NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness.

Croskey-Merritt paced the Commanders backfield in place of an ill Chris Rodriguez last Thursday versus the Cowboys, taking 11 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Their fates have switched this week, though, as Rodriguez isn't listed on the injury report at all. As such, Rodriguez seems poised to take back a majority share of Washington's RB reps this Sunday in Philadelphia, even if Croskey-Merritt is well enough to play.

The Packers claimed Diggs off waivers from the Cowboys on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Diggs missed a total of eight games for Dallas so far this season due to a concussion and a knee injury, but he was healthy enough to suit up for both of the team's last two contests. Now set to join Green Bay, the 2021 All-Pro cornerback will bolster a secondary that had been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. Given the short onboarding period with his new team, Diggs is unlikely to debut in Sunday's regular-season finale against Minnesota, but he should be ready to contribute for the Packers in their first playoff contest.

Schwesinger (quad/ankle) was a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Schwesinger has been managing an ankle issue since late November, and he was said to have played through a thigh injury this past Sunday in a win over Pittsburgh. He's now listed as also dealing with a quad issue, though it's not clear if it's related to the aforementioned thigh problem. Regardless, the dynamic rookie's practice status the remainder of the week should provide insight into how serious his injuries are. Cleveland doesn't have much to play for Week 18 against Cincinnati, but Schwesinger -- who has 156 tackles on the season -- does have an outside chance of reaching Patrick Willis' record for stops by a rookie (174).

Mariota (hand/quad) didn't practice Wednesday and remains a "long shot" for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

The term "long shot" comes directly from coach Dan Quinn, who is preparing his team for another week with QB Josh Johnson as the starter.

Stoll (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Stoll was injured in last Sunday's win over the Titans and will miss the regular-season finale. The 27-year-old tight end appeared in 15 games for New Orleans this season, making four starts, and caught six of 11 targets for 46 yards and one touchdown on 21 percent of the offensive snaps.

Harden (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Harden missed last Sunday's win over the Steelers with the shoulder injury, allowing Tre Avery to soak up extra reps at cornerback. Harden has appeared in 15 games this season, producing 47 tackles (28 solo) and four pass breakups across 55 percent of the defensive snaps.

Olave didn't practice Wednesday due to an illness, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Olave has been dealing with a back issue from time to time since Week 13, but he's suited up for each of the last five contests on his way to 31 catches (on 48 targets) for 429 yards and five touchdowns during that span. Now with an illness in tow, his status bears watching as the week goes on to get a sense of his potential to play Sunday in Atlanta.

Jones (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Jones sustained an ankle injury in Week 15 against the Ravens, which has prevented him from playing in each of the Bengals' last two games. He's also been unable to practice, so he would likely have to log at least a limited session over the next two days to have a realistic chance of playing against the Browns in Sunday's regular-season finale.

Helm (toe) did not practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Helm has played through a toe injury since mid-December and hasn't yet been forced to miss any time, though he's generally managed to practice in at least a limited capacity during that stretch. The rookie tight end secured just one of two targets for one receiving yard during Tennessee's loss to the Saints in Week 17. He'll have two more chances to get back on the practice field ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale on the road against Jacksonville.

Hill (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Hill has managed to play through an ankle injury during each of the Bengals' last two games, accruing four tackles (two solo) over that span. He'll have two more chances to return to practice this week, but given his ability to play Weeks 16 and 17, he should be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Browns.