NFL Player News

Lassiter (foot) was a limited participant in Houston's practice Wednesday.

Lassiter managed to return to practice after sitting out Tuesday's session due to a foot injury. The 22-year-old is seemingly trending toward playing in Saturday's game versus the Chargers, where he should continue to serve as one of the Texans' starting cornerbacks.

Johnson (thumb) was a limited participant in Arizona's walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Johnson popped up on the injury report Wednesday due to a thumb injury he seemingly suffered during the Week 16 loss to the Falcons. The rookie second-round pick could be in danger of missing his sixth game of the season should he be unable to suit up for Sunday's matchup versus the Bengals.

Whyle (concussion) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

Whyle was also deemed limited for Tuesday's practice walkthrough. The third-year tight end missed this past Saturday's overtime loss to Chicago due to the concussion he suffered Week 15 versus Denver, but he seems to have a chance of returning for Saturday's game against Baltimore, though he'll first need to clear concussion protocol. If Whyle manages to suit up, he'll likely back up starter Luke Musgrave, as fellow tight end John FitzPatrick tore his Achilles in Week 16 and is done for the season.

Melton (heel) was a limited participant in Arizona's walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Melton managed to practice for the first time after missing the last four games due to a heel injury. The 23-year-old should continue to serve as one of the Cardinals' starting cornerbacks should he make his return during Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.

Melton was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Melton first popped up on the injury report Tuesday when he was estimated as a DNP for the Packers' walkthrough. With another DNP designation for the team's first padded practice of the week Wednesday, there may be some concern about Melton's availability for Saturday's matchup against Baltimore. If Melton can't practice in some capacity Thursday, he'll almost certainly get an injury designation for the contest against the Ravens.

Sweat (ankle) didn't participate in Arizona's walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Sweat is still dealing with the ankle injury he suffered during the Week 14 loss versus the Rams. Jordan Burch and Darius Robinson would see an uptick in playing time Sunday versus the Bengals if Sweat ends up being unable to play.

The Bears placed Ismail (undisclosed) on the practice-squad injured list Wednesday, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Ismail signed with Chicago as a member of the practice squad Nov. 24. The Samford product is now dealing with an undisclosed issue that will sideline him at least four weeks. The Bears signed tight end Thomas Gordon to their practice squad Tuesday to take Ismail's spot.

Thompson (hamstring) was a limited participant in Arizona's walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Thompson managed to practice for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury during the Week 14 loss to the Rams. The 27-year-old should resume his role as the team's starting strong safety should he manage to suit up for Sunday's matchup versus the Bengals.

Baker (concussion) didn't participate in Arizona's walkthrough Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reports.

Baker remains in the league's concussion protocol after sustaining a concussion during the Week 16 loss versus the Falcons. The 2017 second-round pick will need to clear the protocol before he's eligible to return. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and Kitan Crawford would see increased playing time during Sunday's game versus the Bengals if Baker ends up being unable to play.

Joseph-Day (calf) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Joseph-Day logged a season-low 12 defensive snaps and one special-teams snap this past Sunday against the Chiefs, and the calf issue may be the reason. It's unclear how serious the injury is, but the fact he was able to log a limited practice session Wednesday suggests he has a chance of playing Sunday against New Orleans. Still, Joseph-Day may end up with an injury designation if he's not able to register a full practice session by the end of the week.