NFL Player News

Pierce (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Pierce has missed two straight games but has now logged back-to-back full practices sessions, so he appears to be nearing a return from the concussion protocol. Friday's practice figures to be key for Pierce, who will also need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before being eligible to return to the starting lineup alongside Michael Pittman and Josh Downs. He's working to gain clearance in time for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals.

Skowronek (illness) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Skowronek was a full go Thursday after being limited by an illness Wednesday. He could see additional opportunities Sunday against the Browns if Calvin Austin (shoulder) is unable to play. Austin didn't practice in any capacity Wednesday or Thursday.

Austin (shoulder) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin injured his shoulder in Pittsburgh's Week 4 win over the Vikings, and he has now missed the team's first two practices coming out of a Week 5 bye. Head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that Austin could ramp up his practice participation as the week progresses, but Austin will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to give himself a chance to suit up for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Kincaid (oblique) was limited at practice Thursday.

Per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com, Kincaid sported a non-contact jersey during Thursday's session, with the Bills' first practice report of the week revealing that the tight end is working through an oblique issue. Kincaid now has two more chances to upgrade his participation level ahead of Monday night's game against the Falcons. In this past Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Patriots, Kincaid logged a 54 percent snap share while catching all six of his targets for a team-high 108 yards.

Samuel (neck/ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Samuel played a season-high 49 percent of offensive snaps during Buffalo's loss to New England in Week 5, in which he secured both of his targets for 26 yards and one score, but he appears to have picked up a pair of injuries in the process. He also racked up 86 yards across three kick returns versus the Patriots. Samuel will figure to handle a similar role on the road against Atlanta on Monday night, as long as he can gain clearance to suit up.

Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

With an uncapped session under his belt, Sanders looks on track to make his return to action Sunday against the Cowboys, after a right high-ankle sprain had kept him out of commission for each of the Panthers' last two contests. Assuming he gets the green light to play this weekend, Sanders should step back in as Carolina's top tight end, which would result in a reduced snap share for Tommy Tremble.

Hubbard (calf) didn't practice Thursday.

Hubbard has now sat out five consecutive Panthers practices due to the calf issue, and unless he's able to end the trend and take part in Friday's session in some capacity, he looks set to miss a second consecutive game this Sunday against the Cowboys. His potential absence would clear the way for Rico Dowdle to get another turn as Carolina's lead back, after Dowdle amassed a career-high 234 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 26 touches in the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday that Vidal and Hassan Haskins will both factor in significantly Sunday against the Dolphins, but neither is viewed as the clear lead back, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Vidal was signed to the active roster Wednesday off the Chargers' practice squad, taking the roster spot that the team cleared by placing Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR. Haskins and Vidal each played 14 snaps on offense in the Chargers' 27-10 Week 5 loss to Commanders, during which Hampton was injured. It sounds like both healthy running backs will have opportunities to capitalize on Sunday's favorable matchup against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL this season. Amar Johnson and/or Nyheim Hines could also factor into the backfield mix if elevated from the practice squad.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Thursday that Haskins and Kimani Vidal will both factor in significantly Sunday against the Dolphins, but neither is viewed as the clear lead back, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Haskins and Vidal are next in line for backfield touches after Omarion Hampton (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ensuring Hampton will miss at least four games. Haskins and Vidal played 14 snaps each on offense in the Chargers' 27-10 Week 5 loss to Commanders, during which Hampton got hurt. The Chargers will likely ride the hot hand at running back Sunday in a rotation that could also include Amar Johnson or Nyheim Hines if either are elevated from the practice squad against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the most rushing yards in the league this season.

Vaki (groin) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Ben Raven of MLive reports.

Vaki has missed two consecutive games and hasn't practiced in any capacity since injuring his groin Week 3. He appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's road matchup against the Chiefs. If Vaki is ruled out again, Craig Reynolds will get another chance to handle the clear RB3 role behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.