NFL Player News

Hill (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Hill has now logged back-to-back limited practices, an indication that he's nearing a return to full health after having missed Miami's last two games due to an ankle injury. If cleared for action Sunday versus Buffalo, Hill will stand to operate as the Dolphins' top tight end, though Tanner Conner will also have a role on offense and Greg Dulcich may have earned increased opportunities after impressing as a pass catcher Week 9.

Dowdle (quadriceps) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After sitting out Wednesday's session, Dowdle took a step forward by practicing in a limited capacity Thursday. In order to avoid carrying a designation into Sunday's game against the Saints, Dowdle will likely need to upgrade to full activity Friday in the Panthers' final practice of the week. If he's cleared to play this weekend, Dowdle should be in line for another turn as Carolina's lead back after handily out-snapping and outproducing Chuba Hubbard in an upset win over the Packers in Week 9. In that contest, Dowdle accounted for 141 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 27 touches while playing 72 percent of the snaps. Hubbard, meanwhile, handled a 22 percent snap share and was limited to 17 yards on five touches.

Gordon (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Gordon has now logged back-to-back limited practice sessions after having been forced out of last Thursday's loss to the Ravens early with an ankle injury. If he's able to upgrade to a full practice session Friday, Gordon could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Bills. Jaylen Wright, who was inactive versus Baltimore, will stand to handle a reserve role behind De'Von Achane if Gordon is inactive or at less than full health Week 10.

Pittman (glute) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.

Pittman's return to full participation Thursday suggests his absence from Wednesday's practice was precautionary. The Colts' No. 1 wide receiver is on track to suit up Sunday against the stingy Falcons secondary. He figures to maintain a significant role after racking up 17 catches for 210 yards and a touchdown on 21 targets over his team's previous two games.

Jones (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Jones missed practice Wednesday but has now taken a tangible step in the right direction ahead of Sunday's road matchup against the Dolphins. Thursday's session represents his first practice activity since injuring his calf in pre-game warmups Week 6.

Johnson (groin) was limited in practice Thursday.

Johnson did not practice Wednesday, so limited activity Thursday represents a step in the right direction. If he's able to upgrade to full reps Friday, Johnson could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's road matchup against the Dolphins.

Bosa (wrist) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bosa did not practice Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see him now upgrade to limited reps. If the veteran defensive end is able to practice in full Friday, he could avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. He played a sizeable 44 defensive snaps during Buffalo's win over the Chiefs in Week 9, recording three tackles (two solo) including 1.0 sacks.

Benford (groin) did not practice Thursday.

Benford was limited in practice Wednesday, so it's possible he suffered a setback with his groin injury. The starting cornerback played 100 percent of defensive snaps during Buffalo's impressive win over the Chiefs in Week 9. Unless Benford is able to retake the practice field as at least a limited participant Friday, he could be in danger of sitting out Sunday's road matchup against the Dolphins.

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

Kmet was forced out of this past Sunday's 47-42 win over the Bengals and was later diagnosed with a concussion, but he appears to be making rapid progress through the five-step protocol. After opening Week 10 prep Wednesday as a limited participant, Kmet has taken another step forward by practicing fully Thursday. He'll still need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to suit up this weekend, but he appears to have a real chance at being available for Sunday's game against the Giants. If Kmet plays, however, he may have to settle for a smaller role than he's handled for most of the season; rookie tight end Colston Loveland broke out with a 6-118-2 receiving line on seven targets in the win over the Bengals and may have earned himself a larger share of the playing time as a result.

Johnson (back) was limited in practice Thursday.

Johnson has now logged back-to-back limited practices in preparation for Sunday's game against the Giants. A back injury has caused the reserve running back to sit out Chicago's last two games. If cleared to return versus New York, Johnson will handle a depth role behind D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.