NFL Player News

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.

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

Smith was able to practice in full Friday, and he has cleared the league's concussion protocol and is set to suit up for Sunday's contest. The punt returner missed last Sunday's victory over the Buccaneers due to the concussion he suffered against the Seahawks in Week 11. The 28-year-old will look to add to his 142 punt return yards in Sunday's clash.

Phillips (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Phillips went DNP-limited-full in practice this week and has been playing through the foot injury for weeks. He seems likely to suit up against Atlanta. Phillips has started all 11 games this season, producing 38 tackles (13 solo), including 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Brownlee (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Brownlee was added to the injury report Friday, logging a DNP, so it sounds like his status could come down to the wire Sunday. Acquired from the Titans in September, Brownlee's snap rate plummeted in Week 12 against Baltimore, and it's unclear if it had anything to do with this hip injury.

Edoga (calf) has been ruled out for Jacksonville's matchup versus the Titans on Sunday.

Edoga will miss his fourth game of the season as he's currently dealing with a calf injury. The Jaguars will be shorthanded at right guard for Sunday's matchup, as Patrick Mekari (concussion) has been ruled out as well.

Browning (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Browning was able to practice in full Friday, meaning he has cleared the league's concussion protocol and is set to suit up for Sunday's game. The linebacker has played 50 percent or more of the team's defensive snaps in eight of his nine appearances, with Sunday set to be his first appearance since Week 10 against the Seahawks.