NFL Player News

The Rams designated McCreary (hip) to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

McCreary managed to practice for the first time Wednesday since sustaining a hip injury during the Week 12 win over the Buccaneers. The Rams will now have 21 days to officially activate the 25-year-old, and he should resume his role as a special teamer and reserve defender once fully healthy.

Armour-Davis (Achilles) was limited in practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Armour-Davis sat out Weeks 13-15 due to the Achilles issue before returning for this past Sunday's win over Kansas City, when he played 100 percent of the Titans' defensive snaps and logged two tackles. Unless he suffered a setback during that contest, the fourth-year cornerback's limited practice to begin Week 17 prep is likely due to maintenance of the injury. As such, the current expectation should be that he'll start Sunday versus New Orleans.

Tipton (groin) was a limited participant in New Orleans' practice Wednesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

Tipton popped up on the injury report Wednesday after producing his best performance of the season during last week's win over the Jets, catching four passes for 29 yards. If the 25-year-old is unable to play Sunday versus the Titans, Chris Olave, Kevin Austin and Dante Pettis would be left as the only healthy receivers on the active roster.

The Commanders elevated Cracraft from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

It's the first time this season that the Commanders have elevated Cracraft to the active roster, and the veteran wide receiver will have an opportunity to make his 2025 regular-season debut against the Cowboys on Christmas Day. Cracraft appeared in eight regular-season games for the Dolphins in 2024 and logged seven catches (on nine targets) for 66 yards.

The Lions elevated Ricci from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday.

It's the third and final time that the Lions can elevate Ricci from the practice squad this season. He'll be available to play against the Vikings on Christmas Day, when he's expected to contribute on special teams while serving in a depth role at tight end behind Shane Zylstra and Anthony Firkser.

Payne (back) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Payne was held out of all three practice sessions during Week 17 prep due to a back issue. The veteran defensive tackle will be sidelined Christmas Day, so Sheldon Day and Jer'Zhan Newton are the top candidates to start alongside Javon Kinlaw in Payne's absence. With the Commanders eliminated from playoff contention, Payne's last opportunity to play this season is Week 18 against the Eagles.

Greenlaw (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Greenlaw was unable to participate in any of the walkthrough practices during Week 17 prep due to a hamstring injury he sustained against the Jaguars on Sunday. The veteran linebacker is not considered a candidate for injured reserve, but the injury is severe enough that he is in jeopardy of being sidelined for Week 18 against the Chargers. Justin Strnad will likely start alongside Alex Singleton at inside linebacker for as long as Greenlaw is sidelined.

Adkins (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

A knee injury prevented Adkins from participating in any of the walkthrough practices during Week 17 prep, and he won't be on the Broncos' active roster for Christmas Day. Evan Engram and Adam Trautman are the only two tight ends on the active roster heading into Thursday's game. Adkins' next opportunity to play is Week 18 against the Chargers.

Tufele (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Tufele was forced to leave the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints after sustaining a foot injury in the first half, finishing with one tackle. He has two more opportunities to fully practice and avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Mauigoa (neck) did not practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

A neck injury has prevented Mauigoa from playing in the Jets' last two games. He's also been unable to practice, so he'll have to log at least a limited session by Friday to have a realistic chance of being available for Sunday's game against the Patriots.