NFL Player News

Echols (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Echols hurt his groin Week 16 against Detroit and missed this past Sunday's loss to Cleveland because of the issue. With a limited practice under his belt to begin this week, the veteran cornerback appears to have a chance of returning to action for Sunday's matchup versus Baltimore, which will determine the winner of the AFC North. With that said, Echols' playing time had been slipping even before the injury, and he hasn't reached a 50 percent defensive snap share since Week 12.

Ferguson (calf) didn't take part in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson didn't play after halftime of last Thursday's win at Washington due to a calf injury, ending Week 17 action with one catch (on two targets) for six yards and one touchdown. He was spotted working with Cowboys trainers on the side Wednesday, per Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, so his lack of activity to begin Week 18 prep isn't a surprise. Ferguson will have two more sessions this week to put himself in a position to suit up Sunday at the Giants.

Newsome (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Newsome has been nursing the shoulder issue for the past 10 days but ended up being cleared to play last Sunday against the Colts and logged 100 percent of the defensive snaps for the first time since being acquired from the Browns ahead of Week 6.

Tuten (finger) is not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Tuten has missed back-to-back games due to a lingering finger injury, but it looks as though he's fully on track to return as the top backup behind Travis Etienne for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Titans. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South title with a victory at home against Tennessee on Sunday, and against the 3-13 Titans, there could be plenty of backfield production to go around.

Hooker (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Hooker played every single defensive snap and logged two solo tackles during the Titans' Week 17 loss to the Saints, but he may have tweaked his ankle injury in the process. The veteran safety will have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars.

Gabriel (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Gabriel was added to the injury report last Friday after picking up a shoulder injury late in the week, and he ended up being inactive for Sunday's win over the Steelers. The rookie QB's limited practice to begin Week 18 prep suggests he's feeling better, but a full practice by the end of the week would go a long way toward ensuring he'll be cleared to play Sunday against Cincinnati. If Gabriel does suit up, he'll resume working as the Browns' No. 2 QB behind fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders.

Key (hip) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Key was removed from the Titans' Week 17 loss to the Saints due to what was initially reported as a back injury. He has since been diagnosed with a hip issue, which prevented him from participating in the opening practice of Week 18 prep. The veteran pass rusher will have two more opportunities to log at least a limited session ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars. Key has accumulated 16 tackles (seven solo), including 2.5 sacks, across seven games since the Titans' Week 10 bye.

Mayfield (right shoulder/knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

One day removed from being limited at Tuesday's walkthrough due to right shoulder and knee injuries, Mayfield had no on-field restrictions. Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard confirmed as much Wednesday, telling Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Mayfield is "ready to roll." Mayfield thus is set to lead a Tampa Bay team that needs a win against the Panthers on Saturday, combined with a Falcons loss or tie Sunday versus the Saints, to lock down the No. 4 seed on the NFC side of the playoffs.

Austin (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Austin wasn't able to practice at all prior to being ruled out for Pittsburgh's loss to the Browns in Week 17, but head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned the wide receiver as a player who "definitely has a chance" to retake the field for Sunday night's contest against the Ravens. With DK Metcalf (suspension) unavailable for Week 18, and the Steelers facing a game in which the victor will secure the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs while the loser will be eliminated from postseason contention, Austin's availability could be crucial for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game.

Ossai (ankle) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's practice report.

An ankle injury has prevented Ossai from playing in each of the Bengals' last two games, and he would likely have to return to practice over the next two days to have a realistic chance of playing against the Browns on Sunday. Cameron Sample and rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart would continue to see more snaps at defensive end if Ossai cannot play in Week 18.