NFL Player News

Elliss (illness) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Elliss upgraded to limited participation Thursday after not practicing to start the week Wednesday. Though the severity of the illness is still unclear, his participation is a step in the right direction for Sunday's game against the Ravens. The 26-year-old has 76 tackles (33 solo), three pass breakups and one forced fumble across 12 games.

Whyle (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Bears, Wez Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Whyle was unable to practice this week after sustaining a concussion in the Week 15 loss to the Broncos. The No. 3 tight end was primarily a blocker for the Packers' offense, and a practice-squad elevation, such as rookie tight end Drake Dabney, will likely fill his role for the upcoming divisional tilt.

Oliver (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's road game against the Bears, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Oliver still officially remains on the reserve/PUP list as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he's dealt with since training camp. In order to play Saturday versus Chicago, the rookie fifth-round pick would have to be activated from the PUP list by Green Bay on Friday.

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

Weaver maintained his activity level from Wednesday's walkthrough, but he now has just one more chance to get back to full this week, or else he'll be at risk of entering the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Falcons. With Marvin Harrison also being limited this week after missing the last two contests due to a heel injury, Michael Wilson and Jalen Brooks are the only healthy wide receivers on Arizona's active roster at the moment.

The Saints signed Cooks to the practice squad Thursday, John Sigler of SaintsWire reports.

Cooks was cut from the Eagles' practice squad Sept. 8 and had been a free agent since before joining the Saints' ranks Thursday. With injuries to Devaughn Vele (shoulder) and Dante Pettis (illness), Cooks is a prime candidate for elevation to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets.

The Saints signed Hines to the practice squad Thursday, John Sigler of SaintsWire reports.

Hines has appeared in three games this season for the Chargers, where he totaled two rushing attempts for minus-2 yards. The veteran's biggest contributions came on special teams, as he racked up 195 return yards through his three appearances. Hines will likely be elevated for Sunday's game against the Jets and serve as the No. 3 running back behind Evan Hull and Audric Estime.

The Saints signed Austin from the practice squad to the active roster Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Austin has bounced between the Saints' active roster and practice squad all season, playing in five games. The wide receiver has accumulated three receptions for 33 yards on six targets so far in the 2025 campaign. With Devaughn Vele (shoulder) ruled out and Dante Pettis (illness) listed as questionable, Austin is set to take on a role as the No. 3 wide receiver behind Chris Olave and Mason Tipton for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Johnston (groin) was limited at practice Thursday.

Following back-to-back limited sessions, Johnston likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. After being added to the Chargers' Week 15 injury report last Friday, a groin injury kept the wideout from facing the Chiefs in last weekend's 16-13 win. In Johnston's absence from that contest, Tre' Harris logged a season-high 85 percent snap share alongside fellow WRs Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen.

Harris (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Harris filled in for Quentin Johnston (groin) during Los Angeles' win over the Chiefs in Week 15, playing a career-high 85 percent of offensive snaps and securing three of five targets for 49 yards. He and Johnston have both logged back-to-back limited practices since that contest. If Johnston is able to get back on the field for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, Harris will stand to revert to the No. 4 wide receiver role even if fully healthy. Derius Davis (ankle) remains a non-participant at practice, however, so Harris could see expanded opportunities even if he reverts back to a depth role.

Smith (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Smith jumped to a full participant Thursday after failing to practice in Wednesday's session. The increase in participation and subsequent clearing of any injury designation means the linebacker should be good to go for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. Smith is coming off a 14-tackle effort against the Bengals last Sunday, and a similar performance would be very welcome against one of the most efficient offenses in either conference in that of New England.