NFL Player News

Schwesinger (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Schwesinger produced double-digit tackles for the fourth straight week against the 49ers on Sunday, but he also suffered an ankle injury during the loss. It's promising that he was able to practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited fashion, and the rookie linebacker will have two more days this week to return to full participation. In the event Schwesinger isn't able to suit up Sunday versus Tennessee, Jerome Baker could step into a more prominent role.

Bush (foot) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

Bush has stacked up 82 tackles, five pass breakups, 2.0 sacks and a pick-six through 12 games this season. He's in danger of missing his first game of the season unless he can practice in a limited fashion by Friday. Jerome Baker likely will start at strongside linebacker if Bush can't go.

Herbert said the surgery he recently underwent on his left (non-throwing) hand Monday went well and reiterated several times Wednesday that he's day-to-day and that his Week 14 status depends on the swelling in his hand, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

The QB added that having an extra day this week helps his cause on that front ahead of Monday night's game against the Eagles. Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Herbert noted Wednesday that he had a plate and multiple screws put in his hand during his procedure, which he says successfully "stabilized" the fractured he sustained during Week 13 action. For now, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, Herbert is preparing as though he'll play against Philadelphia and hopes to test out his hand later this week.

Bates (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

Bates missed last week's loss to the 49ers, and he's in danger of missing this Sunday's game versus the Titans unless he can return to the practice field by Friday. Even if Bates is able to play, he likely won't factor into the offensive gameplan because David Njoku (knee) is trending towards playing while Harold Fannin has the top spot locked up.

Green Bay signed Sheppard to the practice squad Wednesday.

Sheppard joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent this summer. He didn't make the team's initial 53-man roster but remained with the organization on the practice squad before signing to the active roster last Wednesday. Sheppard didn't end up playing on Thanksgiving against Detroit, and he was subsequently waived before ending up back on the practice squad Wednesday.

Branch (toe) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Branch was a limited participant all week during practice, so he has a good chance to suit up in the important NFC clash. The third-year safety has averaged 6.3 tackles per game this season while adding eight pass breakups and 2.5 sacks through 11 games. If he winds up inactive, Daniel Thomas will get the nod at strong safety.

Lloyd (chest) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Lloyd started, as usual, this past Sunday against the Titans and tied his season-high mark with eight tackles, but he appears to have picked up a chest injury as well. At this point there's no indication that the issue is serious, though Lloyd may need to log at least one full practice session over the next two days to avoid entering the weekend with an injury designation. Ventrell Miller would figure to absorb most of Lloyd's defensive snaps if the latter isn't able to play Sunday versus the Colts.

Joseph (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Joseph hasn't played since suffering a knee injury in Week 6 versus the Chiefs, but he was never placed on injured reserve. The 2022 third-round pick was a non-participant during practice Tuesday and Wednesday. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Joseph is hopeful to play in Week 15 versus the Rams. He'll need to ramp up his practice time next week first, and until he returns, Thomas Harper will remain the team's starting free safety.

Mayer (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

Mayer didn't practice last week before being ruled out for Sunday's loss to the Chargers. Another DNP on Wednesday clouds the TE's Week 14 status, but Mayer's outlook for this weekend's game against the Broncos could improve if he returns to practice Thursday or Friday.

Vaki (thumb) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Vaki appeared to pick up a thumb injury during last week's loss to the Packers, putting his status in jeopardy ahead of a crucial game versus the Cowboys. If Vaki -- who has played just two offensive snaps this season -- sits out, Jacob Saylors will serve as the No. 3 running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.