NFL Player News

Downs (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Downs was deemed limited Wednesday as well, though that was a walkthrough. With an actual limited practice under his belt Thursday, the rookie defender seems to have a decent chance of playing Sunday against Arizona. Downs has taken on a near every-down role as a rookie, playing every defensive snap in five of his seven games so far.

Knight (hip) was a limited participant at the Seahawks' practice Thursday.

Knight is dealing with an apparent hip injury to open the week, and he was unable to log a full practice as a result. The linebacker will have two more chances to practice in full and erase any concerns about his availability for Monday night's contest versus Chicago.

Winters (calf) didn't practice Thursday, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Winters suffered a calf injury in Week 6 against Green Bay and hasn't practiced since. He's likely trending toward missing Sunday's Week 8 matchup against Arizona, though the veteran linebacker could give himself a chance to suit up in that contest if he's able to practice in some capacity Friday. Should Winters miss another game, however, Shemar James would likely start in his place.

Williams (Achilles) was a limited participant at the Seahawks' practice Thursday.

Williams opened the week with a limited session Thursday as a result of an Achilles issue. The defensive lineman's ability to practice in any capacity is a positive sign, and he will have two more chances to log a full practice prior to Monday night's matchup with Chicago.

Turpin (ribs) was a non-participant in practice Thursday, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Turpin was also a DNP on Wednesday, though that was a walkthrough. The Cowboys held a standard practice Thursday, and Turpin was unable to participate, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday's game against Arizona. Still, Turpin will have a chance to log at least a limited session Friday ahead of the weekend.

Hufanga (ankle) did not participate at the Broncos' practice Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official website reports.

Hufanga has missed back-to-back practices to open the week as he continues to work his way back from an ankle injury he suffered in Week 5 versus the Chargers. The safety appears likely to miss a third straight contest, and if that's the case, Devon Key would stand to draw another start in Denver's secondary Sunday versus the Chiefs.

Allen (hamstring) was a limited participant at the Broncos' practice Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official website reports.

Allen was a non-participant at practice to open the week Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 7 versus Arizona, but he was able to return to the field Thursday. The defensive lineman will have one more chance to log a full practice prior to Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs.

Smith (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Smith didn't practice Wednesday. However, he logged a limited session Thursday, so he's trending in the right direction toward being available for Sunday's game against the Bills. The 29-year-old has appeared in all seven regular-season games for the Ravens, accumulating 55 total tackles (24 solo), 2.0 sacks and one interception.

Bullard (calf) was designated to return from injured reserve by the Cowboys on Thursday.

Bullard had his 21-day practice window opened Thursday, and the defensive lineman logged a full practice, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in Week 3. It's unclear if Bullard will be good to go for Week 8, but he doesn't appear to be too far away from a return to action.

Hamilton (knee) was limited in practice Thursday.

Hamilton was injured during the Week 7 loss to Cincinnati. He didn't practice Wednesday and was observed wearing a brace on his right knee. Although the 25-year-old was a limited participant in Thursday's session, he should still be considered questionable for Sunday's game versus Buffalo. If Hamilton can't suit up, Keondre Jackson, Keyon Martin and K'Von Wallace are candidates for more snaps.