NFL Player News

Westover (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Westover was able to overcome an illness to play in the Patriots' Week 17 win over the Jets, but it appears the second-year fullback picked up an ankle injury in the process. He'll have two more chances to return to practice in at least a limited capacity heading into Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins.

Bateman missed Wednesday's practice with an illness.

Bateman should have time to recover before Sunday night's game at Pittsburgh. If not, WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Devontez Walker will be the favorites to get more playing time.

McCarthy said after Wednesday's practice that he was limited and remains "day-to-day," Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy sustained a hairline fracture in his right throwing hand Week 16 at the Giants and didn't play last Thursday against the Lions. Coach Kevin O'Connell told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that McCarthy had a "really positive" throwing session Tuesday, and the quarterback himself said Wednesday that he "felt good throwing." It remains to be seen if McCarthy will be able to suit up Sunday versus the Packers, but Max Brosmer is on hand for another start if the former isn't cleared to play.

Achane missed Wednesday's practice with a shoulder injury, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

There was no clear sign of trouble during Sunday's 20-18 win over Tampa Bay, with Achane taking carries deep into the fourth quarter and ultimately finishing with 21 touches on a 74 percent snap share. He's up to 1,838 yards from scrimmage on the season, having yet to miss a game. Jaylen Wright has been Miami's No. 2 RB of late, ahead of Ollie Gordon.

Landry (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Landry was unable to play against the Jets on Sunday due to a knee injury that has lingered since late November. It was the first game he's missed this season, and he'll look to return to practice over the next two days and be available for the Patriots' regular-season finale against the Dolphins on Sunday. The veteran pass rusher has logged 8.5 sacks through 15 regular-season games in his first year with New England.

Payne (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Payne missed the Christmas Day matchup with the Cowboys but appears ready to return following the one-game absence. The veteran defensive tackle has appeared in 14 contest this season, logging 42 tackles (17 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and five pass breakups on 61 percent of the defensive snaps.

Pierre (calf) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Pierre has missed Pittsburgh's past three games due to a calf issue. There could be some urgency to get him back, as the Steelers' bid for a playoff spot is on the line Sunday versus Baltimore. Asante Samuel Jr. has been starting at cornerback while Pierre has been out and would likely do so again if the latter remains sidelined Week 18.

Flournoy (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Flournoy wasn't able to play last Thursday in Washington on a short week after he sprained his right knee Week 16 against the Chargers. By kicking off this week with a capped session, he appears to have a chance to return to action Sunday at the Giants, but his status will be monitored as the week continues to get a sense of his odds to play in the Cowboys' regular-season finale.

Boutte (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Boutte wasn't able to suit up for New England's blowout win over the Jets in Week 17, but he's making progress ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against Miami. Of course, in order to retake the field versus the Dolphins, Boutte will first have to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol.

Spillane (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Spillane has been inactive for each of the Patriots' last two games due to an ankle injury, though he's technically not played in three consecutive games after playing zero snaps while being active during the Patriots' Week 15 loss to the Bills. He also hasn't been able to practice since sustaining the injury in Week 14 against the Giants, so he's unlikely to play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins unless he were to log at least a limited session over the next two days.