NFL Player News

Johnson (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday.

With back-to-back capped sessions under his belt to begin Week 6 prep, Johnson has one more chance to prove the health of his ankle Friday before the Saints potentially tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Patriots. He played through the issue during a Week 5 win versus the Giants and handled a typical 85 percent snap share, but he managed just two catches (on four targets) for 17 yards.

Mingo (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

After having his 21-day evaluation window opened Oct. 1, Mingo turned in a trio of limited practices last week, then upgraded to full participation Wednesday. He's regressed to no activity just one day later, though it's unclear if Mingo's absence Thursday was the result of a setback in his recovery from a PCL sprain in his right knee or simply a pre-planned maintenance day. Whatever the case, Mingo will likely need to get back on the practice field in some capacity Friday in order for the Cowboys to consider activating him from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game at Carolina.

Lamb (ankle) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

According to Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News, Lamb continues to focus on resistance training versus actual drills on the practice field, and he'll have just one more chance for on-field work Friday before the Cowboys potentially make a ruling on his availability for Week 6 action. If Lamb is listed as out ahead of Sunday's game at Carolina, wideouts George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert and Ryan Flournoy, tight end Jake Ferguson and running back Javonte Williams will be the primary pass catchers at quarterback Dak Prescott's disposal.

Ward (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ward was limited in practice Wednesday, but he now looks fully healthy and ready to rock for Sunday's road matchup against the Steelers. Barring any setbacks, expect Ward to handle his usual starting role versus Pittsburgh. Tyson Campbell, who the Browns acquired Thursday in a trade package that sent Greg Newsome (hamstring) to Jacksonville, figures to immediately join Ward as a top outside cornerback.

Kamara (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Initial reports indicated Kamara hurt his ankle at Wednesday's practice, but he clarified Thursday that he's "feeling good" and actually suffered the injury this past Sunday against the Giants, per Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune. In the Week 5 win, Kamara logged season lows in offensive snap share (56 percent) and touches (12) on his way to just 55 yards from scrimmage. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will unveil whether or not he enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.

Higbee (hip) is participating in team drills Thursday, Adam Grosbard of the LA Daily News reports.

Higbee didn't practice Wednesday after sitting out last Thursday's loss to the 49ers, so his return Thursday marks a significant step in the right direction, though it remains to be seen whether he'll go down as a full or limited participant. If Higbee gains clearance to suit up Sunday against the Ravens, he would likely reclaim the top spot on a tight end depth chart that also includes Davis Allen, Colby Parkinson (concussion) and Terrance Ferguson.

Sample (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sample missed practice Wednesday, so his ability to handle limited reps bodes well for the depth tight end's chances of being cleared to suit up on the road against Green Bay on Sunday. Cincinnati's move to trade for a new starting quarterback in the form of veteran Joe Flacco could provide a spark for this passing game, but both Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant rank ahead of Sample on the depth chart, especially as pass-catching options. If Sample can upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he'll likely avoid an injury designation for Week 6.

Jones (knee) was in uniform for Thursday's practice but didn't attempt many throws, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

The 49ers appear to be taking it easy on Jones in the likely scenario that No. 1 QB Brock Purdy (toe) isn't able to play Sunday at Tampa Bay. Notably, Adrian Martinez was the only quarterback to throw during route-running work Thursday, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, so Jones seems destined to log a second consecutive limited session. Friday's practice report will be key to determining who will be under center for San Francisco this weekend.

The Packers listed McManus (quadriceps) as a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

According to Ryan Wood of USA Today, McManus wasn't in full uniform during the open portion of Thursday's practice, nor was he seen doing any kicking after injuring his right quad during Wednesday's workout. Even so, McManus apparently did enough on-field work to garner a limited listing for the second straight day. Though head coach Matt LaFleur expressed some concern about McManus' availability for Sunday's game against the Bengals when he spoke to the media earlier Thursday, the kicker himself said after the practice session that he expects to be ready to play by the time the weekend arrives, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. McManus' activity -- or lack thereof -- at Friday's practice will likely determine whether he takes a designation into Sunday.

Watson (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Since the Packers designated him for return from the reserve/PUP list Monday, Watson has operated with a cap on his practice reps through two sessions, giving him just one more chance to prove his health this week before the team potentially makes a ruling on his availability for Sunday's contest against the Bengals. Watson is seeking his first game action since tearing the ACL in his right knee Week 18 of last season.