NFL Player News

Rudolph will serve as the Steelers' backup quarterback in Sunday's game against the Bills with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) having been cleared to start, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Rudolph played the entire second half of the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Bengals and then started last Sunday's loss to the Bears, finishing with 36 completions on 47 attempts for 298 yards, two touchdowns and one interception between the two outings. With Rodgers concluding Week 13 prep as a full practice participant, Rudolph will be back in his more typical No. 2 role this Sunday.

Ford (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Ford appeared on the injury report Friday with a calf injury and was a limited participant in practice for the day. The ability to practice in any capacity means he has a decent chance at suiting up for the Rams' defense. Still, if the starter is unable to go, Ty Hamilton will likely be called upon to take more snaps at nose tackle.

Chaisson (ankle) was a full participant in New England's practice Friday.

Chaisson has been dealing with an ankle injury over the past couple of weeks but should continue to play through it during Monday's matchup versus the Giants. The 2020 first-round pick has compiled 18 tackles (10 solo), including 6.5 sacks, across 11 games and will look to add to his totals against New York.

Bethune (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Bethune suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 11 and will miss his second consecutive contest. With Bethune sidelined, Curtis Robinson is expected to make another start at middle linebacker for the Niners.

Young (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Despite logging only a single limited practice in Thursday's session, Young is expected to suit up for the Rams' Week 13 contest. The starting outside linebacker has not missed a game this season and will look to add to his 53 total tackles, including 9.0 sacks, this Sunday.

Tonga (chest) did not practice Friday.

Tonga was limited Thursday, so this is a downgrade for the defensive lineman. He was injured in last Sunday's win over the Bengals and was unable to return to that contest.

Njoku (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the 49ers, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku logged a full practice Friday after limited reps earlier in the week. The 29-year-old tight end has an underwhelming 30-288-3 receiving line across 10 games this season. Njoku's 28.8 yards per game this season is his lowest mark since the 2020 campaign.

Hairston (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Hairston was concussed in last Thursday night's loss to the Texans, but the added rest allowed him to clear the concussion protocol. The first-round rookie cornerback has appeared in five games this season, producing three tackles (two solo) and three pass breakups, including a pair of interceptions, across 175 defensive snaps.

Knight (concussion) will play in Seattle's matchup versus Vikings on Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Knight missed the Week 12 win over the Titans but is set to make his return after clearing the league's concussion protocol. The 24-year-old has recorded 50 tackles (32 solo), including 2.0 sacks, across 10 games and should resume his role as a depth linebacker during Sunday's matchup.

Kinchens (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Kinchens was able to upgrade to limited participation Friday after being unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday. The upgrade in participation bodes well for Kinchens' chance to suit up for Sunday's contest. If the starter is unable to go, Jaylen McCollough is in line to replace him at free safety.