Payne (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Payne missed the Christmas Day matchup with the Cowboys but appears ready to return following the one-game absence. The veteran defensive tackle has appeared in 14 contest this season, logging 42 tackles (17 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and five pass breakups on 61 percent of the defensive snaps.

Pierre (calf) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pierre has missed Pittsburgh's past three games due to a calf issue. There could be some urgency to get him back, as the Steelers' bid for a playoff spot is on the line Sunday versus Baltimore. Asante Samuel Jr. has been starting at cornerback while Pierre has been out and would likely do so again if the latter remains sidelined Week 18.

Flournoy (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Flournoy wasn't able to play last Thursday in Washington on a short week after he sprained his right knee Week 16 against the Chargers. By kicking off this week with a capped session, he appears to have a chance to return to action Sunday at the Giants, but his status will be monitored as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to play in the Cowboys' regular-season finale.

Boutte (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Boutte wasn't able to suit up for New England's blowout win over the Jets in Week 17, but he's making progress ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against Miami. Of course, in order to retake the field versus the Dolphins, Boutte will first have to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol.

Spillane (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Spillane has been inactive for each of the Patriots' last two games due to an ankle injury, though he's technically not played in three consecutive games after playing zero snaps while being active during the Patriots' Week 15 loss to the Bills. He also hasn't been able to practice since sustaining the injury in Week 14 against the Giants, so he's unlikely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins unless he were to log at least a limited session over the next two days.

Echols (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Echols hurt his groin Week 16 against Detroit and missed this past Sunday's loss to Cleveland because of the issue. With a limited practice under his belt to begin this week, the veteran cornerback appears to have a chance of returning to action for Sunday's matchup versus Baltimore, which will determine the winner of the AFC North. With that said, Echols' playing time had been slipping even before the injury, and he hasn't reached a 50 percent defensive snap share since Week 12.

Ferguson (calf) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson didn't play after halftime of last Thursday's win at Washington due to a calf injury, ending Week 17 action with one catch (on two targets) for six yards and one touchdown. He was spotted working with Cowboys trainers on the side Wednesday, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, so his lack of activity to begin Week 18 prep isn't a surprise. Ferguson will have two more sessions this week to put himself in a position to suit up Sunday at the Giants.

Newsome (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Newsome has been nursing the shoulder issue for the past 10 days but ended up being cleared to play last Sunday against the Colts and logged 100 percent of the defensive snaps for the first time since being acquired from the Browns ahead of Week 6.

Tuten (finger) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Tuten has missed back-to-back games due to a lingering finger injury, but it looks as though he's fully on track to return as the top backup behind Travis Etienne for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Titans. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South title with a victory at home against Tennessee on Sunday, and against the 3-13 Titans, there could be plenty of backfield production to go around.

Hooker (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Hooker played every single defensive snap and logged two solo tackles during the Titans' Week 17 loss to the Saints, but he may have tweaked his ankle injury in the process. The veteran safety will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars.