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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Thursday, October 8

Mason Taylor Nears Return After Full Participation at Jets Practice

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New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor is inching closer to a return after logging full participation in both practices this week. Taylor has missed the last two games due to a thumb injury. His impending return bolsters the Jets' passing game depth as the team prepares for a critical Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, while teammate Adonai Mitchell remains week-to-week.

Adonai Mitchell Remains Week-to-Week With Finger Injury

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New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell has missed practice this week due to a lingering finger injury that has kept him out for the last two weeks. Head coach Aaron Glenn described Mitchell as week-to-week, indicating his return for Sunday's upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns is not imminent as the team manages his recovery alongside running back Breece Hall's quad issue.

Andrew Thomas Returns to Giants Practice as Limited Participant

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New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas returned to practice Thursday as a limited participant after missing Wednesday's session due to a groin injury. The Giants have carefully managed his practice workload all season without him missing any game action. His return provides a boost to the offensive line as the team continues preparations for their upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Malik Nabers Returns to Practice Thursday Despite Knee Soreness

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New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers returned to practice as a limited participant on Thursday after missing Wednesday's session due to knee soreness and addressing an emotional outburst from the Cardinals game. Nabers, who previously posted six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in Week 4, is managing his knee in his return from a torn ACL. An upgrade to full participation Friday could help him avoid an injury designation.

Easton Stick Elevated to Serve as Backup Quarterback for Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers elevated quarterback Easton Stick and safety J.J. Roberts from the practice squad for Thursday night's game against the Cowboys. Stick will serve as the backup to rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels, who makes his second start in place of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is sidelined with a dislocated right thumb. Stick brings prior experience in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system to the active roster.

Micah Parsons Runs at Practice While Remaining on PUP List

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Green Bay Packers star edge defender Micah Parsons was spotted running strenuously on the side during Thursday's practice while wearing a brace on his left knee. Although head coach Matt LaFleur noted Parsons made progress last week, his 21-day practice window has not yet been opened, and he officially remains on the physically unable to perform list as he works toward a return.

Jager Burton Upgraded to Limited in Practice Due to Back Spasms

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Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jager Burton progressed from a non-participant on Wednesday to a limited participant in Thursday's practice while managing back spasms. Head coach Matt LaFleur noted that Burton handled individual drills without issues, marking him as the sole status change on the team's injury report. Burton aims to clear remaining hurdles ahead of the upcoming matchup against the Bears.

Zay Flowers Remains Limited in Ravens Practice With Foot Injury

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers was limited in practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday as he manages a foot injury ahead of Week 5. Flowers has been dynamic when on the field this season, recording 18 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns across just 88 offensive snaps. His official game-day status will gain clarity following Friday's final practice report.

Kyle Hamilton Returns to Full Practice Participation for Ravens

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Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton returned to full practice participation on Thursday after being limited by an ankle injury the previous day. His return provides a major boost to the Ravens' defense as they prepare for a Sunday night clash against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, quarterback Lamar Jackson remained sidelined with an ankle issue, and several other teammates missed practice.

Lamar Jackson Remains Sidelined Thursday Due to Ankle Injury

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday night's game against the Falcons. Tyler Huntley would draw the start if Jackson cannot play, with rookie Joe Fagnano as the backup. Despite missing practice time, Jackson has not yet been officially ruled out by the team.

Cam Skattebo Limited in Practice Again, Sheds Non-Contact Jersey

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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo was listed as a limited participant for the second consecutive day on Thursday while managing a shoulder injury. Notably, Skattebo shed his red non-contact jersey during the session. The team's top backfield option has one final opportunity on Friday to upgrade to full participation and avoid carrying an injury designation into a game for the first time this season.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Limited in Practice With Groin Injury

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Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a limited practice participant Thursday, maintaining the same activity level as Wednesday while managing a groin injury. Through four games, Croskey-Merritt has totaled 197 yards from scrimmage and one rushing touchdown on 61 touches. His status for Sunday's game against the Giants will gain further clarity following Friday's final practice session.

Jalen Ramsey Upgraded to Limited Practice Participation With Wrist Injury

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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey was upgraded to a limited participant in Thursday's practice after previously dealing with his wrist injury. The improvement is a positive sign for the Steelers' secondary as they prepare for a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Ramsey's participation level in Friday's session will determine his final game-day status.

Michael Pittman Jr. Out Multiple Weeks With Aggravated Foot Injury

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was downgraded to a did-not-participate status on Thursday and will miss multiple weeks after aggravating a foot injury. Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed the multi-week absence, with the team evaluating possible injured reserve placement. Pittman was spotted using a scooter at practice, and his absence creates expanded opportunities for teammates like Germie Bernard and D.K. Metcalf.

Rico Dowdle Limited in Practice With Toe Injury, Status Uncertain

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle was a limited participant in Thursday's practice for the second consecutive day as he deals with a dislocated toe on his right foot. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated that Dowdle's status for Sunday's game against the Colts remains up in the air. If he plays, he is expected to serve as Option 1B behind Jaylen Warren, who has excelled during Dowdle's two-game absence.

Austin Ekeler Steps Up Following Kaytron Allen's Release

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Austin Ekeler remains a key fixture in the Washington Commanders' backfield following the team's decision to release rookie running back Kaytron Allen. With Allen waived after averaging 3.4 yards per carry, Ekeler anchors the active backfield alongside Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt as Washington prepares for a crucial divisional matchup against the New York Giants.

Jonathan Taylor Fully Participates in Colts Practice Ahead of Week 5

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Having received at least 20 carries in each of the last three games, Taylor remains one of the top producing running backs in the NFL this season. He is expected to handle another heavy workload and serve as a locked-in RB1 option for fantasy managers in Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ashton Dulin Sidelined From Colts Practice With Hamstring Injury

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin was absent from practice for a second straight day on Thursday due to a hamstring injury. He has not practiced at all during the week, casting serious doubt on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team's receiving corps faces potential depth concerns if he is unable to suit up.

Arden Key Misses Second Consecutive Practice Due to Hamstring Injury

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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key sat out of practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday while dealing with a hamstring injury. Having not participated all week, his availability for Sunday's upcoming game is in serious jeopardy. The Colts' defense is monitoring his progress closely as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers without several key contributors.

Undersized Lineman Willie Lampkin Set for First NFL Start for Eagles

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Following Lane Johnson's retirement and Cam Jurgens' trade, undersized offensive lineman Willie Lampkin is taking first-team reps at left guard and is poised to make the first start of his career Sunday against the Jaguars in London. Despite measuring under 5-foot-11 and 279 pounds coming out of North Carolina, Lampkin has consistently impressed coaches with dominant preseason performances since arriving in Philadelphia.