NFL Player News

Wright (hamstring/illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

The Oregon State product downgraded from a limited practice Thursday to a DNP on Friday, suggesting he's trending in the wrong direction ahead of the Week 17 contest. Wright has appeared in all 15 of Chicago's games this season, recording 67 total tackles, 11 passes defensed, including five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. If active Sunday, he's expected to serve as one of the Bears' top boundary cornerbacks.

Dodson (chest) practiced in full Friday but is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Dodson is listed as having logged a DNP/LP/FP practice slate leading up to Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, which seemingly bodes well for his chances of gaining clearance for Week 17. The starting middle linebacker is managing a chest injury sustained Week 16 versus Cincinnati. His availability, or lack thereof, will be made official roughly 90 minutes ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Edwards (glute) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

The Wisconsin product upgraded from a DNP on Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's contest. Edwards is a crucial part of the Bears' linebacker corps, tallying 54 total tackles and three passes defensed over just eight games this season. If he's sidelined in Week 17, expect Amen Ogbongbemiga to operate as Chicago's top middle linebacker.

Eskridge (toe) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Eskridge did not practice in any capacity in preparation for Sunday's home contest against Tampa Bay. The kick returner and depth wideout is trending in the wrong direction for Week 17, and if Eskridge is ultimately made inactive Sunday, Cedrick Wilson and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will both be candidates to handle expanded roles on offense.

Byard (ankle) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

Byard opened the Bears' week of practice with consecutive limited sessions due to an ankle issue, but it now appears he'll suit up Sunday. The 32-year-old is one of the league's top ball hawks, recording 83 total tackles and seven passes defensed, including six interceptions, over 15 appearances this season. Now fully healthy, he's expected to start alongside Jaquan Brisker in the Bears' secondary in Week 17.

Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Jones' calf issue has been lingering since mid-October, but after missing Weeks 6-9 he's been able to play in each of Buffalo's past seven games. However, he may have aggravated the issue Sunday versus the Browns, as the veteran defensive lineman wasn't able to practice in any capacity this week and won't play Sunday. Jordan Phillips (ankle) has also been ruled out, so T.J. Sanders could draw a start against Philadelphia.

Ogbongbemiga (hamstring) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

The 27-year-old from Oklahoma State upgraded from a limited practice Thursday to a full session Friday, suggesting he's moved past his hamstring issue in time to play Sunday. Now fully healthy, Ogbongbemiga is expected to operate as the Chicago's No. 2 middle linebacker in Week 17.

Waller (groin/rest) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's home game against Tampa Bay, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Waller began Week 17 as a non-participant at practice and has since been listed as 'limited' in back-to-back sessions. The veteran tight end has regularly had his practice reps impacted for load management purposes and health reasons this season. In rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers' first start in Week 16 against the Bengals, Waller managed a respectable three catches for 40 yards on five targets. Waller again will operate as one of Ewers' clear top options in the receiving game versus the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Moreau (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve list Friday.

The 28-year-old from LSU had already been ruled out for the Week 17 matchup against the Titans due to an ankle injury, but he's since moved to IR and will miss the remainder of the season. In 11 appearances this season, Moreau caught seven of 10 targets for 46 yards. Expect Taysom Hill and Jack Stoll to have larger roles in the Saints' tight-end corps over the final two games of the campaign.

Thompson (neck) has avoided an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Thompson was looking iffy for Sunday after being deemed a limited participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was able to log a full practice Friday and is set to suit up versus Philadelphia. Thompson played just 11 defensive snaps against Cleveland this past Sunday due to the neck issue and wasn't able to take the field in the second half, but it turns out the injury won't sideline him further.