NFL Player News

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Thursday that Fairbairn (quadriceps) is ruled out for Sunday's game against Tennessee, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Fairbairn will miss a second consecutive game due to a quad injury suffered Week 9 versus the Broncos, leaving Matthew Wright in position to draw another start versus the Titans. In Week 12, Fairbairn will face a short recovery window before the Texans take on Buffalo on Thursday Night Football, which increases the risk of him being sidelined for a third straight game.

Mills will start Sunday's road contest against the Titans with C.J. Stroud (concussion) having been ruled out Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mills will draw at least one more start while Stroud works his way through the concussion protocol, and he could find himself in a similar position Week 12, when the Texans will face a short week of preparation before taking on the Bills on Thursday Night Football. After compiling 312 total yards and three touchdowns during Houston's comeback win over the Jaguars in Week 12, Mills has made a case for himself as a fantasy option for QB-needy teams, especially in deeper formats.

The Texans announced Thursday that Stroud (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, leaving Davis Mills in position to draw another start, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Stroud will miss a second consecutive game as he continues to work his way through the NFL's concussion protocol. He has yet to resume practicing, and per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston is still experiencing symptoms. Stroud's next chance to play will come Week 12 versus the Bills on Thursday Night Football, but before being eligible to retake the field he'll need to fully clear the concussion protocol, which includes undergoing evaluation by an independent neurologist.

The Cowboys announced Thursday that Hooker (toe) has been designated for return from injured reserve, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Hooker was placed on IR after suffering a toe injury in the Cowboys' Week 4 game against the Packers. The 29-year-old will now have 21 days to officially be activated, but he'll need to string together multiple practices in order to do so. Once he returns, the nine-year veteran is figured to start alongside Donovan Wilson and will add a much-needed boost to the Cowboys' defense.

London (illness) was present at practice Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

One day removed from sitting out drills due an illness Wednesday, London was back on the practice field, though in what capacity will be revealed on the Falcons' second Week 11 injury report. Since the team's Week 5 bye, he's racked up 29 catches (on 48 targets) for 422 yards and five touchdowns in four appearances.

Dowdle (quadriceps) was warming up prior to Wednesday's practice, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Dowdle appears to be following a similar practice regimen to last week, when he followed Wednesday's DNP with a limited session Thursday and full showing Friday due to a quad issue. He continued to operate as the Panthers' lead runner this past Sunday against the Saints, turning 21 touches into 63 yards from scrimmage and one TD, while No. 2 RB Chuba Hubbard handled four touches for 15 total yards. Thursday's injury report will reveal Dowdle's activity level, or lack thereof.

Bateman (ankle) isn't practicing Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Bateman has missed Baltimore's first two practices after spraining his ankle in the Week 10 win over the Vikings. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns. Tylan Wallace, LaJohntay Wester and Devontez Walker would be candidates for additional playing time alongside Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins if Bateman doesn't play.

The Commanders announced Thursday that Jackson (knee) has been designated for return from IR.

Jackson spent the entire 2024 season and half of 2023 on injured reserve due to a significant knee injury. The fourth-year player has 21 days to string together enough practices to officially be activated. However, Thursday was a step in the right direction, as he was limited in practice.

Hill (toe) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Hill also missed Wednesday's session, so what the running back does Friday will loom large in terms of his Week 11 status. If Hill is limited or out Sunday against the Browns, Keaton Mitchell likely would see added snaps behind lead back Derrick Henry, provided he's able to play through the knee issue that limited him Wednesday.

Jackson (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday due to knee soreness, but in his return to work a day later, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com notes that the star QB was moving around well during the open portion and looked ready to start Sunday against the Browns. The Ravens' upcoming injury report will clarify Jackson's official participation level, but his presence at Thursday's session nonetheless bodes well for his Week 11 status.