NFL Player News
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Doug Kramer C | CHI
Bears' Doug Kramer: Bumped down to doubtful
Updating a previous report, Kramer (shoulder) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Kramer has yet to make a start, but he does provide depth on the offensive line and special teams. If he doesn't suit up Sunday, it will be the first game he hasn't seen any action all season.
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Justice Hill RB | BAL
Ravens' Justice Hill: Unlikely to play Week 17
Ravens coach John Harbaugh was not optimistic when asked following Sunday's 34-17 win against the Steelers if Hill (concussion) would be available versus Houston on Wednesday, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
Hill exited with a concussion during the second quarter, and he'll have just three days to clear the league's concussion protocol before the game against Houston on Christmas Day. The 27-year-old running back has been a productive receiver for Baltimore this season, tallying a 42-383-3 receiving line over the first 14 games of the season. Meanwhile, fellow running back Keaton Mitchell was ruled a healthy scratch for the third game in a row Sunday. Therefore, it's likely that rookie Rasheen Ali will step up as the primary backup for Wednesday's game versus Houston, though bell-cow Derrick Henry should continue to shoulder the vast majority of Baltimore's rushing workload.
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David Moore WR | CAR
Panthers' David Moore: Trending toward playing Sunday
Moore (concussion) remains listed as questionable but is expected to be available for Sunday's game versus the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Moore was a limited participant during practice Wednesday and Thursday before being listed as a full participant Friday. He still has to be cleared by an independent neurologist before exiting the five-step protocol, but the Panthers expect him to get the green light to play. With rookie wideout Xavier Legette (hip) already ruled out, Moore should have a spot available in three-receiver sets alongside Adam Thielen and Jalen Coker (quadricep), who is also questionable but expected to play.
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Jalen Coker WR | CAR
Panthers' Jalen Coker: On track to play Week 16
Coker (quadricep) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Coker missed three straight games with a quad injury before returning to action in last week's loss to the Cowboys. The undrafted rookie then popped back up on Thursday's injury report with a quad issue, ending the week as a limited participant in two straight practices. Though the quad may still be nagging him a bit, Coker looks like he'll still be able to suit up and play consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 9 and 10. With Xavier Legette (hip) having already been ruled out, Coker and Moore (concussion) -- who is also listed as questionable but expected to play -- should fill top-three roles at receiver alongside veteran Adam Thielen.
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Zach Ertz TE | WAS
Commanders' Zach Ertz: Likely to be cleared for Sunday
Ertz (concussion/shoulder) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday versus the Eagles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Ertz sustained a concussion during the Commanders' Week 15 win over the Saints, and he was a limited participant while taking no contact for all three of the Commanders' practices this week. Despite the lack of full activity this week, Ertz is still expected to gain clearance from an independent neurologist and clear the five-step protocol. Ertz won't be formally cleared until Washington releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but assuming he's good to go, he should handle his usual duties as the Commanders' top tight end.
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Tyrone Tracy Jr. RB | NYG
Giants' Tyrone Tracy: Expected to go Sunday
Tracy (ankle) remains listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons but is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Tracy logged three limited practice sessions Wednesday through Friday before carrying a designation into the weekend. Despite the lack of full activity this week, Tracy looks like he'll be formally cleared to play when the Giants release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Tracy has compiled 151 carries and 30 catches for 915 total yards this season, and he's been the Giants' clear lead back since Week 5. If Tracy is active but still limited in some capacity, then Devin Singletary could see increased usage out of New York's backfield.
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Tony Pollard RB | TEN
Titans' Tony Pollard: Looks in line to play Week 16
Pollard (ankle) remains listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday against the Colts, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Pollard has played in every game for the Titans this season despite dealing with lingering foot and/or ankle injuries for over a month. The 27-year-old has been in and out of practice for much of this time period, and he did not practice Wednesday or Thursday before logging a limited session Friday. Pollard is still listed as questionable, so his status won't be confirmed until Tennessee releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Given his limited involvement in practice this week, Pollard -- even if he's active -- could cede a higher volume of snaps and touches to backup Tyjae Spears in Week 16.
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Tyreek Hill WR | MIA
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill: Likely to play Sunday
Hill (wrist) is listed as questionable but is expected to play Sunday versus the 49ers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Hill is dealing with a lingering wrist injury that kept him sidelined during practice Wednesday. He logged a full session Thursday before downgrading to limited activity Friday, resulting in him taking a designation into the weekend. Though all signs point to Hill suiting up Sunday as Miami looks to keep its playoff hopes alive, the wideout won't be formally cleared until the Dolphins release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. With Jaylen Waddle (knee) considered doubtful to play, it's likely that Hill, Malik Washington and River Cracraft will line up as Miami's starting wideouts while tight end Jonnu Smith continues to factor heavily into the passing game.
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Pat Freiermuth TE | PIT
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth: Quiet in loss to Baltimore
Freiermuth recorded three receptions on three targets for 16 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens.
Freiermuth had either topped 50 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in four straight games, though his momentum was halted in Saturday's loss. His longest gain went for just seven yards, and two of his catches came with Pittsburgh down multiple scores in the fourth quarter. Freiermuth should be more involved in Week 17 against the Chiefs, though his ability to rack up stats remains inconsistent.
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Calvin Austin III WR | PIT
Steelers' Calvin Austin: Leading receiver again
Austin recorded four receptions on five targets for 65 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens.
Austin led the Steelers in receiving yards and tied for the team lead in targets due to George Pickens (hamstring) still being sidelined. The former had only six yards at halftime, though he came alive on Pittsburgh's second possession of the second half with two catches totaling 60 yards -- highlighted by an impressive toe-tapping catch that went for 44 yards. Austin has topped 60 receiving yards in consecutive games and half of his last six contests.