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.

Kincaid (knee) was officially listed as a limited practice participant in Wednesday's walk-through.

Kincaid missed Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Eagles after managing just one limited practice last week. It looks like he'll do more this week, but the Bills may lean toward caution now that they're locked into a wild-card spot.

Brooks (hamstring) was spotted working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 17 win over the Buccaneers, Brooks is fighting to play in Sunday's matchup against the Patriots. The Texas Tech product has had an incredible 2025 campaign for the Dolphins, recording 174 total tackles (most in the NFL), including 3.5 sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble across 16 appearances. His practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide the best indication of whether he'll be available for Miami's season finale in New England on Sunday.

St. Brown (knee/ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

St. Brown played through what coach Dan Campbell called "irritation" in his knee during last Thursday's loss at Minnesota, logging a typical 83 percent of snaps en route to eight catches (on 13 targets) for 68 yards. St. Brown has put together a third consecutive 100-catch, 1,200-yard and double-digit TD campaign, which has cemented him as one of the top fantasy wide receivers as of his fifth pro season. His status will continue to be monitored as the Lions prepare for Sunday's visit to the Bears.