NFL Player News

Brooks (hamstring) was spotted working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 17 win over the Buccaneers, Brooks is fighting to play in Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The Texas Tech product has had an incredible 2025 campaign for the Dolphins, recording 174 total tackles (most in the NFL), including 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble across 16 appearances. His practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he'll be available for Miami's season finale in New England on Sunday.

St. Brown (knee/ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown played through what coach Dan Campbell called "irritation" in his knee during last Thursday's loss at Minnesota, logging a typical 83 percent of snaps en route to eight catches (on 13 targets) for 68 yards. St. Brown has put together a third consecutive 100-catch, 1,200-yard and double-digit TD campaign, which has cemented him as one of the top fantasy wide receivers as of his fifth pro season. His status will continue to be monitored as the Lions prepare for Sunday's visit to the Bears.

Hunt (biceps) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice walkthrough.

Hunt remains on IR, where he has been since tearing his biceps in mid-September. The veteran offensive lineman had his practice window opened Dec. 24 and was able to log a trio of limited practices last week, but he ultimately wasn't activated ahead of Sunday's loss to Seattle. Hunt was estimated as a full participant in Tuesday's walkthrough this week, and with a full padded practice under his belt Wednesday, he seems to be trending toward a return Saturday versus Tampa Bay for a game with major playoff implications.

Cherelus (calf/ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's walthrough.

Cherelus still has a walking boot on his left foot Wednesday, per Joe Person of The Athletic. Though he'll have one more chance to take the practice field Thursday, he seems an unlikely candidate to be cleared in time for Sunday's road matchup against the Buccaneers. Bam Martin-Scott will handle an expanded role on defense Week 18 if Cherelus is unable to play.

Waddle (ribs) isn't practicing Wednesday, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Waddle injured his ribs during the second quarter of Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. He returned late in the third quarter but ultimately played just 26 percent of Miami's snaps on offense. With 910 receiving yards on the season, Waddle has some extra motivation to suit up for Week 18 against New England if his availability comes down to a matter of pain tolerance.

Moore (elbow) was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran wideout has practiced in full since being designated to return from the injured reserve list on Dec. 17, so he could suit up for the Panthers' Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers, a game that could decide the NFC South champion. However, he must still be added to Carolina's active roster in order to suit up Sunday. If active in Week 18, expect Moore to play a depth role in the Panthers' receiving corps.

Rochell (concussion) didn't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

The 27-year-old corner from Central Arkansas opened the Panthers' week of practice with consecutive DNPs after sustaining a concussion in the Week 17 loss to the Seahawks. Rochell needs to clear the NFL's five-step protocol in order to suit up for Saturday's matchup against the Buccaneers, a contest that could decide the winner of the NFC South. If he's sidelined in Week 18, expect Akayleb Evans to operate as one of the Panthers' top reserve cornerbacks.

Dowdle (toe) practiced fully Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Dowdle was held out of Tuesday's walkthrough due to what coach Dave Canales called a sore toe, per Gannt. However, Dowdle's return to all activity one day later indicates the absence likely was maintenance-based more than anything. Since the Panthers' Week 14 bye, Dowdle has turned 45 touches into 160 yards from scrimmage and one TD, while fellow RB Chuba Hubbard notched 90 total yards and no TDs on 23 touches during that span. Expect a similar breakdown of reps between the two Saturday at Tampa Bay with a potential playoff berth on the line.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy went through a "really positive" throwing session Tuesday with the Vikings' medical staff and will take part in Wednesday's practice, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.

McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand during a Week 16 win at the Giants that sidelined him for last Thursday's victory against the Lions. O'Connell said McCarthy likely will be limited in his return to drills Wednesday, but the second-year QB nonetheless is progressing in advance of Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Packers.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Davis (eye) will be limited in practice Wednesday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Davis and starting running back Javonte Williams (shoulder) will both be listed as limited on Dallas' first injury report of Week 18, potentially paving the way for rookie Jaydon Blue to get involved on offense during Sunday's regular-season finale against the Giants. With Williams having been forced out early versus Washington on Christmas Day in Week 17, Davis went off for 103 rushing yards on 20 carries while failing to secure either of his two targets. Davis will stand to handle a significant workload versus New York in the event that he is cleared to play Sunday but Williams is not.