NFL Player News

Chaisson (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

A knee injury prevented Chaisson from playing in the Patriots' Week 5 win over the Bills. The 2020 first-rounder is still limited by the injury, but a full practice Thursday or Friday would put him in position to play against the Saints on Sunday. Chaisson's return would likely mean less snaps at outside linebacker for Keion White (elbow) and Elijah Ponder.

Hawkins (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Hawkins was given the green light to play against the Bills on Sunday after working through a hamstring injury during Week 5 prep, and he finished that contest with three tackles (two solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery while playing every defensive snap. The 2020 fourth-rounder is still working through the injury but would likely be cleared to suit up against the Saints on Sunday if he were to practice in full over the next two days.

Jones (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Jones was dealing with an Achilles injury heading into the Bengals' Week 5 clash against the Lions. He was cleared to play in that contest and finished the game with 154 yards on six kickoff returns and six yards on one punt return (along with three fair catches) in Sunday's 37-24 loss. The 2023 fourth-rounder is still working through his Achilles injury, but he would avoid an injury designation heading into Week 6 against the Packers if he were to upgrade to a full practice participant over the next two days.

Sample did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Sample played 41 snaps (27 on offense, 14 on special teams) and logged one catch for minus-one yard during the Bengals' 37-24 loss to the Lions in Week 5. He has come out of that contest worse for wear with an ankle injury, and he'll have two more opportunities to return to practice and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's contest against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Tanner Hudson and Cam Grandy would be in line to step up as the TE3 behind Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant if Sample is not cleared to play against Green Bay.

Jones was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After sitting out Week 4 with a concussion, Jones returned to action this past Sunday against the Titans and gathered in two of three targets for eight yards on a 50 percent snap share. With a new health concern in tow, his status will be watched as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to play Sunday at Indianapolis.

Fulton (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

An ankle injury has prevented Fulton from playing in each of the Chiefs' last three games. The 2020 second-rounder appears to be past the injury, given his ability to practice in full Wednesday, and that puts him on track to play against the Lions on Sunday.

McNeill (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

McNeill had his 21-day window to be reinstated from the reserve/PUP list opened Oct. 1, but he was not cleared to play against the Bengals in Week 5. He's opened the week with a full practice, and if he can participate without restriction each of the next two days, he would put himself in a good position to make his 2025 debut against the Chiefs on Sunday. The 2021 third-rounder is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered in December.

Higbee (hip) isn't practicing Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

Higbee missed last Thursday's loss to the 49ers, opening up more playing time for Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson -- a duo that combined for three targets while each handling route shares below 50 percent. Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson had a 21-yard reception in the game, but he played just two other snaps.

Branch was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Branch logged four tackles (one solo) during the Lions' Week 5 win over the Bengals. He briefly left the game due to an injury, and it is an ankle issue that limited his participation during the Lions' first practice of the week. Branch will have two more days to upgrade his practice participation and avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday's road clash against the Chiefs.

Joseph (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Joseph continues to have his practice time limited while tending to a lingering knee issue. He hasn't missed a game all season, and through five games he's recorded 14 tackles (10 solo) and four pass defenses (three interceptions). Joseph's practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Chiefs on Sunday.