NFL Player News

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.

McDonald (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

McDonald may have injured his knee during the Jets' Week 16 loss to the Saints, when he played 65 snaps (57 on defense, eight on special teams) and finished with four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks. He'll have two more chances to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation ahead of Sunday's AFC East tilt against the Patriots.

Banks (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Banks likely picked up the injury during the Giants' Week 16 loss to the Vikings, when he played 33 snaps (25 on defense, eight on special teams) without showing up on the box score otherwise. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury given his ability to log a limited practice Wednesday, and Banks would likely avoid an injury designation altogether for Sunday's game against the Raiders if he were to log a full practice by Friday.

Flannigan-Fowles (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Flannigan Fowles was unable to play against the Vikings in Week 16 due to an illness, but he appears to be over that issue and on track to play against the Raiders on Sunday. He has accumulated 23 tackles (16 solo) and one pass defense over his last five games.

Nunez-Roches (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Nunez-Roches has missed the Giants' last two games due to an ankle injury, but his ability to return to practice Wednesday indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. He would likely avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders if he were to practice in full by Friday.