Player News

Vannett (oblique) was a limited practice participant Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The 32-year-old played 11 special-teams snaps and likely picked up an oblique injury during the Rams' Week 15 win over the Lions. Vannett's practice participation Wednesday and Thursday will likely provide the best indication of whether he can play in Thursday night's divisional matchup against the Seahawks.

The Panthers announced Wednesday that Moore (elbow) has been designated to return from IR and had his 21-day practice window opened, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Moore can be activated from IR at any point within his 21-day practice window, making Sunday's contest against the Buccaneers his earliest tentative return date. When officially back to full health, Moore will resume handling a depth role in Carolina's wide receiver corps.

Latu (neck) didn't practice Tuesday.

The Alabama product played a season-high 19 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Raiders, but it now appears he sustained a stinger in the process. Latu likely needs to upgrade to limited practice either Wednesday or Thursday to have a chance at suiting up for the Week 16 matchup against the Commanders on Saturday.

Ruckert signed a two-year, $10 million extension with the Jets on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The fourth-year pro from Ohio State has agreed to a new deal that keeps him with the Jets through the 2027 season. Ruckert has played a reserve role for most of his NFL career, catching 55 of 75 targets for 427 receiving yards and one touchdowns across 55 games. His role in the Jets' offense could grow following Wednesday's extension, though he's still expected to remain the top back up to Mason Taylor.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Harrison (heel) will participate in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Gannon said Harrison is doing "good." The second-year pro has missed two straight games due to a heel injury suffered Week 16, but Gannon has stated that Harrison is expected to play again this season. In order to make his return Sunday versus the Falcons, Harrison may have to prove himself healthy enough to handle full practice reps at least once in Week 16.

Oliver recorded an 18-yard catch on his lone target in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Cowboys.

After making a splash in the Vikings' 31-0 win over the Commanders in Week 14 with a pair of touchdown grabs, Oliver was held quiet Sunday, despite Minnesota clearing the 30-point threshold once again. Even with top tight end T.J. Hockenson available, Oliver continued to see ample playing time, as he was on the field for 34 of the Vikings' 55 snaps on offense. Even if that playing-time trend holds through the Vikings' final three games of the season, Oliver will remain a touchdown-dependent fantasy option at tight end with limited appeal.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sampson (hand/calf) is not in line to practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Sampson did not practice in any capacity prior to being ruled out for Cleveland's loss to the Bears in Week 15, his first missed game of the season. He'll have two more chances to get back on the practice field prior to Sunday's matchup against the Bills, though it's worth noting that Stefanski said all of the Browns' injured players are "trending in the right direction," per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. When healthy, Sampson will resume handling a change-of-pace role behind Quinshon Judkins.

Badie reeled in his lone target for a one-yard gain and returned four kickoffs for 113 yards in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Packers.

Badie was on the field for just seven of the Broncos' 68 offensive snaps, trailing fellow running backs RJ Harvey (46 snaps) and Jaleel McLaughlin (nine) in playing time. Harvey will likely continue to dominate the usage and snaps out of the backfield when available, but his health is a bit of a question mark heading into Week 16 after he exited late in Sunday's win with a rib injury. The Broncos haven't provided word on the severity of Harvey's injury, though the team added to its backfield depth Monday by claiming Cody Schrader off waivers. If Harvey ends up sitting out this Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Badie would likely be part of a committee that includes McLaughlin and Schrader.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Njoku (knee) is not in line to practice Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Njoku wasn't able to practice prior to being ruled out for Cleveland's loss to the Bears in Week 15, but Stefanski indicated he and the rest of the Browns' injured players are "trending in the right direction" for Sunday's contest against Buffalo, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. If Njoku manages to gain clearance in time to return to action Week 16, he'll resume operating as the No. 2 tight end behind rookie Harold Fannin.

Melton failed to corral his lone target while playing nine of the Packers' 66 snaps on offense in Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Broncos.

After hauling in a deep ball from Jordan Love for a 45-yard touchdown in the Packers' Week 14 win over the Bears, Melton was held quiet Sunday during his limited time on the field. Green Bay listed fellow wideouts Christian Watson (chest/shoulder) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) as non-participant Tuesday on its first Week 16 practice report, so Melton could be in line for a slight uptick in snaps if either or both players aren't available for Saturday's rematch with the Bears in Chicago.