NFL Player News

Johnson (back) remained a non-participant at practice Thursday.

Johnson hasn't practiced or played since Week 7 against the Saints. Even on the off chance he recovers in time to suit up Sunday against the Bengals, Johnson would likely remain in a depth role behind D'Andre Swift (groin) and Kyle Monangai.

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

After missing the first game of his career in this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens, Kmet has opened Week 9 prep with a pair of limited sessions. If he can upgrade to full participation Friday, Kmet should be in good position to reclaim his usual duties as the Bears' starting tight end. While Kmet was sidelined this past weekend, rookie first-round pick Colston Loveland played a season-high 81 percent of the snaps on offense and finished with three catches for 38 yards on five targets.

Stevenson (shoulder) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Stevenson sat out Chicago's Week 8 loss to the Ravens and was limited Wednesday but returned to full participation Thursday. The starting cornerback's full participation Thursday puts him on track to return Sunday against the Bengals.

Jones was cut from the Seahawks' practice squad Thursday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Jones had just been signed to the practice squad Wednesday, but his tenure on the team didn't last long. Myles Gaskin -- who had been released upon Jones' signing Wednesday -- returned to the practice squad upon Jones' departure Thursday.

Swift (groin) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

For the third week in a row, Swift is on the Bears' injury report with a groin issue. He's proceeded to play through the issue in both of the team's last two games, but Swift's availability for this Sunday's game in Cincinnati may be in more peril now that he's failed to practice in any fashion Wednesday and Thursday. What Swift is able to do in Friday's session will go a long way in determining his status heading into the weekend.

Burden (concussion) didn't practice Thursday.

Since exiting this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens with a concussion, Burden hasn't made enough progress through the NFL's five-step protocol to take part in any on-field work. At this stage, Burden appears to be facing an uphill battle to play this weekend in Cincinnati.

Pacheco (knee) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

With consecutive DNPs on Wednesday and Thursday due to an MCL sprain in his right knee, Pacheco is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Bills, and it's possible that he'll be ruled out as soon as Friday. If Pacheco is unavailable this weekend, Kareem Hunt would be in line for more carries Week 9, per ESPN.com, with Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell backing him up.

Stevenson (toe) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Taylor Kyles of CLNSMedia.com reports.

With Stevenson kicking off Week 9 prep with two straight absences, the running back's availability for Sunday's game against the Falcons could be in peril while he manages a toe injury. Before potentially ruling him out for Sunday or giving him a designation for the game, the Patriots will wait and see what Stevenson is able to do at Friday's practice. If Stevenson ends up missing his first game of the season, rookie TreVeyon Henderson could be primed to take on a heightened role this weekend as New England's lead option out of the backfield.

Diggs (concussion/knee) attended practice Thursday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Diggs landed on injured reserve Saturday due in part to a concussion. It was subsequently revealed that the veteran cornerback is also dealing with a right knee injury. Diggs' appearance on the practice field Thursday could suggest that he's cleared concussion protocol, per Hoyt, but it doesn't necessarily change his timeframe for returning to action. Due to his placement on IR, Diggs isn't eligible to play again until at least Thursday, Nov. 27 versus Kansas City.

Swinson signed a deal to join the Cardinals' practice squad Thursday.

Swinson spent training camp with the Packers before being let go in late August. He subsequently joined the 49ers' practice squad before being cut last week. The Arizona State product will now try to impress the Cardinals while part of the practice squad, though he has a tricky path to the active roster since the team has three healthy tight ends on the 53-man roster in Trey McBride, Elijah Higgins and Josiah Deguara.