NFL Player News

O'Neil (heel) is questionable for Minnesota's matchup against the Lions on Thursday.

O'Neil managed to play through the injury during last week's win over the Giants and was also a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, so he should have a good chance to suit up versus Detroit. However, if the 30-year-old ends up being unable to play, Walter Rouse would be in line to start at right tackle.

Byard (ankle ) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Byard played 100 percent of defensive snaps in last Saturday's overtime win over the Packers, so it is unclear when the starting safety sustained his ankle issue. Regardless of when it was sustained, the 32-year-old's ability to practice even in a limited capacity bodes well for his chances to suit up for Sunday night's game against the 49ers. Byard will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation to full in hopes of dodging an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.

Montgomery (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest at Minnesota.

Montgomery showed up Tuesday as a non-participant at the Lions' walkthrough due to an illness and followed it up with a limited session one day later, leaving his status in question for Week 17 action. In the end, his status will be clarified about 90 minutes before Thursday's 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, but if Montgomery is inhibited or sidelined, Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors would be the RB options behind No. 1 Jahmyr Gibbs.

Scott will serve as the Vikings' RB2 behind Aaron Jones against the Lions on Thursday after Jordan Mason (ankle) was ruled out.

Scott has served mostly on special teams this season, but he did play a larger role on offense from Weeks 3 to 5, which coincided with Jones' absence due to a hamstring injury. With Mason sidelined, Jones and Scott will lead the Vikings' rushing attack Christmas Day, and Ty Chandler is also available to provide depth in the backfield.

Edwards (glute) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Edwards had a double-digit tackle game last Saturday against the Packers. At the same time, he played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps, so it is unclear when the linebacker sustained his current injury. The 29-year-old will have two more chances to increase his practice participation in hopes of dodging an injury designation before Sunday night's prime-time game against the 49ers.

Brewer (neck) didn't participate in Miami's practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Brewer is currently dealing with a neck injury, making his status for Sunday's game versus the Patriots uncertain. Daniel Brunskill will likely get the start at center if Brewer ends up missing his first game of the season.

Hockenson (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Detroit.

Hockenson was held out of practice all week due to a shoulder injury that he likely picked up against the Giants on Sunday, and the injury has been deemed severe enough for the veteran tight end to be sidelined for Christmas Day. Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek and Ben Sims will step into larger roles in Week 17, though their fantasy floors will be far lower given that Max Brosmer is under center for the Vikings due to J.J. McCarthy (hand) being ruled out. Hockenson's next and final opportunity to play this season is Week 18 against the Packers on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall (knee/ankle) will be limited at practice Wednesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The 49ers have a few question marks in their receiving corps as TE George Kittle won't practice to kick off Week 17 prep due to the sprained ankle he suffered Monday at Indianapolis. Pearsall himself sat out that contest due to a low-ankle sprain and also an aggravation of the sprained PCL that sidelined him Weeks 5-10. He'll have two more chances to get back to full this week before San Francisco may make a decision on his status ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.

Mason (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lions.

Mason was unable to practice all week due to an ankle injury he sustained during the Vikings' 16-13 win over the Giants on Sunday. That leaves Aaron Jones as Minnesota's clear RB1 for Christmas Day, and Zavier Scott and Ty Chandler will step into larger rotational roles in the backfield in Mason's absence. Week 18 against the Packers on Sunday, Jan. 4 is Mason's last opportunity to play this season, given that the Vikings have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Herbig (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Herbig was able to start his week of practice with a limited session, a strong sign for the linebacker's playing chances for Sunday's game against the Browns. Every front-seven player will be key for a Steelers defense that may be without T.J. Watt (lung) yet again. Herbig will have two more chances to upgrade his practice participation in the hopes of dodging an injury designation ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup.