NFL Player News

Waller (hip) did not practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Waller's absence from practice Wednesday was merely part of a planned schedule, as he hadn't practice three consecutive days since his return from retirement, and that the veteran tight end would be back on the field Thursday. It's thus possible that his current 'DNP' status represents a setback of some sort, especially given that Waller is being listed with a hip injury. Miami said throughout the preseason that a cautious approach was being deployed simply for conditioning purposes. Friday's practice represents Waller's last chance to get some on-field work in before the Dolphins decide whether he'll carry an injury designation for Week 1, and at this stage he appears uncertain for Sunday's road opener against Indianapolis.

Mooney (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After having his reps capped for the second practice in a row to kick off Week 1 prep, Mooney told Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com that he would likely be a "game-time decision" for Sunday's tilt with the Buccaneers. Unless he can upgrade to full participation in Friday's session, Mooney appears set to take a questionable tag into the weekend, and official word on his status may not arrive until the Falcons release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If Atlanta elects to hold Mooney out for the season opener, more reps at receiver would be available for the likes of Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge.

Reed (foot) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Reed got back on the practice field after sitting out Wednesday's session, which may be his maintenance plan for the foreseeable future due to the Jones fracture in his left foot that he's been dealing with for roughly a month. Coach Matt LaFleur told Zach Jacobson of 247Sports.com that the Packers "absolutely" will give Reed a chance to make himself available Sunday against the Lions, but at this point he seems destined to head into the weekend with a questionable designation for that contest.

Gardner (fibula) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Gardner's good to go after kicking off Week 1 prep with a limited practice session Wednesday. Barring a setback, the star cornerback will be available Week 1 against DK Metcalf and the Steelers.

Taylor (knee) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor returned to full practice participation for the first time since late July, paving the way for him to suit up Week 1 against the Steelers as Justin Fields' backup. The veteran backup has been working his way back from a knee scope.

TeSlaa (illness) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

After the Lions gauged him as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, TeSlaa returned to the field Thursday, though it didn't translate to an upgrade in terms of how the team listed the extent of his activity. In any case, the rookie wideout is expected to be ready to make his NFL debut Sunday in Green Bay, though he'll probably need to upgrade to full participation in Friday's practice to avoid carrying a designation into the weekend.

Garrett (hip) didn't practice Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Garrett's practice participation level Friday will bear monitoring, as will his status on the team's official Week 1 injury report, which will likely tag the star defensive end with an injury designation. If Garrett's unavailable or limited Sunday against the Bengals, Cleveland will have an even tougher time slowing down Joe Burrow and Cincinnati's high-octane offense.

Benford (groin) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Benford was limited Wednesday but faced no limitations one day later, indicating that he should be good to go for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Ravens. Benford could play a key role out of the gate with Buffalo banged up in the secondary.

Thomas (foot) sat out Thursday's practice, Patricia Traina of SI.com reports.

Coach Brain Daboll indicated that Thomas' absence Thursday was a planned precaution, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, after the starting left tackle participated in limited fashion Wednesday. While Thomas may find himself carrying an injury designation on Friday's report into Week 1 action against the Commanders, he appears to be on track to play.

Coleman (groin) remained a limited participant at practice Thursday.

With Coleman having logged two straight limited practices, the wideout will likely need to work fully Friday in order to avoid taking a designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens. If Coleman is out or limited this weekend, Elijah Moore (personal), Curtis Samuel and Tyrell Shavers would be next up for added opportunities at receiver behind Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer.