NFL Player News

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Thursday that Smyth will be signed from the practice squad to the active roster in advance of Sunday's game against the Jets, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Smyth has exhausted his practice-squad elevations after appearing in each of New Orleans' last three games, in which span he converted four of five field-goal attempts and all five of his extra-point tries. He'll remain the Saints' starting kicker for the remainder of the regular season and work to continue displaying consistency.

Lewis (illness) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Lewis was able to return to practice after missing Wednesday's session due to an illness. The offensive lineman will have one more chance to log a full practice prior to Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.

Bland is expected to require surgery on his left foot, but he's seeking a second opinion, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

Bland sustained a foot injury in the team's Week 15 loss to the Vikings, and he's now facing the prospect of undergoing surgery on his left foot for the second straight year. No surgery has been scheduled yet, but the cornerback will likely be placed on injured reserve in the near future, bringing his season to an end anyway. In his absence, Trikweze Bridges, Caelen Carson (shoulder) and Shavon Revel (knee) will all have chances to step into more prominent roles in the secondary.

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

Speed sat out Wednesday's practice entirely after having missed Week 15 versus Arizona. His return to practice Thursday, even as a limited participant, bodes well for his odds of gaining clearance for Sunday's game against the Raiders. To return Week 16, however, Speed may have to prove he can handle full practice reps Friday.

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

Rankin sat out practice Wednesday, but he's making progress with his knee issue. If the veteran defensive lineman can upgrade to full practice reps Friday, he'll have a solid chance to avoid an injury designation entirely for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Okuayinonu (ankle) logged a limited practice Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

This marked Okuayinonu's first practice since suffering an ankle injury in San Francisco's Week 12 matchup. Though it's a positive sign, his status for Monday's game against the Colts remains unclear.

Lassiter (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Lassiter missed Wednesday's practice, so it's encouraging to see him now back on the field, even as a limited participant. He'll have one more chance to upgrade to full practice reps ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders.

Al-Shaair (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Al-Shaair missed Wednesday's practice entirely, but he's beginning to trend in the right direction for Week 16. The starting linebacker generally handles an every-down role on defense for Houston. He'll have one more chance to prove he can handle full practice reps Friday.

Green (neck) practiced in limited fashion Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Green played 98 percent of snaps and logged four tackles in San Francisco's win over Tennessee in Week 15, so it's unclear when the injury occurred. There doesn't seem to be too much reason for concern regarding his status for Monday's game against the Colts, but his level of participation for the rest of the week will be worth monitoring.

Fiske (ankle) is active for Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Fiske dealt with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the contest and did not practice at all. He may have his reps limited, but he'll be ready to suit up for a key NFC West showdown Thursday.