NFL Player News

The Saints placed Neal (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday.

Neal's rookie season thus is over with the Saints not eligible for a postseason berth after he sustained a hamstring injury this past Sunday against the Panthers. In 10 appearances (three starts) on the campaign, he totaled 57 carries for 206 yards and two touchdowns, hauled in 17 of 19 passes for 104 yards and didn't fumble. With Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) currently unable to practice and in danger of missing more time, New Orleans appears poised to roll with Audric Estime and Evan Hull at running back for the time being.

McDuffie (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Despite reports that McDuffie would be unable to practice Thursday, the cornerback mounted an unexpected effort that earned him a limited grade in the day's session. The upgrade in participation means the outlook for Sunday's game against the Titans is a little brighter. However, if McDuffie is ultimately sidelined for a second straight game, Nohl Williams will likely log another start at outside cornerback.

Nnadi (illness) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Nnadi appears to have been struck by a sudden illness, causing the defensive tackle to miss Thursday's session. If the 29-year-old can practice Friday, he should have a good chance of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Wicks (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest at Chicago, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Wicks was held out of Tuesday's walkthrough due to a lingering ankle injury, but his ability to put together back-to-back limited practices to end Week 16 prep gives him a chance to suit up this weekend. Fellow WR Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) followed a similar practice regimen this week after he made an early exit from this past Sunday's loss at Denver, so the Packers again have some question marks at the position heading into a game.

Waller (knee/rest) was a limited participation in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Waller continues to have his practice reps managed, as has been standard for the veteran tight end all season. Barring any setbacks, there's not yet any reason to believe Waller's status is in much genuine doubt for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals. Waller is fresh off a two-TD performance on Monday Night Football against the Steelers and now faces an exceptional matchup against the league's worst-rank defense against opposing TEs, but Miami's overall passing game carries an air of uncertainty heading into what will be the first regular-season start of rookie Quinn Ewers' career.

Taylor (groin/knee) was listed as limited at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor is now listed with a knee injury in addition to the groin injury that kept him out of this past Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. Brady Cook made his first NFL start against the Jaguars and has already been named the starter for Sunday's game against the Saints. The healthier of Taylor or Justin Fields (knee) will work as the backup, with that race being too close to call after a pair of limited listings from both veteran quarterbacks Wednesday and Thursday.

Ward (calf) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Ward has not practiced since sustaining a calf injury during the Browns' Week 14 loss to the Titans. If he hopes to suit up for Sunday's game against the Bills, he will liklely have to log participation of some kind in Friday's practice. If the starting cornerback is ultimately sidelined, Sam Webb will likely continue to see an increased snap share at cornerback for Sunday's contest.

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

Taylor missed a fifth consecutive practice Thursday due to a neck injury, which kept him out of the Jets' Week 15 loss to Jacksonville. Barring a surprisingly abrupt recovery from Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert is set to continue filling in as the Jets' primary tight end Sunday against the Saints, with the latter fresh off signing a two-year extension.

Kamara (knee/ankle) didn't take part in Thursday's practice.

Kamara still hasn't resumed practicing since he sprained his MCL in Week 12, and while coach Kellen Moore hasn't ruled him out like he did fellow RB Devin Neal (hamstring) on Wednesday, the veteran back seems to be in danger of missing a fourth game in a row Sunday against the Jets. At the moment, Audric Estime and Evan Hull are the only healthy options at the position on the Saints' active roster.

Brooks (chest) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Bears, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Brooks isn't the only banged-up Packers running back, as Josh Jacobs (knee) is listed as questionable and MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) has been ruled out. Jacobs expects to play Saturday, so Brooks will likely be left to split backup duties with Emanuel Wilson at best, if he plays at all following three limited practices.