NFL Player News

McKinstry (illness) was a full participant at the Saints' practice Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

McKinstry left the team's 34-27 win over the Giants in Week 6 with a migraine, but he is now back to full health ahead of Week 7. The 24-year-old will be tasked with trying to slow down DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard in Sunday's matchup with the Steelers in Paris.

Lane underwent surgery Oct. 9 to repair his fractured and dislocated ankle, and he is expected to be cleared for activities before OTAs, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.

Lane sustained his season-ending ankle injury during the Commanders' Week 4 win against the Colts, and the injury was severe enough for him to stay in London overnight to be monitored and undergo additional tests. His absence has opened the door to more playing time for both Luke McCaffrey and Dyami Brown, and they are both candidates for another bump in playing time after Terry McLaurin tore his patellar tendon during the Commanders' 23-17 loss to the 49ers on Monday.

Elliss (calf) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Elliss has been sidelined for the Saints' past three games due to a calf injury, but it now seems there's been some progress in his recovery, and he might have a chance to return to game action in Week 7. He'll still probably have to log a full practice Thursday or Friday to avoid taking an injury designation into the weekend.

Shepherd (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Shepherd has missed consecutive games due to an illness. The veteran defensive tackle has returned to practice after recovering from the issue and should be ready to return to the field for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Elliott (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

It's the first time Elliott has logged a full practice since his 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened Oct. 8. The Steelers released Rayshawn Jenkins earlier Wednesday, and that's a potential sign that Elliott will be available to make his 2026 debut this Sunday against the Saints in Paris.

Brents (neck) was a full participant at the Dolphins' practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Brents suffered a stinger in the team's Week 5 loss to the Bengals, but he now appears to be back to 100 percent following the team's bye week. The cornerback will be back in his starting role in Miami's secondary versus the Jets on Sunday.

Al-Shaair (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Al-Shaair briefly exited the Texans' Week 6 win over the Jaguars in London, but the hiatus was to be evaluated for a concussion. There was no indication during the game, but the linebacker likely sustained the knee injury in the London victory. It remains to be seen if Wednesday's absence was partially vet rest or if the defensive signal caller is dealing with a more serious issue that could keep him out of the Week 7 game against the Giants.

Skowronek (calf) did not practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Skowronek was unable to play against the Buccaneers in Week 6 due to a calf injury that he sustained during the Steelers' Week 5 win over the Colts. He'll have two more chances to log at least a limited practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints in Paris.

Elliss will likely be placed on injured reserve due to a lower-leg injury that he sustained during the Broncos' Week 6 win over the Rams, Jon Heath of USA Today reports.

Elliss suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter, and he was wearing a walking boot and using crutches after the contest. The silver lining is that the third-year pro avoided a season-ending injury, but it's severe enough for him that he'll likely require a stint on IR. Jonathon Cooper was reinstated from the commissioner's exempt list this past Friday and should operate in a large role opposite Nik Bonitto at the edge rusher position for as long as Elliss is sidelined.

McDuffie (groin) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

McDuffie has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury in Thursday's practice before the Rams' Week 6 loss to the Cardinals. The star cornerback appears to be day-to-day with the injury but there is no clear expectation for a Week 7 return against the Raiders.