NFL Player News

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

Thursday marked Key's first crack at on-field work since sustaining a quadriceps injury during the Titans' Week 5 win over the Cardinals. It's a step in the right direction for the 2018 third-rounder, though his chances of playing Sunday against the Colts won't be known until the Titans announce their injury designations following Friday's practice. Key has been sidelined for Tennessee's last two games due to his injury, which has resulted in more defensive snaps at outside linebacker for Jihad Ward and Jaylen Harrell.

Miller was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a finger injury, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

The injury appears to be a new issue for Miller, as he wasn't listed on Wednesday's practice report. His participation in Friday's practice will provide more clarity on his chances of playing against the Packers on Sunday. The 2019 sixth-rounder has served in a depth role at wide receiver this season, so a Week 8 absence would open the door to a slight uptick in offensive snaps for Ben Skowronek and Ke'Shawn Williams.

Whiteheart (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Whiteheart's practice snaps weren't capped during Thursday's session, which puts him on track to play against the Patriots on Sunday. The third-year tight end played 35 snaps on offense in Week 7 against the Dolphins, and his snap count could remain elevated for Week 8 if David Njoku (knee) is not cleared to play.

Allgeier (hip/knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Allgeier maintained his activity level from Wednesday's walkthrough, giving him just one more opportunity to get back to full participation during Week 8 prep. Even if he's able to suit up Sunday versus the Dolphins, though, his workload remains to be seen because he's handled double-digit touches in four of six appearances this season but combined for six touches in the other two contests.

Ward (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Ward was limited in practice due to a hip issue Wednesday, but it now appears he's ready to head into Sunday's road contest against the Patriots without carrying an injury designation. He's dealt with what seems to be a recurring hip issue since early October, though he managed to fade the injury report ahead of Cleveland's win over the Dolphins in Week 7.

Mooney (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Mooney followed up Wednesday's limited walkthrough with a similar workload at Thursday's practice as he tends to the hamstring injury that has bothered him since Week 4 action. Following a Week 5 bye, he sat out Week 6 before returning to action this past Sunday in San Francisco, when he hauled in three of five passes for 68 yards on an 83 percent snap share. Mooney will have one more chance to practice in full Friday, or else risk heading into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Dolphins.

Graham (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Graham was limited in practice Wednesday, but it appears he's now ready to suit up for Sunday's road matchup against the Patriots. The rookie first-round pick played through his knee issue during Cleveland's win over the Dolphins in Week 7, in which he handled his usual workload (74 percent of defensive snaps) and tallied three solo tackles plus one pass breakup.

Diggs (chest) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Diggs also had his reps capped Wednesday while he manages a chest issue, but the Patriots haven't suggested that his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns is in danger. New England will release its final Week 8 injury report Friday, when it will be known whether Diggs heads into Sunday with a designation or is fully cleared.

Kamara (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The Saints are managing Kamara's practice reps for the third week in a row while he tends to a lingering ankle issue, but the injury isn't expected to prevent him from playing Sunday versus the Buccaneers. After top backup Kendre Miller (knee) sustained a season-ending ACL tear in last week's loss to the Bears, Kamara ended up handling a season-high 84 percent snap share, though he was limited to 28 yards on 11 carries and one yard on three receptions. Rookie Devin Neal is expected to replace Miller in the No. 2 role this weekend and may not represent as formidable of competition as Miller, but Kamara's efficiency could be a regular concern all season due to subpar quarterback play as well as a below-average offensive line that recently lost standout center Erik McCoy to a season-ending biceps injury.

Jackson (right hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Back-to-back limited practices are encouraging with regard to Jackson's chances of returning to action Sunday against the Bears, but the star QB presumably will need to practice fully Friday in order to head into the weekend without an injury designation. Per Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com, offensive coordinator Todd Monken noted after Thursday's session that Jackson looked "really good" and took a step forward, while implying that the QB's Week 8 availability is in his own hands. "If he says he's ready to go, I'm ready to go," Monken added.