NFL Player News

Ward (concussion) has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol and is eligible to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Amanda Foster of the Colts' official site reports, though he remains on injured reserve Friday.

The Colts will need to make a roster move activating Ward from injured reserve prior to Sunday's game against the Chiefs in order for him to play, but all signs point to the veteran cornerback returning for his first game action since Week 5. Ward practiced without limitations all week after having his window to resume practicing opened Wednesday. Once cleared to play, Ward will likely occupy the starting cornerback spot opposite Sauce Gardner.

Wright (quadriceps) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

The fourth-year pro from UAB logged consecutive DNPs to begin the Browns' week of practice due to a quadriceps injury, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined in Week 12. Wright has appeared in nine games for Cleveland this season, recording 24 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks. Expect Cameron Thomas to operate as the Browns' top reserve defensive end while Wright is out Sunday.

Thrash (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

The 24-year-old wideout from Louisville didn't practice Thursday due to a foot injury and is now in line to miss his second game of the season in Week 12. Thrash has appeared in nine games this year, catching 10 of 15 targets for 107 yards over 216 offensive snaps. While he's out Sunday, Gage Larvadain could have an expanded role in Cleveland's wide receiver corps.

Tavai (personal) won't play Sunday against the Bengals, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Tavai's next chance to play will come Monday, Dec. 1 against the Giants. The rotational linebacker has 19 tackles (10 solo) in seven appearances this season.

Zappe will operate as the Browns' No. 2 quarterback in Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

With Dillon Gabriel (concussion) being ruled out for the Week 12 matchup, the Western Kentucky product will back up Shedeur Sanders in his first career NFL start. Zappe started one game for the Browns in 2024, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Kamara (ankle) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara's presence on injury reports has been a constant for New Orleans since he hurt his ankle during a practice in early October. A Week 11 bye apparently didn't change anything, with the Saints now listing Kamara as questionable for a third straight game. He's yet to actually miss a game this year, and he even took a season-high 22 carries his last time out, finishing with 115 total yards on 25 touches in the Week 10 win over Carolina.

Coach Andy Reid ruled out Pacheco (knee) for Sunday's game against the Colts, Jesse Newell of The Athletic reports.

Pacheco has been sidelined since Week 8 due to a sprained MCL, but he was able to practice fully Wednesday and log a limited session Thursday, marking the first notable progress in his recovery. Reid also told Charles Goldman of AtoZSports.com that Pacheco didn't have a setback, and his return to practice this week was "literally to see where he's at." Pacheco thus will turn his focus to a Thanksgiving Day game at Dallas, while Kareem Hunt will continue to lead the Chiefs backfield this weekend.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that he's optimistic Buckner (neck) will return during the 2025 season, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Buckner has been on injured reserve since Nov. 7 due to a neck injury, but he has been in the building with teammates as the veteran defensive tackle works his way back from the injury. The earliest Buckner will be eligible to return is Dec. 14 against the Seahawks in Week 15.

Dean (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

The Auburn product is now in line to miss his second game of the season after sustaining a hip injury in the Week 11 loss to the Bills. Dean is an integral part of Tampa Bay's secondary, recording 28 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and six passes defensed, with three interceptions, over just nine appearances this season. While he's out in Week 12, expect rookie Benjamin Morrison to operate as one of the Bucs' top boundary corners.

Reddick (ankle/knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Rams, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

The 31-year-old didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is now in line to miss his fourth consecutive game due to ankle and knee injuries. While Reddick remains sidelined, expect Anthony Nelson to continue starting opposite Yaya Diaby in the Buccaneers' linebacker corps.