NFL Player News

Austin (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Austin has now missed back-to-back practices to begin Week 17 prep, making it safe to say that he's trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's road matchup against the Browns. The starting wideout is dealing with a hamstring injury sustained Week 16 against the Lions. With DK Metcalf (suspension) already out for Pittsburgh's final two games of the regular season, it's possible that Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek and Roman Wilson will have to serve as the Steelers' top wideouts versus Cleveland in Week 17.

Taylor (neck) is listed as a non-participant on Thursday's practice estimate, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The Jets did not hold an official practice session Thursday, but Taylor is nonetheless certainly trending in the wrong direction for Week 17. He's already missed two straight games and was similarly unable to practice Wednesday. Taylor will have one more opportunity to retake the practice field ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

Pearsall (knee/ankle) was listed as limited on Thursday's practice report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

In the wake of Pearsall sitting out Monday's eventual win at Indianapolis, he's received a limited listing on back-to-back injury reports as he recovers from a sprained ankle and also an aggravation of the sprained MCL that kept him out Weeks 5-10. Friday's report will unveil whether or not he has a chance to return to action Sunday versus the Bears, but if Pearsall is inhibited or sidelined for that contest, Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson again would take on increased roles behind No. 1 WR Jauan Jennings.

Price, who injured his ankle on the opening kickoff of Thursday's game against Detroit, is questionable to return, Andrew Kramer of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

With Price injured, Jalen Nailor is handling punt returns. Price collapsed while running back a kickoff and was untouched.

Lassiter (foot) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Chargers.

Lassiter has gained clearance to suit up Week 17 after having logged a DNP/LP/FP slate of practices. Expect the second-year pro to handle his usual every-down role at cornerback on the road against Los Angeles on Saturday.

Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards without a touchdown or an interception in the Commanders' 30-23 loss to the Cowboys on Christmas Day. He added 10 rushing yards on two carries.

Getting his first NFL start since 2021 with both Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (hand) unavailable, the 39-year-old Johnson was an effective game-manager for Washington but nothing more, even in a matchup against a weak Dallas defense. Daniels has already been ruled out for the rest of the season, but Mariota could be cleared to return in Week 18. If not, Johnson will likely be under center again versus the Eagles.

Al-Shaair (ankle) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Chargers.

Al-Shaair began Week 17 prep with back-to-back limited practices before upgrading to full reps Thursday. After having been unavailable Week 16 versus the Raiders, he now stands to return to his usual every-down role at middle linebacker during Saturday's road game against Los Angeles.

Kittle (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Kittle now has gone down as a DNP on both the 49ers' practice reports since he left Monday's win at Indianapolis in the third quarter due to a left ankle injury and wasn't able to return. He's reportedly dealing with a mid-to-low ankle sprain, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, and Kittle has one more chance to mix into drills Friday before San Francisco potentially makes a ruling on his status for Sunday's game against the Bears. Jake Tonges would be the favorite to step into a pass-catching role among the team's remaining tight ends if Kittle is inhibited or sidelined Week 17.

Vidal (neck) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Texans after being listed as a limited participant on Thursday's practice estimate.

Vidal was deemed a non-participant both Tuesday and Wednesday, with the running back's estimated limited listing Thursday offering hope that he may be available this weekend. Look for added context regarding Vidal's Week 17 status to arrive late Friday or early Saturday, but if he's made inactive for the Chargers' 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff, added touches would be available for fellow RB Omarion Hampton, with Hassan Haskins and Jaret Patterson on hand in reserve.

The Broncos have elevated Bandy from the practice squad for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Bandy was also elevated for Denver's win over the Packers in Week 15, in which he secured his only target for a 20-yard touchdown while playing just two total offensive snaps. He'll figure to handle a depth role again versus Kansas City on Christmas Day.