NFL Player News

Ossai (shin) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.

Ossai left Sunday's game at Buffalo in the second half with a shin issue, but it doesn't seem like it was anything severe. He's on track to start at defensive end in Week 15 versus a run-first Ravens offense.

Wiggins (foot) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Wiggins hurt his foot Week 13 versus the Bengals and logged an LP/LP/FP practice progression last week before being cleared to suit up against Pittsburgh. His limited practice Wednesday sets him on the same trajectory for this week. Assuming he hasn't suffered a setback, chances are Wiggins will be available for his usual starting role Sunday versus Cincinnati.

Thomas (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Thomas briefly left during the second quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, but he was cleared to return in the same frame and finished with two solo tackles and one pass defense while playing 59 of 65 defensive snaps (90.8 percent). His ability to return to the game indicates that the shoulder issue isn't a severe one, but the rookie third-rounder's practice participation over the next two days will shed light on his chances of playing this Sunday against Jacksonville. Thomas has started in each of his last five games, accumulating 18 tackles (12 solo), including two tackles for a loss, and five pass defenses over that span.

Rumph (wrist) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Rumph played his normal allotment of snaps in Week 14 at Tampa Bay, and it's not totally clear when his wrist became a problem. He'll have two more chances to practice in full before New Orleans releases its final practice report of the week Friday.

Pineiro (right hamstring) practiced in full Wednesday.

Pineiro sat out the 49ers' last two games before a Week 14 bye due to a right hamstring injury, but when the team cut Matt Gay from its practice squad Tuesday, it signaled that the former was in line to return Week 15. With an uncapped practice under his belt, he'll resume placekicking duties Sunday against the Titans.

Williams (hand) did not practice Wednesday.

Williams likely picked up the injury during the Jets' 34-10 loss to the Dolphins this past Sunday, when he logged seven tackles (two solo, including 1.0 sacks, while playing every single defensive snap. The veteran linebacker will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation ahead of this Sunday's road tilt against the Jaguars.

Reid (knee) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Reid was sidelined for Week 14 at Tampa Bay due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 13 at Miami, and he's now in danger of having to sit out again in Week 15. He'll probably have to return to practice Thursday or Friday to have any chance to play Sunday versus the Panthers.

Mayer (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Mayer, who sustained an ankle injury Week 12 against the Browns, had missed six consecutive practices and two straight games heading into Wednesday's session. The tight end's ability to participate, albeit in a limited fashion, has him trending in the right direction as Sunday's game against the Eagles approaches.

Awuzie did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder issue.

Awuzie logged just a 21 percent defensive snap share -- his lowest of the season -- this past Sunday in a loss to Pittsburgh, and that may be explained by the shoulder injury he is currently dealing with. It's unclear how serious the issue is, but his level of participation in practice Thursday and Friday should provide clarity about Awuzie's likelihood of playing Sunday versus Cincinnati.

Smartt (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Smartt appeared to sustain the injury late in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, and he finished that game playing 22 snaps (three on offense, 19 on special teams) while failing to haul in his lone catch. Given his DNP on Wednesday, Smartt faces an uphill battle to be cleared to play this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Mason Taylor (neck) also working through an injury, Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods are the two remaining healthy tight ends on the Jets' active roster for the start of Week 15 prep.