NFL Player News

Sample (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sample upgraded his practice participation throughout the week to gain clearance, as he went from a non-participant Wednesday to a limited participant Thursday before practicing without limitations Friday. Sample's impact in the passing game will likely remain limited, as Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant are ahead of him on the depth chart.

Jones (Achilles) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Jones upgraded to full practice participation Friday after a pair of limited sessions. He played through this injury in the Week 5 loss to the Lions and should handle his usual role as a returner on punts and kickoffs against the Packers.

The Cardinals signed O'Donnell to their active roster Friday.

The 34-year-old's signing Friday likely suggests that Blake Gillikin (back), who popped up on Arizona's injury report Thursday as a limited practice participant, could miss the Week 6 matchup against the Colts. O'Donnell, a 10-year NFL veteran, is now expected to assume Arizona's top punter and holder duties if Gillikin is sidelined Sunday.

Hall (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The second-year pro from Ohio State is now in line to miss his sixth consecutive game after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason. Adin Huntington is expected to continue serving as one of the Browns' top reserve interior defensive linemen until Hall returns to the field.

Evans (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Evans likely sustained a hamstring injury in Carolina's Week 5 win over the Dolphins that's now holding him out of Sunday's contest. The fourth-year pro has played just seven defensive snaps through five games, so his absence will likely have minimal impact on the Panthers' defense in Week 6.

Johnston (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Miami.

Johnston practiced in a limited fashion both Wednesday and Thursday due to a hamstring injury, and so far he hasn't done enough to gain clearance for Week 6 action. His status will be clarified about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 kickoff, and if he's active he'll be looking to build upon the 26-377-4 line on 40 targets that he's racked up through five contests this season.

Moton (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

Moton was unable to practice all week due to an elbow injury likely sustained in the Week 5 win over the Dolphins, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. Yosh Nijman is expected to step in and start at right tackle in Moton's stead in Week 6.

Wharton (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.

The first-year Panther didn't practice all week and is now in line to miss his fourth game of the season due to hamstring and toe injuries. Wharton has found success when on the field, recording nine total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, across just 51 defensive snaps this year. LaBryan Ray is expected to continue serving as Carolina's top reserve defensive end until Wharton returns to full health.

Bowers (knee) isn't taking part in Friday's practice, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Bowers didn't suit up this past Sunday at Indianapolis due to a lingering PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee, and he proceeded to miss all three Week 6 practices. The lack of activity this week isn't much of a surprise, considering coach Pete Carroll called Bowers "week-to-week" Monday, per Paul Gutierrez of the Raiders' official site. The team has yet to rule out Bowers for Sunday's game against the Titans, something that may occur once it posts Friday's injury report.

Elliss (ribs/shoulder) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jets.

Elliss' absence Sunday comes as no surprise, as the 22-year-old missed Denver's entire week of practice due to rib and shoulder injuries likely sustained in the Week 5 win over the Eagles. Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman could receive increased defensive snaps as reserve outside linebackers while Elliss is sidelined in Week 6.