NFL Player News

Fairbairn was limited in practice Wednesday due to an illness.

It's not clear when Fairbairn began feeling under the weather, but the good news is that it's relatively early in the week. Given that he was able to log a limited practice Wednesday, it's likely that the veteran kicker will be able to play Sunday against Indianapolis. Fairbairn has gone 16-for-17 on FG attempts since returning Week 12 from a two-game absence due to a quad injury.

Al-Shaair (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Al-Shaair may have tweaked his knee during the Texans' 20-16 win over the Chargers in Week 17, when he logged six tackles (two solo) and an interception. The veteran linebacker will have two more chances to return to practice and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's regular-season finale against the Colts. Al-Shaair has logged 102 combined tackles through 15 regular-season games, marking the third time in his seven-year NFL career that he has cracked the tackling century mark.

Striggow (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Striggow has missed the Jaguars' last two games due to an ankle injury, but his return to practice Wednesday means that he is progressing in his recovery. He would be on track to return against the Titans on Sunday if he were to log a full practice over the next two days. The undrafted rookie has accumulated 15 tackles (six solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery across nine regular-season games, serving as a contributor on special teams and in a rotational role on the Jaguars' defensive line.

Odunze (foot) was a non-participant in practice Wednesday.

Odunze thus hasn't practiced since Dec. 12 due to a stress fracture in his foot and appears poised to end the regular season with five consecutive absences. The Bears can make a ruling on his availability for Sunday's game against the Lions as soon as they post Friday's injury report, and if he's ruled out, Chicago again may be short-handed in the receiving corps, as Luther Burden (quadriceps) was limited Wednesday after getting injured on the final play of this past Sunday's loss at San Francisco. Meanwhile, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, who sat out Week 17 due to illness, was a full practice participant Wednesday, joining DJ Moore, Jahdae Walker and Devin Duvernay as the healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Hunt (illness) did not practice Wednesday.

Hunt handled his usual backfield split alongside Isiah Pacheco during Kansas City's 20-13 loss to Denver on Christmas Day in Week 17, rushing seven times for a team-high 38 yards. The veteran is facing a chance to close out the year on a positive note with a favorable matchup against the Raiders on deck for Sunday, but he'll first need to get healthy from his current ailment. Hunt will have two more chances to retake the practice field ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale.

Hainsey (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hainsey is recovering from a groin injury that he played through against the Broncos in Week 16 but not in Week 17 against the Colts. The fifth-year pro has two more chances to log a full practice heading into Sunday's regular-season finale against the Titans. If Hainsey is unable to play, then Jonah Monheim would be in line to start at center for a second consecutive game.

Mekari (back) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Mekari sustained a back injury during the Jaguars' Week 16 win over the Broncos, which prevented him from playing against the Colts in Week 17. He'll have two more opportunities to return to practice ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Titans, but if Mekari is unable to play, Walker Little likely will start at right guard for a second straight game.

Wilson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday.

Wilson has not yet progressed enough through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to resume practicing in even a limited fashion. The rookie third-round pick entered the concussion protocol due to a hit suffered Week 16, and he subsequently sat out New England's blowout win over the Jets in Week 17. He'll need to fully clear the concussion protocol in order to be eligible for Sunday's regular-season finale against Miami.

Mason (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

This marks Mason's first notable on-field work since he suffered an ankle injury early Week 16 at the Giants. Aaron Jones has paced the Vikings backfield for most of the last two contests, but he wasn't able to practice Wednesday due to a new hip issue. The activity levels of both players bears watching as the week goes on to see who among them may be available Sunday against the Packers.

London (knee) is listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report.

London has just four catches for 31 yards since returning from a four-game absence due to a PCL sprain. He'll likely play again Week 18 against the Saints, but he may not be at this best until next season.