NFL Player News

Williams (hand) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Williams' upgrade in participation bodes well for his chances to be able to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Jaguars. The outside linebacker has one more practice to prove he should be free of an injury designation, and it may be key that he is. The Jets' linebacker corps is littered with injuries, and with Francisco Mauigoa (neck) also listed as questionable, Kobe King is the sole outside linebacker who is guaranteed to be ready for Sunday.

Mitchell (knee) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.

Mitchell has recovered from the knee injury that led to his early exit from the past Sunday's loss to the Steelers. The speedster is expected to work in a complementary role to power runner Derrick Henry against the Bengals on Sunday as part of a Baltimore backfield that's missing Justice Hill (neck, IR).

Adams (hamstring) was spotted rehabbing on the side as the Rams warmed up for Thursday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Adams didn't take part in Wednesday's walkthrough due to a lingering hamstring injury and may go down as a DNP for a second straight day, which ultimately will be revealed when the Rams post their second Week 15 practice report. He also dealt with the issue last week but suited up this past Sunday in Arizona, logging a season-low 43 percent snap share en route to four catches (on six targets) for 29 yards.

Douglas (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Douglas played just 74 percent of defensive snaps during Miami's win over the Jets in Week 14 after having played 100 percent of snaps Week 13, so it's possible he suffered his foot injury during the game against New York. He made a tremendous impact for the Dolphins versus the Jets, with two tackles and five defensed passes, including one interception. Douglas will reprise a crucial starting role in Miami's secondary versus the Steelers on Monday, as long as he's able to gain clearance.

Raymond (ankle) was a limited participant Thursday.

Raymond sat out the Lions' last two games due to an ankle injury, but he could be on a path to playing this Sunday versus the Rams after turning in a pair of limited practices to kick off Week 15 prep. If available this weekend, Raymond could take back No. 3 receiver duties from Isaac TeSlaa in addition to serving as Detroit's top punt returner. However, special teams coordinator Dave Fipp told Richard Silva of The Detroit News on Thursday that Tom Kennedy will keep working as Detroit's top kickoff returner after filling in admirably for Raymond in that capacity the past two weeks.

Smartt (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Smartt entered the league's concussion protocol after sustaining an injury late in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss to the Dolphins. The tight end's upgrade to limited participation means he is progressing through the league's protocol. The 27-year-old will have just one more practice to pass an independent neurological exam and upgrade to full participation in an attempt to play Sunday against the Jaguars.

Andrews (glute) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

This is a new injury for Andrews. He's coming off a disappointing one-catch performance against the Steelers and has posted fewer receiving yards than Isaiah Likely in each of Baltimore's last two games. If Andrews is available Sunday, both he and Likely could be heavily involved in the passing game against a Bengals defense that has allowed the most catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in the NFL to tight ends. Andrews would probably avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game if he returns to full participation Friday.

Ferguson (calf) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson opened Week 15 prep as limited due to a calf injury Wednesday, so his downgrade one day later is somewhat concerning. However, he was seen rehabbing with the Cowboys' training staff on the side Thursday, according to Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News. Friday's injury report may include a ruling on Ferguson's status ahead of Sunday's game versus the Vikings, but if he needs to miss any time, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are the next TEs up on Dallas' roster.

Bateman (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bateman wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, but he's now having his on-field reps capped. The veteran wideout also began Week 14 as a full participant before downgrading to limited action mid-week, and he was then able to suit up versus Pittsburgh without being assigned an injury designation. Barring any setbacks, Bateman should manage to gain clearance for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals in similar fashion.

The Buccaneers elevated Gray (hamstring) from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday night's game against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Gray was also cleared of a hamstring injury that had plagued him throughout the end of his tenure with the Broncos. After being waived by Denver on Nov. 4, the 29-year-old signed with the Buccaneers' practice squad Nov. 21 and will get his first opportunity with the team Thursday night. The safety was likely elevated due to the uncertainty surrounding Tykee Smith's (neck) ability to suit up for the divisional matchup.