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Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was unwilling to make a firm commitment Thursday when asked whether Burrow (toe) will play Sunday versus the Patriots, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. "I'm not there yet," Taylor said.

Burrow was listed as a full participant at practice Wednesday and took part in 11-on-11 drills. Rapoport relays that Burrow's activity level Thursday will be crucial in determining his availability for Sunday. If Burrow is able to log two straight full sessions without any soreness or setbacks, it will be a strong sign that the star quarterback's recovery from Sept. 19 surgery to address a Grade 3 sprain of the big toe on his left foot has gone smoothly enough for him to return to game action. Cincinnati's coaching staff has explicitly refrained from ruling Burrow out for Sunday, but it sounds as though more information on his chances of returning may not arrive until after the team's final practice of the week Friday.

Smith (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Smith entered the league's concussion protocol during the Rams' Week 11 win over the Seahawks. Even if he returns to practice this week, he would need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play against the Buccaneers on Sunday. Smith has mostly served on special teams as a returner this season, though he has recorded six catches (on nine targets) for 49 yards over his last four games.

Stoll (ankle) logged a full practice Wednesday.

Stoll missed the Saints' Week 10 matchup against the Panthers with an ankle injury. He got additional rest over the team's bye and appears ready to return in Week 12 against the Falcons.

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

Williams entered the league's concussion protocol during the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Bengals. His ability to practice Wednesday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- is a sign that he is progressing through the protocol. However, Williams would not be allowed to play against the Bears on Sunday unless an independent neurologist clears him from the league's five-step concussion protocol. He has mostly served in a return role on special teams and has logged 291 yards on six kickoff returns and 112 yards on 11 punt returns across six regular-season games.

Herbert (groin) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Herbert missed the Jets' last two games due to a groin injury, but his absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates that he is on track to play against the Ravens on Sunday. His return gives the Jets additional depth in the backfield and another return option on kickoffs.

San Francisco released Gage from its practice squad Wednesday.

In a corresponding transaction, the 49ers signed kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad. It seems like wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee) should be available again soon for San Francisco, so there may not be as much desperation for depth at that position now as there was for much of the year up to this point. For his part, Gage will become an unrestricted free agent.

Shepard was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a shoulder injury.

Shepard joined Chris Godwin (fibula) and Emeka Egbuka (illness) as limited participants to kick off Week 12 prep, and all three will have two more chances to practice in full this week before the Buccaneers potentially give them designations ahead of Sunday's game at the Rams. Tez Johnson, Ryan Miller and Kameron Johnson are the healthy wide receivers on the active roster at the moment.

Godwin (fibula) was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough.

Godwin practiced last Wednesday for the first time since he emerged from Week 5 with a fibula injury. He's now been listed as limited on four consecutive injury reports, but coach Todd Bowles told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site this Wednesday that Godwin was "ramping up" his activity level ahead of Sunday's contest at the Rams. Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka (illness) also was limited Wednesday, meaning the statuses of the team's top two options at the position on the active roster are up in the air for Week 12 action.

Irving (shoulder/foot) was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough.

Irving got back on the practice field last week for the first time since Week 4 prep as he nears the end of his recovery from a shoulder subluxation and a sprained left foot, and he was listed as limited Wednesday through Friday. He maintained that activity level to begin Week 12 prep, and coach Todd Bowles told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Irving was "ramping up" his activity level in advance of Sunday's game at the Rams. Irving will have two more chances to practice fully this week, with Friday's injury report revealing if he has a chance to return to action this weekend. Prior to Tampa Bay's Week 11 loss to the Bills, Rachaad White had the upper hand on Sean Tucker for RB reps, but Tucker flipped the script with 140 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns this past Sunday. If Irving is able to return this Sunday, he very well could be in a timeshare with one of White or Tucker if the team opts to ease him back in.

Gray (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Gray has been on the PUP list all season, but he was designated to return Wednesday. That he was immediately able to log a full session is positive, though his status for Sunday's matchup against the Lions remains uncertain.