NFL Player News

Heyward (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Heyward didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday but got in a limited practice Friday. The 36-year-old has turned in a solid season to date, posting 41 tackles (16 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and six pass breakups on 69 percent of the defensive snaps across 10 appearances.

Thomas (concussion) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Thomas was a full participant in practice all week, and he's been cleared by an independent neurologist to exit the league's concussion protocol. The rookie third-rounder has stepped into a more prominent role in the Jets' secondary following Sauce Gardner's trade to the Colts in early November.

Slay (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Slay logged an FP/FP/LP practice log during Week 12 prep, but he'll remain in the league's concussion protocol and miss a second straight game. With Slay ruled out, James Pierre is poised to once again start at outside corner opposite Joey Porter. Slay's next opportunity to play is Week 13 against the Bills on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Lewis (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against Cardinals, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Lewis was injured in Week 9 and has been sidelined since, but he was able to get in a trio of limited practices this week, giving himself a chance to return against Arizona. Once healthy, Lewis should return to a full-time role at cornerback.

Highsmith (pectoral) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bears, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Highsmith ended the week with back-to-back limited practices, and while there was optimism he could return from a one-game absence, his doubtful tag means he's facing an uphill battle to play Sunday. Highsmith's absence would mean that Nick Herbig and rookie fourth-rounder Jack Sawyer would be slated for more edge-rusher snaps on defense opposite T.J. Watt.

Jones (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Jones was limited in practice all week after he logged a season-high 96 percent of the defensive snaps last Sunday against the Chargers. Jones has recorded 26 tackles (19 solo) and four pass defenses, including one interception, across 10 contests this season. Jones' playing time has seen a significant spike the last three weeks.

Newsome (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Newsome suffered an ankle injury during the Jaguars' Week 11 win over the Chargers. The injury limited his practice reps all week, but he has been given the green light to play in Sunday's road game. Newsome has accumulated 13 tackles (nine solo) and three pass defenses across five regular-season games for the Jaguars since being acquired from the Browns in early October.

Ouzts (elbow/personal) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Ouzts was listed as a DNP for the first two practices of the week due to both an elbow injury and for personal reasons, and while he's listed as questionable for Sunday's game, he did return for Friday's practice as a full participant. Ouzts was a tight end during his collegiate career at Alabama, but he has carved out regular playing time in the Seahawks' offense after being converted to fullback during the offseason.

Jones (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tennessee, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Jones popped up on Thursday's practice report as a limited participant due to a knee injury, and he had his practice reps limited during Friday's session, which earned him the questionable tag for Sunday's game. With Tyrice Knight (concussion) already ruled out for Week 11, Chazz Surratt would be poised to start at inside linebacker alongside Drake Thomas if Jones is not cleared to play.

Knight (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Knight entered the league's concussion protocol during the Seahawks' loss to the Rams in Week 11, which prevented him from practicing during Week 12 prep. Knight will look to progress enough through the league's protocol to be cleared to practice ahead of Seattle's Week 13 clash against Minnesota. With Knight officially out, Chazz Surratt would be in line for a more prominent role at inside linebacker alongside Drake Thomas if Ernest Jones (knee) is also sidelined for Sunday's road game.