NFL Player News

London (illness/back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

London missed Wednesday's session due to an illness, so his return to some drills one day later is a sign of progress as the Falcons work through Week 11 prep, even if a back issue was added to the injury report. Friday's report will unveil whether or not he avoids a designation in advance of Sunday's contest against the Panthers.

Thompson (hamstring) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Thompson upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited by a hamstring injury Wednesday, putting him on track to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers. Thompson missed each of the Bills' last two games due to the hamstring injury, and he looks set to get back to playing a significant role in the Bills' linebacker corps.

Jones (shoulder/toe) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Jones has now logged back-to-back limited practices to begin Week 11 preparations as he continues to nurse a toe injury and an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. He played through both injuries Week 10 against the Ravens, carrying the ball nine times for 47 yards and a score while securing three of six targets for 22 yards, so as long as he's able to practice on at least a limited basis again Friday, it seems Jones has solid odds of being cleared for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Bears.

The Patriots elevated Johnson from their practice squad ahead of Thursday night's game against the Jets, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

Per Lazar, this is Johnson's final elevation, so after Week 11 the running back would need to be signed to the Patriots' 53-man roster in order to suit up for game action. On Thursday, he'll provide the team with backfield depth behind TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings (knee), assuming the latter is active. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is slated to miss his third straight contest.

LaPorta (back) didn't practice Thursday.

LaPorta has yet to mix into any drills this week due to a back injury, leaving him just one more chance to do so Friday before the Lions potentially make a ruling on his status for Sunday's game at Philadelphia. Fellow TE Brock Wright (ankle) upgraded from no activity Wednesday to limited Thursday, while Ross Dwelley, the only other player at the position on the active roster, has avoided the Lions' Week 11 injury report entirely.

Johnson (groin) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Johnson upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited by a groin injury Wednesday, putting him on track to suit up Sunday against the Buccaneers. The starting slot cornerback missed each of the Bills' last two games nursing his groin injury, and he looks set to retake his starting role from Cam Lewis and Ja'Marcus Ingram just in time for a home showdown with a strong Buccaneers offense.

McCarthy (right hand) practiced fully Thursday.

McCarthy opened Week 11 prep Wednesday as limited due to a right hand injury, which stemmed from hitting it on the helmet of a Ravens defender while following through on a throw this past Sunday. He's been wearing padding on the hand in question in practice this week, but on Thursday he was able to take snaps under center and also attempt passes, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. McCarthy's ensuing listing of full indicates that he's good to go ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears.

Brown (knee) was a full participant at practice Thursday.

Brown's participation was limited Wednesday, but that seems to have been for maintenance purposes. Barring a setback, Brown should be good to go for Sunday's game against the Falcons. He has 3.0 sacks among his 40 tackles (20 solo) this season.

Bernard (ankle) returned to full practice participation Thursday.

Bernard upgraded to full participation Thursday after being a limited participant Wednesday due to a persisting ankle injury. Full participation means the captain will likely be able to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers, where he'll need to rally his squad for a strong defensive effort after last week's 30-13 loss to the Dolphins.

Slayton (hamstring) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Slayton suffered a hamstring injury during the Giants' Week 10 loss at Chicago but toughed it out en route to four catches (on four targets) for 89 yards and one touchdown while playing 63 percent of the snaps. He has yet to mix into drills this week, but he was spotted working with trainers on the side during Thursday's session, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Friday's practice likely will be key in relation to how Slayton is listed ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.