NFL Player News

Bateman (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bateman wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, but he's now having his on-field reps capped. The veteran wideout also began Week 14 as a full participant before downgrading to limited action mid-week, and he was then able to suit up versus Pittsburgh without being assigned an injury designation. Barring any setbacks, Bateman should manage to gain clearance for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals in similar fashion.

The Buccaneers elevated Gray (hamstring) from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday night's game against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Gray was also cleared of a hamstring injury that had plagued him throughout the end of his tenure with the Broncos. After being waived by Denver on Nov. 4, the 29-year-old signed with the Buccaneers' practice squad Nov. 21 and will get his first opportunity with the team Thursday night. The safety was likely elevated due to the uncertainty surrounding Tykee Smith's (neck) ability to suit up for the divisional matchup.

Lamb (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Lamb exited in the third quarter of last Thursday's loss at Detroit due to a concussion, but after following up Wednesday's limited session with an uncapped practice one day later, he seems to be on the precipice of clearing the protocol for head injuries. Speaking of that, coach Brian Schottenheimer told Todd Archer of ESPN.com on Wednesday that Lamb had to "clear two more hurdles." Considering Lamb practiced without restrictions Thursday, he likely only has an evaluation with an independent neurologist to get through in order to make himself available Sunday against the Vikings.

The Falcons elevated Blair from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday night's game against the Buccaneers, Terrin Waack of the team's official reports.

This will be Blair's first elevation of the season, an opportunity the wide receiver has likely waited for since signing to the practice squad Aug. 27. The Falcons now have a whopping 10 wide receivers on their roster for Thursday's game, meaning Blair was likely elevated to serve in a special-teams capacity. The 28-year-old logged 20 total special-teams snaps for the Falcons through four games last season, and he will likely have similar volume Thursday night.

Cook is likely to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports, as Tyrod Taylor (groin) and Justin Fields (knee) both remained sidelined at Thursday's practice.

Cook has handled first-team reps in practice while preparing to make his first NFL start Sunday at Jacksonville. Taylor and Fields both appear likely to sit out Sunday's game. The Jets signed Adrian Martinez, whom Cook beat out for a spot with the team after the preseason, to their practice squad Wednesday. Cook saw his first regular-season NFL action in relief of Taylor in the Jets' Week 14 loss to the Dolphins.

Neal (abdomen) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Neal has filled in for the absent Alvin Kamara (knee) the last two games, racking up 37 touches for 153 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD during that stretch. The former is operating with practice restrictions this week due to an abdominal injury, while the latter still hasn't practiced since he sustained a sprained MCL in Week 12. If Neal avoids a designation upon the Saints posting their final Week 15 practice report Friday, he likely will remain the team's top option at the position Sunday against the Panthers.

Taylor (neck) remained a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor has missed the first two practices of Week 15 prep. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to have a chance to play Sunday at Jacksonville. Jeremy Ruckert would likely take on a larger role if Taylor sits out Sunday, with Stone Smartt (concussion) and Jelani Woods also possibly seeing more action.

Harris (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Harris was added to the injury report Thursday with a knee injury and was only able to log a limited practice with the issue. The defensive tackle was thrust into a starting role after Maliek Collins (quadriceps) suffered a season-ending injury against the 49ers in Week 13. The veteran will have one more practice to attempt to dodge an injury designation for Week 15, and if the tackle is unable to suit up, Sam Kamara and Mike Hall will likely see increased rotational snaps on the Browns' defensive line.

Kamara (knee/ankle) officially didn't practice Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Kamara hasn't practiced since he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 and now is in danger of missing a third game in a row Sunday versus the Panthers. No. 2 RB Devin Neal (abdomen) remained limited at Thursday's session, meaning Evan Hull and Audric Estime currently are the two healthy options at the position on the Saints' active roster.

Hall (knee) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Hall mixed into positional drills after missing practice Wednesday, but he didn't quite reach full participation Thursday. Nonetheless, Hall doesn't appear to be in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Jaguars, though his fantasy managers would gain peace of mind if Hall upgrades to full participation Friday and avoids an injury designation. Isaiah Davis is Hall's top backup.