NFL Player News

Hunter was limited in practice Thursday by a knee issue.

Hunter wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so it's unclear if his listed limitations a day later are indicative of an issue stemming from the team's first practice or the result of something that cropped up Thursday. In any case, Hunter's status, along with that of fellow WR Brian Thomas (shoulder, limited) must now be monitored ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Thomas (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Thomas was one of three Jaguars receivers who had his reps capped Thursday, with Travis Hunter (knee) and Tim Patrick (groin) joining him as limited participants. The second-year wideout has been using a harness to protect his injured right shoulder, but he still appears to be trending toward suiting up Sunday in Las Vegas. The Jaguars will reveal after Friday's practice whether Thomas carries an injury designation into the weekend.

Brown (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

A lingering shoulder injury limited Brown's practice snaps Wednesday, but his ability to log a full session Thursday puts him on track to play against the Raiders on Sunday, barring a setback. He has served in a rotational role at wide receiver this season but could see an uptick in snaps if either Brian Thomas (shoulder) or Travis Hunter (knee) are unable to play Week 9. Brown has 16 catches (on 27 targets) for 194 yards and one touchdown across six regular-season games.

Sanborn (groin) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Sanborn was unable to play against the Broncos this past Sunday due to a groin injury, which he appeared to pick up late in the week or in pregame warmups. The injury prevented him from practicing Thursday, and he'll need to return to practice in at least a limited capacity over the next two days in order to have a chance at playing against Arizona on Monday.

Wilson (elbow) didn't practice Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Wilson was unable to play against the Broncos in Week 8 due to an elbow injury he aggravated in Week 7 against the Commanders. He'll have two more opportunities to return to practice in at least a limited capacity, which would give him a chance to return for the Cowboys' Week 9 tilt against the Cardinals on Monday.

Walker did not participate in Thursday's practice due to a calf injury.

Walker wasn't listed on Wednesday's practice report, so the calf injury appears to be a new issue and severe enough for him to sit out of Thursday's practice. He's now in jeopardy of being sidelined for Week 9 against the Panthers, so Friday's practice report will provide clarity on his chances of playing Sunday. With Walker and Nick Niemann (pectoral) both dealing with injuries, second-year linebacker Ty'Ron Hopper would be in line for a bigger role on defense alongside Edgerrin Cooper and Isaiah McDuffie if Walker is ruled out for Week 9.

Marks was a limited participant in practice Thursday due to a calf injury.

Marks wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his limitations Thursday are noteworthy. Friday's report will reveal whether the running back approaches Sunday's game against the Broncos with an injury designation or is fully cleared to maintain his key role in Houston's backfield.

Collins (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston previously relayed that Collins -- who didn't play Week 8 -- had cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, with the wideout himself noting Thursday that he's "feeling great" and is "ready to play" Sunday against the Broncos. In addition to Collins being poised to return to action, Christian Kirk (hamstring) also practiced fully Thursday, which paves the way for the Texans to have their top two WRs both available in the same game for the first time since Week 5.

Willis was a limited participant in Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury.

The ankle injury appears to be a new issue, as Willis was not listed on Wednesday's practice report. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but his participation in Friday's practice will provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Panthers. The Packers would likely elevate Clayton Tune from the practice squad to the active roster to serve as the backup quarterback behind Jordan Love if Willis is not cleared to play Week 9.

Bates (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bates sustained a knee injury during the Falcons' Week 8 loss against the Dolphins, but the veteran safety relayed after Thursday's practice that he feels confident that he'll be cleared to play against the Patriots on Sunday. Without the 2018 second-rounder, the Falcons would have to turn to either Jordan Fuller or DeMarcco Hellams to start at safety alongside Xavier Watts. Bates has tallied at least five tackles in six of the first seven games of the regular season, and his 45 stops is second most on the Falcons behind Kaden Elliss (48).