NFL Player News

Lamb (illness) did not practice Thursday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Lamb has now missed back-to-back practices due to illness to begin Week 16 prep. Friday's session will be his final chance to practice before potentially receiving a preliminary injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers. In the event that Lamb isn't able to practice Friday, he'll be at risk of missing Week 16 or having his status come down to a game-time decision.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall (knee/ankle) won't practice Thursday, but the wide receiver is feeling much better and has a chance to play Monday at Indianapolis, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Coming out of the 49ers' Week 14 bye, Pearsall had his first signature performance since the first month of the season, when he hauled in six of seven targets for 96 yards during this past Sunday's win against the Titans. Afterward, Shanahan relayed that Pearsall was dealing with a low-ankle sprain and also had aggravated the previous PCL injury that sidelined him for Weeks 5-10. Pearsall will have two more chances to prove his health this week before the 49ers likely tag him with a designation for Week 16 action.

Awuzie (foot) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

Awuzie didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday after exiting this past Sunday's win over the Bengals due to a foot injury. The starting cornerback will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. T.J. Tampa would probably continue to fill in if Awuzie doesn't play.

Neal (back) will not practice Thursday due to soreness, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Neal had his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday and was a full participant Wednesday, but he now appears to be battling a setback. It's worth noting that prior to being placed on IR mid-November, Neal did not play a single offensive snap with for the Giants this season. With New York's O-line mostly in a healthy state, Neal likely wouldn't play Sunday against the Vikings even if he proves he's in 100 percent form.

Higgins (concussion) made an appearance in the final moments of the open portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

After not being spotted during the initial portion of the session, Higgins -- who was limited at practice Wednesday -- showed up with a helmet while working with the Bengals' training staff. Ultimately, Thursday's injury report will reveal Higgins' official participation level.

Rice (concussion) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice will sit out a second consecutive practice Thursday, having also missed Wednesday's session after reporting concussion symptoms Monday. To have any chance at clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol prior to Sunday's game against the Titans, Rice would have to upgrade to full participation Friday and gain clearance from an independent neurologist, so his chances of suiting up Sunday look slim. Xavier Worthy could work as the top wide receiver for a Chiefs team that has been eliminated from playoff contention and will start Gardner Minshew at quarterback.

Higgins (concussion) wasn't spotted on the field during the early portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Higgins was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, so his absence to begin Thursday's session is notable. The Bengals' second injury report of the week will be released later Thursday and will provide official word on the extent of the wideout's practice participation. If Higgins isn't available Sunday against the Dolphins, Mitchell Tinsley would be in line to see more snaps alongside fellow receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas.

Thornton (concussion) will not practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Thornton and top wideout Rashee Rice (concussion) have both kicked off Week 16 with back-to-back absences from practice, a scenario that could leave Gardner Minshew shorthanded for Sunday's game against the Titans. Prior to entering the concussion protocol during Kansas City's loss to the Chargers in Week 15, Thornton secured two of three targets for 47 yards.

Jackson (illness) was on the field for practice Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jackson didn't practice Wednesday, but the star quarterback's return to the field Thursday puts him on track to be available Sunday against the Patriots. The Ravens' second practice report of the week will be released later Thursday and will reveal the extent of his participation in the session.

New York signed Hooker to the practice squad Thursday.

Hooker previously spent time on Carolina's practice squad from late August to early November. He was elevated for one game with the Panthers, a Week 8 tilt against the Bills, but he didn't record any offensive snaps. Now, Hooker will provide the Jets with emergency depth behind Brady Cook, Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee).