NFL Player News

Thomas (calf) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Thomas' upgrade to limited participation Thursday is a good sign for his chances of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Eagles. After exiting the second half of last week's loss to the Broncos, the tight end has one more opportunity to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation for Sunday's contest. If the 29-year-old is unable to play, Carter Runyon will take over as the No. 3 tight end behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer.

Johnson (shoulder) did not participate in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of the Dolphins' Week 14 game against the Jets. The 27-year-old will likely need to return to practice Friday or Saturday for a chance to play Monday night versus the Steelers. If Johnson is unable to play Monday, Tyrel Dodson will likely see additional reps.

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

Crosby was able to play through his knee injury in last Sunday's loss to the Broncos. The premier pass rusher did not practice due to the injury Wednesday, but his return in a limited capacity Thursday signals he's trending up for Sunday's game against the Eagles. While Crosby will likely play Sunday regardless of practice status, full participation Friday would clear him of an injury designation.

Campbell (ankle/knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Campbell exited with ankle and knee injuries in the second half of last Sunday's Week 14 game versus the Jets. He will likely need to return to practice Friday or Saturday to be available for Monday night's game against the Steelers. The sixth-year pro's absence doesn't figure to have a significant impact on the Dolphins' defense, considering his deep reserve role.

Pitts (knee) is listed as active Thursday at Tampa Bay, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts closed Week 15 prep as questionable to play after being listed as limited on all three practice reports due to a knee injury. It won't stop him from suiting up Thursday, though, and with WR Drake London (knee) missing a fourth game in a row, Pitts is in line to serve as one of the top pass catchers for QB Kirk Cousins. On the first three occasions, Pitts recorded a cumulative 15-197-0 line on 23 targets.

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

Similar to fellow safety Jeremy Chinn (back), Adams was able to play through an injury in last Sunday's loss to the Broncos. The linebacker's limited session Friday matches his participation level with injury last week, meaning he is likely to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Eagles. The 2017 first-rounder will have one more opportunity to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game.

Otton (knee) is listed as inactive Thursday versus the Falcons.

Otton opened Week 15 prep with back-to-back DNPs before returning as a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, but his doubtful listing for Thursday's game indicated he was trending toward an absence, which now has been confirmed. Tampa Bay will entrust TE duties to Payne Durham and Devin Culp this week, while Otton's next chance to play is Sunday, Dec. 21 at Carolina.

McMillan (neck) is active for Thursday's game against the Falcons.

McMillan thus is eligible for his first game action since he suffered three neck fractures and significant ligament damage in his neck back in preseason Week 2 in mid-August. Fellow WR Mike Evans (collarbone) also is active for the first time since Week 7, but because both players didn't log more than a limited practice this week, the pair seemingly will have a cap on their reps Thursday while working behind Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin and alongside Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson.

Chinn (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Chinn played through a back issue in the Raiders' Week 14 loss to the Broncos after being unable to practice the Friday before the contest. The safety's limited practice Thursday means he has already practiced more with the injury than he was able to last week, which bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Chinn will have one more chance to upgrade to full participation and dodge an injury designation for Sunday, but he appears likely to play under any circumstance.

Evans (collarbone) is listed as active Thursday against the Falcons.

Evans thus is in line for his first appearance since Week 7, when he initially suffered a broken collarbone. Since he returned to practice last Wednesday, he was listed as limited on all six of the Buccaneers' injury reports, and coach Todd Bowles revealed to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times this Wednesday that Evans has yet to take contact. On Thursday afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported that Evans was expected to play in Week 15, but the veteran wide receiver also will be operating under a snap count. As a result, Evans seemingly will be working behind at least Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin in the pecking order at the position, while Jalen McMillan (neck), Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson also will be on hand for snaps and targets.