NFL Player News

Gardner (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Mike Chappell of FOX 59/CBS 4 Sports reports.

Gardner hasn't practiced or played since sustaining a calf injury Nov. 30 against the Texans. The Colts placed fellow starting cornerback Charvarius Ward (concussion) on injured reserve Wednesday, so they will be significantly depleted in the secondary against Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks if Gardner isn't available Sunday.

Smith (shoulder) won't practice Wednesday and is considered unlikely to start Sunday's game against the Eagles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Kenny Pickett is thus in line to start against his former team, with Aidan O'Connell presumably taking over the backup role. Pickett replaced Smith after he suffered a shoulder injury late in the third quarter of Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Broncos.

Marks missed Wednesday's practice due to an knee injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Marks and Nick Chubb (ankle) both are absent after suffering injuries during Sunday's 20-10 win over the Chiefs. Chubb left the game in the first half and didn't come back, while Marks returned after missing just a couple of plays (one of which was a five-yard TD run by Dare Ogunbowale). While largely used as a passing-down specialist throughout this pro career, Ogunbowale could temporarily take over as Houston's lead runner if Marks and Chubb aren't ready for Sunday's matchup with Arizona. On the other hand, a return to practice Thursday/Friday would put Marks on track for the lead role again, this time in a favorable matchup with the ice-cold Cardinals defense.

Buckner (neck) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, Mike Chappell of FOX 59/CBS 4 Sports reports.

Buckner will be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, per Stephen Holder of ESPN.com. The defensive tackle has been on injured reserve since Nov. 7. The Colts have 21 days to add Buckner back to the active roster, and such a move could transpire prior to Sunday's game against the Seahawks, though he would presumably need to upgrade to full practice participation without any setbacks first.

Corley (concussion) will be a limited practice participant Wednesday but is still in concussion protocol, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Corley is making progress in his recovery from a concussion sustained in this past Sunday's loss to the Titans. In order to gain clearance to face the Bears on Sunday, Corley would need to progress to full practice participation by Friday, then be cleared by an independent neurologist.

Pitts (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Tampa Bay, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Pitts has been listed as limited on all three Week 15 practice reports due to a knee injury, leaving his status up in the air for Thursday. During Drake London's (knee) current three-game absence that is extending to four contests this week, Pitts has been more active in the passing game, with a 15-197-0 line on 23 targets during that span. Assuming Pitts is able to suit up, he'll remain a key target for QB Kirk Cousins.

Watson (calf) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday.

Watson has been on injured reserve since getting injured in Week 2, but Wednesday's development marks a key step in his recovery process, as Watson will rejoin his teammates at practice. The Texans will have 21 days to add Watson back to the active roster from IR. Such a move could come prior to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, though Houston may ease Watson back in at practice given his extensive layoff.

Bryant (neck/shoulder) had his 21-day practice window opened Wednesday.

Bryant remains on injured reserve, where he was placed Nov. 15, but he can rejoin his teammates at practice. The Texans have 21 days to add Bryant back to the active roster, and such a move could occur prior to Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Bryant's participation level in practice will provide insight on how close he is to returning to game action.

London (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Tampa Bay, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

London thus will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to the sprained PCL in his left knee that he suffered Week 11. His next chance to suit up is Sunday, Dec. 21 at Arizona. With London out again, the Falcons' receiving corps will be paced by Darnell Mooney, David Sills, Dylan Drummond and Deven Thompkins, among others.

Ward (calf) won't practice Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Ward continues to be bothered by the calf injury that forced his departure in the second half of this past Sunday's loss to the Titans. The starting cornerback has two more opportunities to practice before the Browns face the Bears on Sunday.