NFL Player News

Smith (hamstring) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Per Tim McManus of ESPN.com, Smith was seen running on a side field Thursday, but the activity wasn't enough for him to be considered limited. It could be a sign that Smith is closing in on a return to practice, but until he does he may be trending toward a second straight absence Sunday at Jacksonville due to a hamstring issue. Friday's injury report may provide clarity on that front.

Bryant (ankle) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Though Bryant looks poised to avoid a stint on injured reserve after an MRI on the right ankle he injured in Sunday's loss to the 49ers ruled out a long-term injury, the second-year wideout still appears likely to miss some time. He's been a spectator for the Broncos' first two practices of Week 5 and will likely be officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers following Friday's session.

Tate (back) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

This is a new injury for Tate, who practiced without limitations Wednesday. The rookie fourth overall pick is coming off the best performance of his young NFL career, as Tate compiled nine catches for 145 yards in this past Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Ravens. A return to full participation Friday would help Tate avoid taking an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Texans.

Helm was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury.

Helm didn't appear on the Titans' initial Week 5 injury report posted Wednesday, so his limited participation Thursday could be indicate that he hurt his knee at some point during practice. The Titans will see what Helm is able to do during the final practice of the week Friday before determining if he'll take a designation into Sunday's game against the Texans. The tight end has played more than 70 percent of snaps in each of Tennessee's first four contests but has been a minor part of the passing attack, stringing together a 9-60-0 receiving line on 12 targets.

Barkley (hamstring) officially didn't practice Thursday.

Barkley has yet to log any on-field work since tweaking his right hamstring on his fourth offensive snap this past Sunday against the Rams. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Barkley is considered week-to-week, and the Eagles can make a ruling on the running back's status for a Week 5 road matchup with the Jaguars on Friday's injury report. Will Shipley is poised for a workhorse role out of Philadelphia's backfield this weekend assuming Barkley indeed is ruled out.

Pollard (foot) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Pollard has missed some practice time in recent weeks, including Wednesday's session, but he has been handling full workloads in games and is averaging 61 scrimmage yards per game this season while having scored his first touchdown of the season in this past Sunday's loss to the Ravens. He's set to continue leading Tennessee's backfield Sunday against the Texans in a clash between winless AFC South teams.

Sinnott (ribs) upgraded to full participation at Thursday's practice.

Sinnott has regained health after kicking off Week 5 prep with a limited session Wednesday. He's expected to continue working in a depth role Sunday against the Giants behind Chig Okonkwo (hamstring), who was limited at practice both Wednesday and Thursday. Sinnott failed to step up when Okonkwo missed two games earlier this season.

Likely (knee/groin) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Likely maintained his activity level from Wednesday's session as he deals with knee and groin injuries. There's been nothing to suggest that he's in danger of missing Sunday's game at Washington, but he still may be tagged with a designation on the Giants' final practice report of the week Friday.

Higgins (groin/neck) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Higgins was seen working out off to the side during the open portion of Thursday's session, and he apparently wasn't able to mix into team drills once practice was closed to the media. The veteran wideout has now had consecutive absences from practice to kick off Week 5 prep, while No. 1 receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) bumped up to limited participation Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. The Bengals will see if Higgins and Chase can increase their practice activity Friday before deciding if either or both wideouts will carry designations into Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Okonkwo (hamstring) remained limited at Thursday's practice.

Okonkwo is one of three prominent pass catchers dealing with hamstring injuries for the Commanders, along with wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs. While McLaurin and Diggs have both been unable to practice in any capacity, Okonkwo has put forth two limited sessions to begin Week 5 prep ahead of Sunday's game against the NFC East rival Giants.