Mallory (lung) was estimated as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice walkthrough.

It's not clear when Mallory was hurt, though it may have been Sunday against Jacksonville, when he logged a season-high 11 offensive snaps and made his first catch of the campaign. With the Colts officially eliminated from playoff contention, Mallory could see more work Sunday versus Houston if he's able to suit up, but the lung issue could throw a wrench in that potential opportunity. Mallory will have two more days this week to get onto the practice field before Indianapolis assigns injury designations.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday that Salyer (hamstring) is "trending in a really good direction" but isn't expected to be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Harbaugh said, "it doesn't look like [Salyer will] be able to go this week" versus Denver but offered optimism that the starting left tackle could be available in the first round of the AFC playoffs, with the Chargers still capable of falling anywhere from the No. 5 to the 7th seed. With Harbaugh previously announcing Los Angeles will rest key starters in Week 18, it will be Trey Lance who has to operate with either Austin Deculus or Trevor Penning protecting his blind side on Sunday.

McKee is expected to start Sunday's game against the Commanders, according to ESPN's Tim McManus.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hasn't publicly disclosed his plans, but he hinted Wednesday that he'll do so after discussing everything with the team. Multiple reports suggest that Sirianni will hold out QB Jalen Hurts and other starters.

The Rams announced Wednesday that Higbee (ankle) has been designated to return from IR.

Higbee will now begin a 21-day window wherein he can participate in practice without counting against the 53-man roster. The veteran tight end can be activated from IR at any point in that span, if deemed healthy, making Sunday's game against the Cardinals his earliest tentative chance to return. Higbee hasn't played since Week 11, and across 11 regular-season appearances so far he's secured 20 of 30 targets for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Boutte (head) returned to practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Boutte wore a red non-contact jersey, indicating that he still has multiple steps to clear in concussion protocol before he can play in a game. He missed Sunday's blowout win over the Jets but could be back for Week 18 against Miami.

Jackson (back) practiced fully Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

In doing so, coach John Harbaugh indicated that Jackson, who was inactive in Week 17 due to a back contusion, "looked good," while adding that the QB is looking at utilizing extra protection for his back. As for Jackson's status for Sunday night's game against the Steelers, Harbaugh said that he's "optimistic" that the signal caller will be available. With that in mind, despite Jackson's full participation Wednesday, his situation is worth monitoring at least until Friday's final injury report reveals whether he carries an injury designation into the weekend.

Coach Pete Carroll noted Wednesday that Smith (ankle) is not in line to play Sunday against the Chiefs, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Smith emerged from Week 17 action with a concerning ankle injury, and in terms of the QB's availability versus Kansas City, Carroll said, "I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it's going to be really hard for him." With that in mind, look for Smith to be officially ruled out by Friday, and in that scenario Carroll indicated that he expects Kenny Pickett and Aidan O'Connell to compete for the Week 18 starting nod, adding that he anticipates both signal-callers seeing action this weekend.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Pickett is expected to start Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

However, Carroll suggested that Pickett and Aidan O'Connell could split reps in the regular-season finale, as Geno Smith (ankle) isn't in line to play. The 27-year-old Pickett has appeared in five games this season and has put nothing good on tape, averaging a pitiful 4.5 yards per attempt with one touchdown and one interception across 41 pass attempts.

O'Connell may get playing time off the bench Sunday against the Chiefs, Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said Kenny Pickett likely will start in place of Geno Smith (ankle), with O'Connell potentially then coming off the bench to play some. Carroll didn't say if he'll take a similar approach at other positions.

Prater (quadriceps) is listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

The Bills merely held a walk-through session, but this nonetheless hints at Prater returning from a two-game absence for Sunday's season finale against the Jets.