NFL Player News

Bates (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Bates has missed both of Cleveland's past two games due to an ankle injury. He didn't practice at all each of the previous two weeks, so his ability to log a limited session Wednesday suggests he's showing improvement. When healthy this season, Bates has had a minor role on offense, logging two catches on two targets for 23 yards across five contests (three with the Texans and two with the Browns).

Al-Shaair (ankle) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Al-Shaair snagged an interception on Kansas City's last meaningful possession of the game in Week 14 to help clinch a win, but it seems he may also have picked up an ankle issue somewhere along the way. He'll likely need to return to practice Thursday or Friday to have a realistic chance of playing in Week 15 versus the Cardinals.

Luepke (hip) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Luepke likely picked up the injury during the Cowboys' Week 14 loss to the Lions, when he played 40 snaps (21 on offense, 19 on special teams) and finished with two tackles. His ability to practice in a limited capacity indicates the hip injury isn't a long-term concern, and he'll have two more opportunities to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against Minnesota.

The Giants cut McCloud from their practice squad Wednesday, Dan Salomone and Matt Citak of the team's official site report.

The Giants also released cornerback Myles Purchase from their practice squad, signing instead veteran punter Cameron Johnston and wide receiver Xavier Gipson. McCloud will become an unrestricted free agent.

Zylstra (knee) logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Zylstra is working his way back from a knee injury that has held him out since Week 3. He began last week with a similar limited practice before downgrading to no practice, so his progression this week should give an indication of whether he'll be able to return to the field in Week 15 against the Rams.

Vaki logged a limited practice Wednesday.

Vaki played through the thumb injury in Detroit's Week 14 win over Dallas after practicing in limited fashion throughout the week. Considering he's remaining limited to start the new week, Vaki should be in a good position to suit up Sunday against the Rams, barring a setback.

The Giants signed Gipson to their practice squad Wednesday, Dan Salomone & Matt Citak of the team's official site reports.

Gipson has had a roller-coaster season. He began the campaign with the Jets before being waived Sept. 10. The wideout subsequently was claimed by the Giants, who then released him nine days later. Gipson ultimately landed with the Eagles and got into five games with them, totaling two catches on two targets for six yards while also contributing as a kick and punt returner before being cut Dec. 7. He'll now get a second look from the Giants, and if he's elevated for Sunday's matchup versus Washington, Gipson could be deployed as the team's lead return man, as Gunner Olszewski is currently in concussion protocol and was unable to practice Wednesday.

McDuffie (knee) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

McDuffie was knocked out of Sunday's game versus the Texans in the first quarter by a knee injury, and it's still bothering him as Kansas City starts its preparations for Week 15. He'll get two more opportunities to manage a full practice before the Chiefs publish their last practice report of the week Friday.

Remigio (concussion) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Remigio missed Sunday's game versus the Texans with what was listed as a shoulder injury, and it's not clear if the concussion listing is related. Either way, it now appears he's trending toward suiting up in Week 15 versus the Chargers.

Mauigoa (neck) did not practice Wednesday.

The rookie fifth-round linebacker sustained a shoulder injury during the second quarter of this past Sunday's loss against the Dolphins and did not return. Now he is dealing with a listed neck issue. His practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Jaguars this Sunday. Kobe King and Mykal Walker would be in line for more defensive snaps if Mauigoa misses time.