NFL Player News

Key (quadriceps) didn't practice Wednesday.

Key continues to work through a quad injury that he sustained in Week 5 against the Cardinals, which has prevented him from practicing or playing. He'll have to practice in at least a limited capacity over the next two days to have a realistic chance of playing in Sunday's AFC South tilt against the Colts.

Smith (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

A hamstring injury prevented Smith from playing in Weeks 5 and 6. The veteran linebacker has benefited from the additional rest courtesy of the Ravens' Week 7 bye, and his ability to practice in full Wednesday suggests he'll be active for Sunday's game against the Bears. Smith's return will revert Trenton Simpson to a rotational/depth role at inside linebacker.

Diggs (chest) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Diggs, who approached Week 7 action with a 'questionable' designation, ended up being on the field for 54 percent of the Patriots' snaps on offense in the team's 31-13 win over the Titans this past Sunday, a game in which the veteran wideout hauled in all seven of his targets for 69 yards. With no reported setbacks in that contest, chances are Diggs' listed limitations Wednesday were maintenance-related.

Santos (thigh) was a limited participant Wednesday in his return to practice.

Adam Hoge of AllCHGO.com reports that Santos was upbeat after returning to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. The kicker missed the past two games, giving Jake Moody an opportunity to fill in.

Ricard (calf) practiced in full Wednesday.

The veteran fullback has been sidelined by a calf injury through the Ravens' first six games of the regular season. However, Ricard's ability to practice Wednesday without restrictions indicates that he is tracking toward making his 2025 regular-season debut Sunday against Chicago.

Austin (shoulder) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Full participation in his first practice since Week 4 puts Austin on track to return this Sunday against the Packers. Pittsburgh's backup wideouts haven't done much in Austin's absence, with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith instead relying on his tight ends even more than he usually does. Austin was a pleasant surprise for Pittsburgh early in the season with 126 yards and two TDs on 15 targets over his first three games.

Awuzie (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Awuzie was sidelined for Weeks 5 and 6 due to a hamstring injury. The Ravens' Week 7 bye gave the veteran corner additional time to recover, and his ability to practice in full Wednesday indicates that he is on track to make his return against the Bears on Sunday. Awuzie's return will likely mean less snaps at outside corner for T.J. Tampa and Jaire Alexander.

Mayfield was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a knee injury, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Mayfield was stymied by the Lions defense in Monday's 24-9 loss, completing 28 of 50 passes for 228 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also didn't record a carry after being effective as a scrambler through the first six games of the campaign. Perhaps the knee issue was partly responsible, and he'll now have two chances to get back to full this week or else risk entering the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest at New Orleans.

Johnson (neck) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

It's a new injury for Johnson, who caught five of seven targets for 79 yards in a 26-14 loss at Chicago on Sunday. He handled a 71 percent snap share and 81 percent route share in the contest, not showing any clear sign of injury.

Kamara (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

It's an improvement from last week when Kamara also was listed with an ankle injury and started off as a non-participant. He ended up being cleared to play on the Friday injury report and went on to handle a season-high 84 percent snap share when fellow running back Kendre Miller suffered an ACL tear in the first half. It is possible rookie Devin Neal will have more of a role this Sunday against Tampa Bay with more time to prepare for the No. 2 RB job.