NFL Player News

Gross-Matos (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Gross-Matos has been playing through a lingering knee problem since Week 17 versus the Bears, and it's still bothering him as the 49ers continue their preparations for the divisional round. Barring any setbacks, though, he figures to continue to tough it out Saturday at Seattle.

Jones (illness) didn't participate in Seattle's practice Wednesday, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Jones popped up on the injury report Wednesday but will look to be healthy in time for Saturday's divisional-round matchup versus the 49ers. While his availability in practice Thursday and Friday will provide more clarity toward his status for the game, Tyrice Knight (shoulder) and Patrick O'Connell would be in line for increased playing time if Jones ends up being unable to play.

Brown (hamstring) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Brown was estimated as a non-participant when the 49ers started their preparations for the divisional round with a walkthrough practice Tuesday, and he couldn't take any reps when the club ran a full practice Wednesday. Unless he can get back on the practice field Thursday, he'll be on track to spend Saturday's game at Seattle on the sidelines.

Winters (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Winters was sidelined for the 49ers' wild card win at Philadelphia, and now his status for the divisional round against the Seahawks is in doubt. He'll probably have to participate fully at practice Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation when San Francisco releases its final practice report of the week.

Warner (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Warner is not expected to return by Saturday for the divisional round against the Seahawks, but his activity at practice is an encouraging sign for his future availability if the 49ers manage to advance. With that said, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com, Warner said Wednesday that, "We're taking it day by day," suggesting there is an outside chance he could play Saturday. For now, Garret Wallow and veteran Eric Kendricks remain San Francisco's top healthy options at linebacker.

Ford (elbow) was estimated as a limited participant for the Rams' walkthrough practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Ford came away from the Rams' wild card victory at Carolina with a sack, but it looks like he also hurt his elbow in that game. He'll probably need to log a full practice by Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Wallace (ankle) was estimated as a full participant for the Rams' walkthrough practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Wallace has missed the Rams' last three games with an ankle injury, but his status on the team's injury report Wednesday suggests he is trending toward returning for the divisional round against the Bears. Still, he'll likely have to practice in full Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Whittington (knee) was not listed on the Rams' injury report Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Whittington sat out the Wild Card Round due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 18 versus the Cardinals, but it now appears he'll be ready to go for the Divisional Round against the Bears. However, as long as first-team All Pro Puka Nacua and veteran Davante Adams are available, there probably won't be room for the Rams' other receivers to draw many targets.

The Patriots released Mitchell from the practice squad Wednesday.

Mitchell signed to New England's practice squad in late December as a possible depth option for TreVeyon Henderson, who was questionable to play with a concussion. The five-year pro from Louisiana is four years removed from his best season in 2021, when he rushed the ball 207 times for 963 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching the ball 19 times for 137 yards and one touchdown.

The Steelers signed Hurleman to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

The rookie from Notre Dame signed with the Steelers' practice squad in August after joining the team as an undrafted free agent. The 24-year-old did not play in a single game this season. Hurleman will participate in Pittsburgh's offseason activities and attempt to earn a spot on the active roster next season.