NFL Player News

Gipson (shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Bears.

Gipson suffered a shoulder injury in the Week 12 loss to the Cowboys and was unable to practice during the week in any capacity. In Gipson's absence, Will Shipley should be the team's primary kick returner, and Jahan Dotson and Britain Covey seem the likeliest candidates to serve as the punt returner for Friday's matchup against the Bears.

The Bengals elevated Brightwell from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Thursday night's game against the Ravens.

With Tahj Brooks (concussion) ruled out for Thursday's game, Brightwell will serve as the Bengals' RB3 behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Brightwell played six snaps on special teams during the Bengals' Week 12 loss to the Patriots, when his lone return on a kickoff was returned for 24 yards.

Nelson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Nelson has been working through a rib injury during Week 13 prep, but his ability to return to practice Thursday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a sign that the 2019 fourth-rounder is trending in the right direction. Nelson's practice participation Friday will provide more clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Dean (hip) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Dean missed the Buccaneers' last two games due to a hip injury, but his ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he is on track to return Sunday against the Cardinals. With Dean back in the mix, less defensive snaps will be available in the Bucs' secondary for Kindle Vildor and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring).

Browning (concussion) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Browning has missed the Cardinals' last two games while in the league's concussion protocol. Thursday marks the linebacker's first practice in any capacity since he suffered the concussion, a good sign for his chances to suit up for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Melton (heel) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Melton was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but he apparently suffered a setback with the heel injury he likely sustained during the Cardinals' Week 12 overtime loss to the Jaguars. The downgrade in practice participation is a bad sign for the starting cornerback's chances to suit up for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Sweat (eye) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Sweat missed Wednesday's practice with an eye injury, one he sustained and played through in last Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. The upgrade to full participation means the starting defensive end is likely good to go for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Kennedy caught all four of his targets for 36 yards in Thursday's 31-24 loss to the Packers. He added 102 total return yards on three kickoff and one punt return.

Brought up from the practice squad for the second time this season with Kalif Raymond (ankle) sidelined but actually active this time around, Kennedy got thrust into a bigger offensive role than expected after Amon-Ra St. Brown left the game in the first quarter and didn't return due to an ankle injury of his own. The four grabs were a career high for Kennedy, who came into the contest with a 14-195-0 line on 26 targets over 24 NFL games, all with Detroit. St. Brown could end up missing another week or two, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, which could land Kennedy in a regular spot in three-wide sets alongside Jameson Williams and Isaac TeSlaa in a Week 14 clash with the Cowboys.

Brown (groin/knee) was listed as full on Thursday's injury report.

One day removed from being limited after his practice window opened earlier this week, Brown already is back to all listed activity, but it remains to be seen if the Commanders will activate him from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos. Such a transaction will need to occur by Saturday afternoon, assuming the team doesn't rule him out on Friday's practice report.

TeSlaa caught both of his targets for 35 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 31-24 loss to the Packers.

The rookie had all but disappeared from the game plan, catching just one of four targets for 11 yards over the previous seven games, but TeSlaa got a golden opportunity when Amon-Ra St. Brown left the Thanksgiving game in the first quarter with an ankle injury and didn't return. TeSlaa took advantage, hauling in a 17-yard TD from Jared Goff in the third quarter for his third score of the season on only six receptions. Per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, coach Dan Campbell suggested after the loss that St. Brown would likely miss a game or two, and with tight end Sam LaPorta (back) and veteran wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle) already on the shelf, TeSlaa could find himself working as Detroit's WR2 behind Jameson Williams in Week 14 against the Cowboys.