NFL Player News

The Saints signed Hines to the practice squad Thursday, John Sigler of SaintsWire reports.

Hines has appeared in three games this season for the Chargers, where he totaled two rushing attempts for minus-2 yards. The veteran's biggest contributions came on special teams, as he racked up 195 return yards through his three appearances. Hines will likely be elevated for Sunday's game against the Jets and serve as the No. 3 running back behind Evan Hull and Audric Estime.

The Saints signed Austin from the practice squad to the active roster Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Austin has bounced between the Saints' active roster and practice squad all season, playing in five games. The wide receiver has accumulated three receptions for 33 yards on six targets so far in the 2025 campaign. With Devaughn Vele (shoulder) ruled out and Dante Pettis (illness) listed as questionable, Austin is set to take on a role as the No. 3 wide receiver behind Chris Olave and Mason Tipton for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Johnston (groin) was limited at practice Thursday.

Following back-to-back limited sessions, Johnston likely will need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. After being added to the Chargers' Week 15 injury report last Friday, a groin injury kept the wideout from facing the Chiefs in last weekend's 16-13 win. In Johnston's absence from that contest, Tre' Harris logged a season-high 85 percent snap share alongside fellow WRs Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen.

Harris (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Harris filled in for Quentin Johnston (groin) during Los Angeles' win over the Chiefs in Week 15, playing a career-high 85 percent of offensive snaps and securing three of five targets for 49 yards. He and Johnston have both logged back-to-back limited practices since that contest. If Johnston is able to get back on the field for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, Harris will stand to revert to the No. 4 wide receiver role even if fully healthy. Derius Davis (ankle) remains a non-participant at practice, however, so Harris could see expanded opportunities even if he reverts back to a depth role.

Smith (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Smith jumped to a full participant Thursday after failing to practice in Wednesday's session. The increase in participation and subsequent clearing of any injury designation means the linebacker should be good to go for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. Smith is coming off a 14-tackle effort against the Bengals last Sunday, and a similar performance would be very welcome against one of the most efficient offenses in either conference in that of New England.

The Seahawks have elevated Akers for Thursday's game against the Rams, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Akers, who is on his second stint with Seattle's practice squad this season, will be elevated for his first contest with the team. The veteran running back will handle the No. 3 running back role behind Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, and he could continue to do so until such time as George Holani (hamstring) is ready to come off IR.

Van Noy (quadriceps) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Van Noy upgraded to a limited participant Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with a new quadriceps injury. The linebacker likely sustained the injury in last Sunday's 24-0 shutout win over the Bengals, where he notched an interception. Van Noy will have one more opportunity to upgrade his participation level yet again and potentially dodge an injury designation for Sunday's primetime matchup with the Patriots.

Jenkins (illness) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Jenkins was a new addition to Thursday's injury report. If the nose tackle can log practice participation Friday, he should be all set to dodge an injury designation for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. Even if Jenkins cannot practice Friday, he's still likely to play if he's recovered enough by game day.

Young (quadriceps) has been activated from injured reserve and does not carry an injury designation for Thursday's home game against the Rams, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Young has been a full participant at practice throughout Seattle's preparations for Thursday Night Football, so it's unsurprising to see him activated in time to face off against Los Angeles. After having missed the Seahawks' last seven games due to a quad injury, Young will now resume handling a depth role in the team's wide-receiver corps.

Bartholomew (back) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Bartholomew has yet to make his NFL debut. The sixth-round pick out of Pittsburgh has remained on the PUP list all year due to a back injury he suffered in late August. With a limited practice Wednesday and a full session Thursday, it seems the rookie tight end could be a depth addition to the Vikings' offense as early as Sunday's game against the Giants.