NFL Player News

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

Similar to fellow safety Jeremy Chinn (back), Adams was able to play through an injury in last Sunday's loss to the Broncos. The linebacker's limited session Friday matches his participation level with injury last week, meaning he is likely to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Eagles. The 2017 first-rounder will have one more opportunity to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game.

Otton (knee) is listed as inactive Thursday versus the Falcons.

Otton opened Week 15 prep with back-to-back DNPs before returning as a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, but his doubtful listing for Thursday's game indicated he was trending toward an absence, which now has been confirmed. Tampa Bay will entrust TE duties to Payne Durham and Devin Culp this week, while Otton's next chance to play is Sunday, Dec. 21 at Carolina.

McMillan (neck) is active for Thursday's game against the Falcons.

McMillan thus is eligible for his first game action since he suffered three neck fractures and significant ligament damage in his neck back in preseason Week 2 in mid-August. Fellow WR Mike Evans (collarbone) also is active for the first time since Week 7, but because both players didn't log more than a limited practice this week, the pair seemingly will have a cap on their reps Thursday while working behind Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin and alongside Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson.

Chinn (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Chinn played through a back issue in the Raiders' Week 14 loss to the Broncos after being unable to practice the Friday before the contest. The safety's limited practice Thursday means he has already practiced more with the injury than he was able to last week, which bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Chinn will have one more chance to upgrade to full participation and dodge an injury designation for Sunday, but he appears likely to play under any circumstance.

Evans (collarbone) is listed as active Thursday against the Falcons.

Evans thus is in line for his first appearance since Week 7, when he initially suffered a broken collarbone. Since he returned to practice last Wednesday, he was listed as limited on all six of the Buccaneers' injury reports, and coach Todd Bowles revealed to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times this Wednesday that Evans has yet to take contact. On Thursday afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported that Evans was expected to play in Week 15, but the veteran wide receiver also will be operating under a snap count. As a result, Evans seemingly will be working behind at least Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin in the pecking order at the position, while Jalen McMillan (neck), Tez Johnson, Sterling Shepard and Kameron Johnson also will be on hand for snaps and targets.

Mayer (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.

Mayer, who has missed two straight games, was limited Wednesday, but the tight end's full participation Thursday paves the way for him to rejoin the Raiders' lineup Sunday against the Eagles. With a 22-182-1 line on 32 targets in nine games this season, Mayer carries modest fantasy upside into Week 15 action in his complementary role working alongside fellow TE Brock Bowers, who leads the team in catches (53), targets (72), receiving yards (619) and receiving TDs (six).

Melton (heel) did not participate in practice Thursday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Melton returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday after missing the last two weeks recovering from a heel injury. It appeared the 23-year-old was nearing a return; however, he is now trending in a negative direction. The second-year pro still has an opportunity to participate in practice Friday before Sunday's game against the Texans.

Carter (shoulder) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Carter was unable to upgrade his participation level for Thursday's practice after being unavailable for Wednesday's walkthrough. The defensive tackle missed his second game of the season last Monday, a game the Eagles lost to the Chargers in overtime. Carter will have just one more chance to upgrade his practice participation, and he's unlikely to be available for Sunday's game against the Raiders without an upgrade. If the Georgia product is unable to play, Byron Young will continue to see more defensive snaps.

Thornton (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Thornton was limited at practice Wednesday, but his return to a full session a day later has him on track to play Sunday against the Eagles, barring any setbacks. Friday's injury report will reveal whether the wideout heads into the weekend with an injury designation, but with an 8-123-0 line on 25 targets through 11 games, Thornton is off the fantasy radar.

Young (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Young logged consecutive limited practices as he continues to nurse the knee injury he has dealt with since Week 13. If past practice logs and game participation are any indicator, the outside linebacker should be available for Sunday's game against the Lions. Since being added to the injury report with the issue, Young has logged 12 tackles (7 solo), including 2.0 sacks, through two games and will likely add to that total in Week 15.