catches (on four targets) for 89 yards and one touchdown while playing 63 percent of the snaps. He has yet to mix into drills this week, but he was spotted working with trainers on the side during Thursday's session, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Friday's practice likely will be key in relation to how Slayton is listed ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Godwin (fibula) was limited in practice Thursday.

Godwin isn't expected to be available for Sunday's road matchup at Buffalo, but it's encouraging to see him handle limited practice reps for a second consecutive day, and he could have a more realistic shot at retaking the field in Week 12 versus the Rams. The veteran wideout hasn't yet officially been ruled out to face the Bills, but head coach Todd Bowles stated Monday that the expectation is for Godwin to miss at least one more game. Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard will start in three-wide sets as long as Godwin remains sidelined.

Irving (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Irving was also limited in Wednesday's walkthrough session. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has already stated that he doesn't expect Irving to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Bills, but it's nonetheless encouraging to see the second-year pro logging practice activity again. If Irving is indeed unable to play Sunday, he'll have a better chance of returning Week 12 versus the Rams. Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will continue to lead Tampa Bay's backfield until Irving's return.

Stevenson (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Stevenson did not participate in Wednesday's session, so his improvement Thursday gets him pointed in the right direction. The starting cornerback played through his shoulder injury in Sunday's win over the Giants, logging six solo tackles in the victory. Stevenson's full participation means he will likely be able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Vikings, but Friday's practice participation should offer further clarity on his chances.

Robinson (ankle) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Robinson upgraded to full participation Thursday after logging a limited practice due to an ankle injury Wednesday. This points toward the starting defensive end being able to suit up Sunday against the Vikings. If Robinson is good to go for Sunday's game, Austin Booker will likely return to operating in a more rotational capacity.

Shakir (ankle/ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Shakir was also listed as limited Wednesday and now has one more chance to practice fully ahead of Week 11 action. Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, Shakir sported a red non-contact jersey Thursday. Shakir could wind up carrying a questionable designation into Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, but it would be an encouraging sign if he sheds the non-contact jersey Friday.