NFL Player News

Wilson (elbow) didn't practice Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Wilson was unable to play against the Broncos in Week 8 due to an elbow injury he aggravated in Week 7 against the Commanders. He'll have two more opportunities to return to practice in at least a limited capacity, which would give him a chance to return for the Cowboys' Week 9 tilt against the Cardinals on Monday.

Walker did not participate in Thursday's practice due to a calf injury.

Walker wasn't listed on Wednesday's practice report, so the calf injury appears to be a new issue and severe enough for him to sit out of Thursday's practice. He's now in jeopardy of being sidelined for Week 9 against the Panthers, so Friday's practice report will provide clarity on his chances of playing Sunday. With Walker and Nick Niemann (pectoral) both dealing with injuries, second-year linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper would be in line for a bigger role on defense alongside Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie if Walker is ruled out for Week 9.

Marks was a limited participant in practice Thursday due to a calf injury.

Marks wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his limitations Thursday are noteworthy. Friday's report will reveal whether the running back approaches Sunday's game against the Broncos with an injury designation or is fully cleared to maintain his key role in Houston's backfield.

Collins (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston previously relayed that Collins -- who didn't play Week 8 -- had cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, with the wideout himself noting Thursday that he's "feeling great" and is "ready to play" Sunday against the Broncos. In addition to Collins being poised to return to action, Christian Kirk (hamstring) also practiced fully Thursday, which paves the way for the Texans to have their top two WRs both available in the same game for the first time since Week 5.

Willis was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury.

The ankle injury appears to be a new issue, as Willis was not listed on Wednesday's practice report. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but his participation in Friday's practice will provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Panthers. The Packers would likely elevate Clayton Tune from the practice squad to the active roster to serve as the backup quarterback behind Jordan Love if Willis is not cleared to play Week 9.

Bates (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bates sustained a knee injury during the Falcons' Week 8 loss against the Dolphins, but the veteran safety relayed after Thursday's practice that he feels confident that he'll be cleared to play against the Patriots on Sunday. Without the 2018 second-rounder, the Falcons would have to turn to either Jordan Fuller or DeMarcco Hellams to start at safety alongside Xavier Watts. Bates has tallied at least five tackles in six of the first seven games of the regular season, and his 45 stops is second most on the Falcons behind Kaden Elliss (48).

Kirk (hamstring) was a full practice participant Thursday.

With a full session in tow, Kirk appears set to put an end to a two-game absence this Sunday versus the Broncos. Aside from Tank Dell (knee), the Texans project to have all of their key wide receivers available for the Week 9 matchup, as Nico Collins cleared concussion protocol after joining Kirk as a full practice participant Thursday. Over three appearances with the Texans this season, Kirk has put together a 10-109-0 receiving line on 16 targets.

Washington (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

A back injury prevented Washington from practicing Wednesday, but he took a step in the right direction by logging a limited session Thursday, and he would likely avoid an injury designation for Week 9 against the Patriots if he were to practice in full Friday. Washington played just four offensive snaps against the Dolphins in Week 8, and he would remain in a limited role on offense if Drake London (hip) is cleared to play against New England.

James (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

James sustained a low ankle sprain in Week 8 against the Vikings, but he is trending toward being available against the Titans on Sunday after practicing in full Thursday. The veteran safety will continue to start at safety alongside Elijah Molden, barring a setback.

Crosby (knee) participated in Thursday's practice, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Crosby sustained a knee injury during the second quarter of the Raiders' Week 7 loss to the Chiefs. He had extra time to rest thanks to the Week 8 bye, and his ability to practice Thursday indicates that he is trending toward being available for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. Charles Snowden, Tyree Wilson and rookie fourth-rounder Tonka Hemingway would pick up more rotational snaps at defensive end if Crosby is unable to play Week 9.