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NFL Nation reporters assess the biggest injuries across the league for Week 14.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsWR Sammy Watkins sat out Wednesdays practice because of his foot injury. Rex Ryan said he is hopeful Watkins can play Sunday against the Steelers, but that the Bills will take it day-to-day with Watkins. Ryan said Watkins felt better with his foot coming out of last Sundays game against the Raiders than the week before.?-- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsMiddle linebacker and leading tackler Kiko Alonsos status is up in the air because of a broken thumb. He had surgery Monday, then had a cast on during Wednesdays practice. If Alonso cannot play, backup Mike Hull will get the start against the Cardinals.?-- James WalkerNew England PatriotsTE Martellus Bennett, who is being relied upon as the primary player to help replace Rob Gronkowski, hasnt consistently looked like the same player since spraining his ankle in a Week 5 matchup against the Browns. He is coming off arguably his worst game of the season, recording two catches for 4 yards and two holding penalties last Sunday against the Rams. While the Patriots naturally appreciate his toughness, Bennetts injury status and ability to effectively do the job bears monitoring.?-- Mike ReissNew York JetsC Nick Mangold, who aggravated an old ankle injury, is in a walking boot and is not expected to play Sunday against the 49ers. It would be his fifth missed game, and theres a chance he could be shut down for the remainder of the season. Wes Johnson would again start in his place. The Jets could also be without NT Steve McLendon (hamstring) for the second straight week. Hed be replaced by Deon Simon. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensThe Ravens are close to full strength. The only starter who is expected to miss Monday nights game in New England is backup TE Crockett Gillmore (hamstring). Cornerbacks Jimmy Smith (back) and Tavon Young (shoulder) got banged up last Sunday, but both were on the field for Wednesdays walkthrough. --?Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsWR A.J. Green was working on the rehab field to begin Wednesdays practice. He has missed almost three full games with a hamstring tear and is considered week-to-week.?-- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsRobert Griffin III took part in practice Wednesday. ESPNs Dan Graziano reported through a source that, barring any setbacks, Griffin will start Sunday against Cincinnati. Coach Hue Jackson has not made that official, but Griffin should be on the field for the first time since the season opener in Philadelphia.?-- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersStarting DT Javon Hargrave missed Wednesdays practice while under concussion protocol. This is significant. Hargrave has probably been the teams most reliable rookie. He recorded a sack in back-to-back games before leaving Sundays win over the Giants. The Steelers are thin on the interior. Veteran DE Ricardo Mathews can play an enhanced role, and Dan McCullers and L.T. Walton havent graduated from spot duty. The Steelers will hope Hargrave becomes symptom-free before facing Buffalos league-best rushing attack.?-- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansThe Texans are pretty banged up and head to Indianapolis for a crucial divisional game with 16 players on their injury report. The starters listed who did not practice are DE?Jadeveon Clowney (wrist/elbow) and CB?Johnathan Joseph. Texans head coach Bill OBrien said both players are day-to-day and that hed know more about their statuses later in the week. While the front seven had a solid performance in Green Bay without Clowney, the secondary struggled after Joseph left the game. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsLB Robert Mathis has not practiced or played since injuring his biceps against Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving Day. The Colts got by without Mathis in their 41-10 victory over the Jets on Monday, but now theyll also be without fellow veteran linebacker DQwell Jackson, who was suspended four games for violating the NFLs policy on performance-enhancing substances. The Colts need as many veterans on the field as possible as they try to remain in first place in the AFC South.?-- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsTE Julius Thomas might have played his last snap of the season. The Jaguars say they arent sure when, or if, hell come back from a back injury. Well evaluate it day-by-day, coach Gus Bradley said. Also, RB Chris Ivory (hamstring) will be a game-time decision, Bradley said.?-- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansDisruptive DL Jurrell Casey didnt practice Wednesday and was the only Titans player on the injury report. He said even if he doesnt work the rest of the week, he feels confident he can walk out there and be effective Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Ill definitely be good to go, he said. Casey has only three sacks, but hes a disruptor who trails only outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan with 24 quarterback pressures for the Titans this season.?-- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosQB Trevor Siemian?is on track to play Sunday in Tennessee after taking part in the walk-through on Wednesday and is scheduled to practice on Thursday, but LB Brandon Marshalls status is still in question after he injured?his left hamstring in the 20-10 win over the Jaguars. Marshall missed one game earlier this season because of a hamstring injury, against San Diego on Oct. 30. The latest injury could put Corey Nelson into the lineup at inside linebacker against a Titans team that has among the leagues best at running the football. Theyve rushed for at least 149 yards in five games this season and have topped 200 yards twice.?-- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsWR Jeremy Maclin will be available to play for the Chiefs for the first time in five games Thursday night against the Raiders. Maclin has been out because of a groin injury. He might not play his normal full role in his first game back, but the Chiefs are still better off having him for whatever number of snaps he is in their lineup. Hes their most accomplished and experienced wide receiver. Its foolish to believe the Chiefs are a better team when hes not playing. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersDerek Carr?is still Oaklands biggest injury question,?despite his insistence that his right pinkie isnt causing any limitations. Carr played the entire game last weekend in the shotgun or pistol to keep him from going under center and, thus, to keep his finger out of harms way. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected in Kansas City on Thursday night, and with the ball expected to be hard as a rock and his finger still sore and taped, its almost a given that Carr will again set up 4 or 7 yards behind the center. After not running a single play out of the pistol before Sunday, the Raiders ran 19 plays out of the formation against Buffalo. Expect more of the same at Arrowhead Stadium.?-- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersAfter a knee injury forced him to miss four games, rookie inside linebacker Jatavis Brown returned to practice as a limited participant Wednesday. Korey Toomer took over for Brown while he was out and has done a good job, leading the team in tackles with 61. However, the Chargers would like to get Brown back on the field. It felt good, Brown said. Its always good to be out there having fun with the guys.?-- Eric D. WilliamsNFC EASTDallas CowboysLB Justin Durant was limited in Wednesdays practice as he returns from a hamstring strain that kept him out of the Cowboys last game. Anthony Hitchens was able to take the bulk of the sub-package snaps against Minnesota, but with the Giants running almost exclusively a three-wide receiver set, Durants return would help the Cowboys keep their middle linebackers fresh throughout the game. J.J. Wilcox, who is battling a thigh bruise, did not practice Wednesday and could miss his second straight game.?-- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsDE Jason Pierre-Paul is out, but starting left guard Justin Pugh (knee) and RB Shane Vereen (triceps) both have a chance to return. Pugh is taking reps this week, and Vereen is hopeful to receive the green light from the medical staff after returning to practice last week. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesWR Jordan Matthews (ankle, limited) and RB Ryan Mathews (knee) both returned to practice Wednesday after missing last weekends game against the Bengals. Assuming they make it through the week, QB Carson Wentz should be better equipped Sunday when the Eagles welcome the Redskins.?-- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsTE Jordan Reed caught passes during individual drills Wednesday, but theres a ways to go before the Redskins are ready to declare him ready for Sundays game against Philadelphia. Reed is still suffering from the Grade 3 separation of the AC joint in his left shoulder. Meanwhile, the offensive line was suffering: Center Spencer Long (concussion) and guard Shawn Lauvao (groin) both missed practice as did Ty Nsekhe (ankle). But Nsekhe was going back to the bench anyway with Trent Williams?returning?from his four-game suspension. Long would be replaced by veteran John Sullivan, and Lauvao would be replaced by Arie Kouandjio.?-- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsWR Marquess Wilson suffered a groin injury in last weeks 26-6 victory over San Francisco. Wilson is not a household name, but hes now one of Chicagos top receivers with Alshon Jeffery suspended and Eddie Royal (toe) ailing. Wilson, who did not catch a ball against the 49ers, led the club with eight receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown in Week 12. He also dropped a sure touchdown pass that hit him squarely in the hands. Veteran guard Josh Sitton is also pushing through an ankle injury, but the Bears are probably better off with reserve guards Ted Larsen and Eric Kush.?-- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsThe wait continues for the Lions with linebacker?DeAndre Levy. He has practiced for three weeks and is entering his fourth week of practice coming off his knee injury. Is this the week he plays? And does his fellow linebacker, Tahir Whitehead, also come back after a one-week absence because of a knee injury? Both players have practiced on a limited basis.?-- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersThe Packers could have a significant shortage of linebackers. Theyll be without Nick Perry, who underwent hand surgery this week. Clay Matthews left shoulder is still ailing, and he was largely ineffective because of it last week. Jake Ryans ankle remains problematic, and Blake Martinez hasnt played in two weeks. Its not an ideal situation with the Seahawks coming to town Sunday.?-- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsSafety Harrison Smith did not practice Wednesday because of a sprained ankle, and his status for Sunday appears to be the Vikings biggest concern as they try to win for just the second time in eight games in Jacksonville. Coach Mike Zimmer wouldnt rule out the possibility of Smith returning from an ankle injury that had him on crutches and in a walking boot last Thursday, pointing out how often Smith plays through injuries. But given that Smith hasnt practiced during the Vikings first two sessions of the week, his ability to play Sunday appears to be in doubt.?-- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsThe status of top receiver Julio Jones remains in doubt as he battles a turf toe injury. Jones didnt practice Wednesday, but coach Dan Quinn maintained a positive outlook, saying Jones could return to practice Thursday. Turf toe, however, is an injury that requires some rest, so it seems logical to hold Jones out of Sundays game against the Rams. Then again, Quinn views Jones as a fast healer, so well see how this all unfolds.?-- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersMiddle linebacker Luke Kuechly was one of three Carolina players limited in practice because of a concussion. The other two were S Kurt Coleman and CB Daryl Worley. But the primary interest was on Kuechly, who hadnt practiced since suffering the concussion in a Nov. 17 game against New Orleans. Coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly brought energy to the field and said how Kuechly responds Thursday will be the next step in determining whether he plays Sunday against San Diego.?-- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsSaints top receiver Michael Thomas missed practice Wednesday with a foot injury. The extent of the injury is unclear, and he didnt appear to suffer an injury in Sundays loss to the Lions. Thomas would be missed if he cant play or is limited this weekend at Tampa Bay. He is leading the team in every receiving category, with 69 catches, 831 yards and seven touchdowns. But the Saints have a deep receiving corps that includes Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman. Middle linebacker Craig Robertson also missed practice with a shoulder injury. Hed be hard to replace as an every-down player and the teams leading tackler.?-- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersSlot receiver and punt returner Adam Humphries didnt practice Wednesday and is still in the concussion protocol. The Bucs are already without Cecil Shorts III, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Sunday, making him the third Bucs receiver (including Louis Murphy) this year to have his season end because of an injury. The Bucs brought up Josh Huff from the practice squad to fill Shorts spot. Theyll also rely on Freddie Martino.?-- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsThe status of safety Tyrann Mathieu for Sundays game at Miami is in the air after he missed Wednesdays practice because of a lingering shoulder injury. Coach Bruce Arians didnt seem optimistic that Mathieu will be returning anytime soon, saying he was surprised Mathieu is still dealing with the issue. The Cardinals appear to have found a routine that works for WR John Brown, who has been dealing with symptoms related to carrying the sickle-cell trait. He didnt practice Wednesday but will have his reps increased Thursday and again Friday so he can be ready to play Sunday. Arians expects the other injured players -- LB Markus Golden and CB Tharold Simon -- to return to practice Thursday.?-- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsWR?Tavon Austin did not practice last week and ultimately missed his first game because of a chest injury. Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Austin and the other two starters who missed Sundays game -- DE Robert Quinn, who was in concussion protocol, and LG Rodger Saffold, who is dealing with a hand injury -- have a decent chance of playing against the Falcons. Austins health will be key. He hasnt produced anywhere near the level the Rams would have hoped, but his presence is key to at least taking some of the attention away from Kenny Britt.?-- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersThe Niners are still waiting for OLB?Aaron Lynch to return from a sprained ankle he suffered before their bye week. Lynch has been practicing for the past few weeks but hasnt been healthy enough to actually return on Sundays. San Francisco is in desperate need of pass-rushing help, and thats what Lynch does best, but he wont be back on the field until he is 100 percent.?-- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksThe only starter whose status is in question for Sunday is outside linebacker Mike Morgan, who did not participate in Wednesdays practice because of a hip injury. Morgan came off of injured reserve last week after missing time with a sports hernia and played well. He starts in the Seahawks base defense, but comes off the field when they go to nickel. Other than safety Earl Thomas, who is out for the year with a fractured tibia, the Seahawks go into this weeks game with a healthy squad. -- Sheil Kapadia Cheap Custom Avalanche Jersey . -- Derrick Rose shook off poor shooting early to hit clutch shots late and Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 104-95 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Custom Avalanche Jersey China . "Four now," Carl Gunnarsson told the Leaf Report proudly following a 5-2 victory over New York on Tuesday night, the clubs fifth straight at home. http://www.customavalanchejersey.com/ . How great will be revealed in the next couple of days at the board of governors meeting in Pebble Beach, Calif. Custom Avalanche Jerseys . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday. Custom Rob Ramage Jersey . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. The Charlotte Hornets are hoping to continue surging against the floundering Minnesota Timberwolves when the two teams square off Saturday at Charlottes Spectrum Center.After a four-game losing streak ended a week ago, the Hornets have won three of their last four games to boost their record to 11-8. Charlotte is in the midst of a stretch in which it plays five of six games at home -- and seemed to have found some flash from 7-2 center Roy Hibbert in a 97-87 victory over Dallas on Thursday.Hibbert hit 5-of-7 attempts for 11 points against the Mavericks with four rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes. He missed five games at the start of the season for right knee soreness, but Hornets coach Steve Clifford called his performance against Dallas one of his top two outings of the season.Im not 100 percent yet, but Im getting there, Hibbert told reporters after the Dallas victory. Its come slower than I would have liked, but its a long season.While Hibbert continues to work out kinks, the Hornets have continued to rely most upon Kemba Walker. The point guard hit two 3-pointers in the final four minutes to help seal the triumph over the Mavericks.Walker leads Charlotte with 23.9 points per game, and his average of 24.4 points per game in November set a franchise record for that month.Forward Marvin Williams has missed the last four games with a hyperextended left knee, and is expected to be out until next week, Clifford said.The Tiimberwolves, meanwhile, are hoping to bounce back from back-to-back losses to the New York Knicks.dddddddddddd In all, Minnesota has lost its last four games, and seven of the last eight games. They dropped to 5-14 with Fridays loss.Zach LaVine led the Wolves with 23 points in their 118-114 loss to the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns added 20 points while Andrew Wiggins chipped in 19.The thing about them is they have so many talented scorers who can have big nights, Hornets center Cody Zeller said. We have to come out and play defense right from the start and not really let them get into a flow.Minnesota will be trying to snap its losing streak on the second night of a back-to-back. The Timberwolves are 2-1 in such games this season.A hopeful spot of late was Towns performance Wednesday in a 106-104 loss to the Knicks. The 7-foot center had 47 points and 18 rebounds in the loss, numbers that set historic marks.Since 1963-64, only three players have scored 47 points or more at a younger age than the 21-year-old Towns -- Brandon Jennings, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. He also joined Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love as the only other Wolves to have a game with at last 45 points and 15 rebounds.It was a monster game, Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. Its unfortunate that we couldnt pull out the win. ' ' '