NFL Player News

Wicks (concussion) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Wicks was forced out of Saturday's loss to the Ravens in the second quarter and didn't return after undergoing a concussion evaluation. With no on-field work to speak of to kick off Week 18 prep, he appears to be on the outside looking in to suit up for Sunday's regular-season finale at Minnesota. Ultimately, the Packers may make a ruling on Wicks' availability by the time they post their final injury report of the week Friday.

Jackson (back) was present for practice Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson didn't practice at all last week before missing this past Saturday's win over the Packers, which helped set up this Sunday's game against the Steelers to decide the AFC North title. As Hensley notes, Jackson practicing on a Wednesday has been a rare occurrence of late, with the QB's participation, in any capacity, thus representing a good sign in terms of his chances of returning to action this weekend.

Austin (wrist) is returning to practice Wednesday, per head coach Mike Vrabel, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Austin landed on injured reserve Nov. 25 due to a wrist injury. His return to practice Wednesday means he's eligible to be activated at any time, though it remains to be seen if New England will make that move ahead of Sunday's Week 18 game against the Dolphins. Prior to getting hurt, Austin had played in the Patriots' first 12 contests, logging 144 snaps on defense and 120 on special teams.

Campbell (knee - MCL) is expected to return to practice Wednesday, per head coach Mike Vrabel, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Campbell has been on IR since late November due to a sprained MCL in his knee. If the rookie first-round pick is indeed able to return to practice Wednesday or any day this week, there's a possibility he'll be activated ahead of Sunday's Week 18 matchup against Miami, though the more likely scenario is that New England will wait until the postseason to put him back into game action. Prior to getting hurt, Campbell had started the Patriots' first 12 contests of the campaign.

Coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday that LaPorta is "improving," but "he's not completely healed" from the back injury that forced him to injured reserve Nov. 15, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

In the wake of LaPorta undergoing back surgery in mid-November, Campbell described the tight end's chances to return this season as "very, very slim," per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. As of this week with the Lions out of playoff contention, though, Campbell relayed that the team is hopeful LaPorta will be back by training camp in the summer, indicating his health concern was more serious than Detroit initially indicated. LaPorta, a 2023 second-round pick, will be entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said Wednesday that Cook will start Sunday's regular-season finale against the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Cook will close out the 2025 campaign with a fourth consecutive start for New York, though he also played 90 percent of offensive snaps versus Miami in Week 14. The undrafted rookie has failed to lead the team to a single win in that span and has compiled just a 1:7 TD:INT, but Glenn said Cook will remain the starter for Week 18 even with veteran Tyrod Taylor (knee/personal) back in the building. With Justin Fields (knee) on IR, Taylor will act as Cook's backup as long as he's cleared to suit up versus Buffalo.

The Steelers placed Washington (forearm) on IR on Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Washington suffered what coach Mike Tomlin revealed was a broken arm in the Steelers' Week 17 loss to the Browns, an injury that subsequently required surgery, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. In Washington's absence, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are in line to lead Pittsburgh's TE corps, with Connor Heyward also on hand.

Dowdle (toe) is participating in practice Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Dowdle missed Tuesday's walk-through practice due to a sore toe, so it's encouraging to see him already back on the field as at least a limited participant. As long as Dowdle is able to continue practicing in some capacity Thursday, it will bode well for his chances of being cleared to face the Buccaneers on Sunday, a contest that may determine the winner of the NFC South title. Dowdle exploded onto the scene midway through the 2025 regular season and revitalized Carolina's rushing game, but he's since been in a slump, having averaged just 47.3 rushing yards per game across his last seven appearances.

Hyatt was absent from Wednesday's practice due to an illness, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year pro from Tennessee appears to be dealing with an illness and likely needs to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday to play in the Week 18 matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday. Hyatt has appeared in just eight games this season, catching five of 14 targets for 35 yards while also tallying 111 kick-return yards. If active Sunday, Hyatt will likely play a depth role in the Giants' wide-receiver room.

Worthy (illness) won't practice Wednesday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Worthy now has two more chances to practice in advance of Sunday's season finale against the Raiders. Assuming the wideout is available this weekend, he'll be in line to catch passes from QB Chris Oladokun, who threw for just 66 yards in the Chiefs' Week 17 loss to the Broncos.