NFL Player News

Fannin (groin) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

With Fannin and David Njoku (knee/personal) poised to log consecutive 'DNPs,' it looks like the Browns could be without their top two tight ends in Sunday's season finale against the Bengals. If that ends up being the case, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates (shoulder) and practice-squad member Sal Cannella would be in line to handle the team's TE duties Week 18.

Kincaid (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

As did fellow TE Dawson Knox (knee), which gives the duo one more chance apiece to work fully before the Bills assign injury designations ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. Kincaid was inactive Week 17, and given that he's still limited by his knee issue, it's plausible that the Bills elect to err on the side of caution with him this weekend, will the NFL postseason looming.

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

White wasn't listed on Wednesday's practice report, so the illness is a new issue for the veteran cornerback. He would likely avoid an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets if he were to log a full practice Friday. In the 10 games since the Bills' Week 7 bye, White has logged 18 tackles (10 solo) and seven pass defenses (including one interception).

Knox (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Knox and fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) have both been listed as limited on back-to-back practice reports, though Buffalo held a walk-through session Wednesday. During Buffalo's loss to the Eagles in Week 17, Knox managed to play through his lingering knee injury while Kincaid was kept inactive. Both TEs will have one more chance to upgrade to full reps Friday, in advance of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets.

Epenesa (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Epenesa popped up on Thursday's injury report due to an illness and wasn't able to practice. His practice participation during Friday's session should shed light on his chances of playing in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jets. He's worked in a rotational role at defensive end this season, so Javon Solomon would absorb more snaps on defense in the event that Epenesa doesn't play Week 18.

Wirfs (toe) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The All-Pro tackle from Iowa upgraded from a DNP on Tuesday to limited practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday, suggesting he's moved past his toe injury in time to play in Saturday's must-win divisional contest. Now fully healthy, expect Wirfs to operate as Tampa Bay's top left tackle in Week 18.

Goedeke (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The fourth-year pro from Central Michigan practiced in a limited fashion throughout the week but will play through his ankle issue in the Week 18 divisional matchup, a game Tampa Bay must win to keep its playoff hopes alive. With Goedeke healthy, he's expected to operate as the team's top right tackle Saturday.

Brown (illness) wasn't spotted during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Should Brown be officially deemed a 'DNP' on Thursday's injury report, he'll have one more opportunity to practice ahead of Sunday's season finale against the Browns. If the running back ends up sidelined this weekend, added backfield reps in Week 18 would be available for Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks.

Nelson (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Nelson is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a sprained knee suffered in Tampa Bay's Week 16 loss to the Panthers. The 28-year-old is an important part of the Buccaneers' linebacker corps, recording 38 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles over 15 appearances this season. While he's sidelined during Saturday's must-win matchup, expect Chris Braswell to serve as Tampa Bay's top reserve outside linebacker.

Morrison (hamstring) has no injury designation ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Panthers, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The 21-year-old rookie from Notre Dame upgraded from a DNP on Tuesday to a full practice session Thursday, suggesting he's moved past his hamstring issue in time to play Saturday. Morrison has played well throughout his rookie campaign, recording 24 total tackles and four passes defensed over nine appearances. Now fully healthy, he's expected to operate as one of the Buccaneers' top outside cornerbacks in the Week 18 contest.