NFL Player News

Coach John Harbaugh said Monday that Jackson's (back) status for next Sunday's game against the Steelers is to be determined, but the Ravens should have a better idea Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson didn't practice at all last week, but Harbaugh did say the quarterback felt a lot better at the end of the week than he did immediately following the Week 16 defeat to the Patriots. Jackson is dealing with a lower-back contusion. Tyler Huntley started in Jackson's place Saturday against the Packers and was efficient handing the ball off to Derrick Henry. Huntley also completed 16 of 20 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown, adding 60 rushing yards of his own on eight attempts.

Coach Pete Carroll clarified Monday that Smith avoided a high-ankle sprain but is still dealing with a significant ankle injury after exiting Sunday's loss to the Giants, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith seems highly unlikely to play in next Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chiefs. Kenny Pickett will likely draw the start against Kansas City. The Smith acquisition by Las Vegas has gone about as poorly as imaginable, as Smith is 2-13 across his 15 starts and leads the league with 17 interceptions. He'll likely be one-and-done with the Raiders.

St. Brown (knee) is considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale on the road at Chicago, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown dealt with irritation in his knee leading up to last Thursday's 23-10 loss to the Vikings in which he secured eight of 13 targets for 68 yards, so he may simply be dealing with the same issue leading into Week 18. It's worth noting, though, that St. Brown was forced to walk off the field under this own power late in the fourth quarter versus Minnesota after taking an awkward hit. With Detroit having been eliminated from playoff contention due to the team's Week 17 loss, there won't be much incentive for St. Brown to push through the injury if there are any chances he could aggravate or compound his knee issue.

McCreary (hip) was activated from the injured reserve list Monday, Nate Atkins of The Athletic reports.

The fourth-year pro from Auburn has missed the Rams' last four games due to a hip injury, but following a full practice Friday, he's set to return for Monday night's matchup against the Falcons. Since being dealt from the Titans to the Rams in late October, McCreary has appeared in four games and played just one defensive snap. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Rams' top slot corners in the Week 17 matchup.

The Bills cut Badgley from the practice squad Monday.

Badgley has kicked in each of the last two games for Buffalo, and he's missed an extra point in each contest. Sunday's blocked PAT against the Eagles proved pivotal, as it helped keep Buffalo out of the win column, with coach Sean McDermott opting instead to attempt a game-winning two-point conversion at the end of the fourth quarter rather than putting Badgley back out there for another extra-point attempt.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy (hand) is progressing and the swelling has come down, but his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Packers is to be determined, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

O'Connell said it's going to come down to McCarthy's ability to grip the football after he suffered a fracture in his throwing hand Week 16 against the Giants. Max Brosmer made the Week 17 start against the Lions but was borderline incompetent once again, completing just nine of 16 passes for 51 scoreless yards while absorbing seven sacks. McCarthy's status will be updated again no later than Wednesday.

Scourton tallied four total tackles (one solo), including 1.0 sacks, and forced a fumble during Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks.

Scourton was one of three Panthers to get after the quarterback during Sunday's loss, notching a strip-sack on Sam Darnold in the second quarter that set up a game-tying field goal. Scourton, a 2025 second-round pick from Texas A&M, has now tallied 42 total tackles, including 4.5 sacks, one pass defensed and one forced fumble over 16 appearances this season. He's expected to remain a crucial part of Carolina's defensive line in the Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers.

Farrell logged 27 snaps on offense and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 42-38 win over the Bears.

George Kittle (ankle) was sidelined for Week 17, but it was Jake Tonges (7-60-1 receiving line) who stepped up to provide the most fantasy value among 49ers tight ends in the primetime win. Farrell remained in his usual blocking role, earning similar playing time to games in which Kittle had played.

Bourne caught his only target for 25 yards in Sunday's 42-38 win over the Bears.

Starting WR Ricky Pearsall (ankle/knee) returned from a one-game absence and pushed Bourne back to fourth on San Francisco's receiver depth chart. The 29-year-old Bourne finished the contest with 19 snaps played on offense (26 percent), which doesn't bode well for his playing time prospects in Week 18. Barring an unforeseen injury to one of the 49ers' starting wideouts, Bourne can safely be ignored against the Seahawks on Saturday.

Jackson recorded 11 total tackles (eight solo) and two passes defensed, including one interception, during Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seahawks.

The 28-year-old led the Panthers' defense in total tackles during Sunday's loss, eclipsing double-digit stops for the first time this season. Jackson also picked off Sam Darnold on a pass intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba early in the third quarter. Across 16 appearances this season, Jackson has recorded 61 total tackles, 19 passes defensed (most in the NFL), including four interceptions, and one forced fumble. He'll continue to start opposite Jaycee Horn as one of the league's best outside cornerback duos in the Week 18 matchup against the Buccaneers on Saturday.