NFL Player News

Benton (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Benton logged a full practice Thursday, so a drop in participation Friday means the nose tackle likely suffered a setback with his ankle injury. The 24-year-old will have one more opportunity to return to full participation in hopes of avoiding an injury designation for Monday night's game against the Dolphins.

Juszczyk (ribs) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Titans, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Juszczyk fractured his rib during the 49ers' Week 13 win over the Browns. The veteran fullback had extra time to recovery courtesy of the 49ers' Week 14 bye, and he's been given the green light to play in Sunday's home game. Juszczyk has mostly operated as a backfield blocker on run plays but has also been effective in the passing attack, having hauled in 20 passes (on 23 targets) for 187 yards and a touchdown through 13 regular-season games.

Heyward (knee) did not participate in Friday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Heyward was a new addition to the injury report Friday with a knee injury, and the inability to practice does not bode well for the veteran's chances of suiting up for Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The defensive lineman will have just one more practice to upgrade his participation level, and if he is unable to, Esezi Otomewo and Logan Lee will likely have to take over his duties on the defensive line for Monday's game.

Bachman (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Bachman was unable to practice all week and will miss a second consecutive game due to a thumb injury. He's mostly worked on special teams this season, but his absence opens the door for Phillip Dorsett, Shedrick Jackson, Brenden Rice, Justin Shorter or DJ Turner to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game. Bachman's next opportunity to play is Week 16 against the Texans on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Zylstra (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

Zylstra logged three limited practices heading into Week 15 against the Rams, a step up from his practice progression in Week 14 when he ended the week as a non-participant. If the 29-year old does return, he would be making his first appearance since Week 2 against the Bears. The fifth-year pro plays a majority of snaps on special teams but could possibly see a larger role on offense with Sam LaPorta (back) on injured reserve.

Skowronek (hand) was a limited participant in Friday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Skowronek was unable to practice Wednesday, so an upgrade in participation level is a good sign for the wide receiver's chances of playing in Monday night's game against the Dolphins. The 28-year-old will have one more opportunity to upgrade to a full participant and avoid an injury designation for Monday's game.

Van Ness (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Van Ness has missed seven of the Packers' last eight games due to a foot injury, but he has a chance to return Sunday after logging a full week of limited practices. If he's given the green light to return, he would operate in a rotational role at defensive end behind starters Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons.

Lloyd (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Lloyd continues to progress in his recovery from a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve to open the season. He has been limited in practice since being designated to return from IR on Dec. 1 and is not quite ready to make his 2025 regular-season debut, which leaves Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks as the top backfield depth options behind Josh Jacobs (knee). Lloyd's next opportunity to suit up is Week 16 against the Bears on Saturday, Dec. 20.

Adkins (knee) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Adkins' availability for Week 15 was initially suspected when the Broncos waived fellow tight end Marcedes Lewis on Thursday. Adkins has been absent since Week 9 with a persistent knee injury, and his return to the lineup is a valuable addition to a Broncos team that is attempting to secure the AFC's top seed. Adkins has six receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets through six games this season. The 26-year-old's ability to block for the run and pass game is arguably more valuable to the team, but he also has solid receiving upside.

Thornton (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

After being limited Wednesday, Thornton worked fully Thursday and Friday, and in the process he progressed through the NFL's concussion protocol. However, with an 8-123-0 line on 25 targets through 11 games, Thornton is off the fantasy radar while working in a Las Vegas WR corps that also includes Tre Tucker, Jack Bech and Tyler Lockett.