NFL Player News

Bethune (ankle) will be limited at practice Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Bethune last suited up in Week 11, but his ability to practice in some capacity Thursday suggests he has made progress in his recovery. He would return to the starting middle-linebacker role if cleared to play Monday against the Colts. Bethune has two more opportunities to upgrade to full participation in practice.

Kmet (ankle/knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and is officially listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Packers.

Kmet was limited during Tuesday's walk-through practice and during Wednesday's session, but after logging a full practice Thursday, he said afterward that he plans to play Saturday, per Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network. That said, official word on Kmet's status may not arrive until the Bears release their inactive list roughly 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. If he suits up against Green Bay, Kmet will contribute at tight end alongside rookie Colston Loveland.

Odunze (foot) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Packers.

Both Odunze and fellow WR Luther Burden (ankle) won't be available for Week 16 action after not practicing in any capacity this week. Odunze himself had been playing through a stress fracture in his foot for a good portion of the season before logging what now will be a third straight absence. His next chance to suit up is Sunday, Dec. 28 at San Francisco. His absence versus Green Bay, along with that of Burden, should lead to Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay seeing added WR snaps alongside DJ Moore.

McDuffie (knee) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

McDuffie also sat out practice Wednesday, and he looks to be trending toward a second consecutive absence after sitting out the Week 15 loss to the Chargers, which eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention. If McDuffie remains sidelined Sunday against the Titans, Nohl Williams would be in line to start at outside cornerback.

Lamb (illness) did not practice Thursday, Joe Hoyt of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Lamb has now missed back-to-back practices due to illness to begin Week 16 prep. Friday's session will be his final chance to practice before potentially receiving a preliminary injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers. In the event that Lamb isn't able to practice Friday, he'll be at risk of missing Week 16 or having his status come down to a game-time decision.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Pearsall (knee/ankle) won't practice Thursday, but the wide receiver is feeling much better and has a chance to play Monday at Indianapolis, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Coming out of the 49ers' Week 14 bye, Pearsall had his first signature performance since the first month of the season, when he hauled in six of seven targets for 96 yards during this past Sunday's win against the Titans. Afterward, Shanahan relayed that Pearsall was dealing with a low-ankle sprain and also had aggravated the previous PCL injury that sidelined him for Weeks 5-10. Pearsall will have two more chances to prove his health this week before the 49ers likely tag him with a designation for Week 16 action.

Awuzie (foot) remained a non-participant in practice Thursday, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

Awuzie didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday after exiting this past Sunday's win over the Bengals due to a foot injury. The starting cornerback will likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Patriots. T.J. Tampa would probably continue to fill in if Awuzie doesn't play.

Neal (back) will not practice Thursday due to soreness, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Neal had his 21-day practice window opened Tuesday and was a full participant Wednesday, but he now appears to be battling a setback. It's worth noting that prior to being placed on IR mid-November, Neal did not play a single offensive snap with for the Giants this season. With New York's O-line mostly in a healthy state, Neal likely wouldn't play Sunday against the Vikings even if he proves he's in 100 percent form.

Higgins (concussion) made an appearance in the final moments of the open portion of Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

After not being spotted during the initial portion of the session, Higgins -- who was limited at practice Wednesday -- showed up with a helmet while working with the Bengals' training staff. Ultimately, Thursday's injury report will reveal Higgins' official participation level.

Rice (concussion) won't practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Rice will sit out a second consecutive practice Thursday, having also missed Wednesday's session after reporting concussion symptoms Monday. To have any chance at clearing the NFL's five-step concussion protocol prior to Sunday's game against the Titans, Rice would have to upgrade to full participation Friday and gain clearance from an independent neurologist, so his chances of suiting up Sunday look slim. Xavier Worthy could work as the top wide receiver for a Chiefs team that has been eliminated from playoff contention and will start Gardner Minshew at quarterback.