NFL Player News

Smith (knee) was not listed on the Bengals' injury report Wednesday.

Smith has yet to play this season while dealing with knee issues. His full participation Wednesday indicates that he could be on track to make his 2023 debut Sunday against the Colts.

Ogbongbemiga didn't practice Wednesday due to a hamstring issue.

The extent of Ogbongbemiga's injury isn't clear, but given his DNP on Wednesday and the nature of hamstring injuries, there's a chance he'll be unable to suit up Sunday against the Broncos. The third-year linebacker has played in all 12 of Los Angeles' games this season but has primarily seen work on special teams, logging just five defensive snaps, four of which came in Week 2 versus the Titans.

Tufele (illness) was not listed on the Bengals' injury report Wednesday.

Tufele missed Week 13 against the Jaguars after coming down with an illness in the week leading up to the game. His return to practice Wednesday indicates that he is on track to play Sunday against the Colts. Tufele has played 53 defensive snaps across seven games this season and has registered five tackles (three solo).

Schweitzer (calf) was a non-participant at the Jets' practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Schweitzer was able to play through his calf injury in Week 13 versus the Falcons, so his absence Wednesday isn't particularly concerning quite yet. He'll look to return to the field for at least one of the team's final two practice sessions prior to Sunday's matchup with the Texans.

Simpson (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Simpson sustained a concussion in Week 10 against the Browns and missed the next two games. His full participation in Wednesday's practice is a good sign he's on track to return for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Tunsil (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Tunsil also missed the Wednesday practice leading up to Week 13 against the Broncos, but was a full participant in the following two practice sessions and suited up for the game. As long as he returns to practice over the next two days, Tunsil should be available to play Sunday against the Jets.

Taylor (illness) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Taylor missed Sunday's Week 13 win over New England due to an illness, but he appears to be feeling better since he was able to log a full practice session to open Week 14 prep. The second-year cornerback has had a major role on the Chargers' defense at times this season, but he may have fallen out of favor given that he didn't log any defensive snaps Week 12 versus Baltimore. However, starter Deane Leonard didn't practice Wednesday due to an ankle/heel issue, so Taylor could be thrust back into a significant snap count Sunday against the Broncos if Leonard doesn't suit up.

Hewitt (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Hewitt has yet to log a snap on defense as he sits behind Denzel Perryman and Blake Cashman on the middle linebacker depth chart. Hewitt has played 240 special teams snaps across 11 games this season and has recorded nine tackles (six solo).

Pierre (shoulder) has been ruled out for the Steelers' Week 14 matchup with the Patriots on Thursday Night Football, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Pierre has been able to play through his shoulder issue each of the last two weeks, but he'll be forced to sit out Week 14 versus New England. Chandon Sullivan and Darius Rush are candidates to see an increase in workload in Pittsburgh's secondary in Pierre's absence.

Fant (hip) did not participate in Wednesday's practice session.

Fant was a DNP in the Wednesday practice leading up to Week 13, but logged full practices the next two days and suited up against the Broncos. His practice participation Thursday will provide a better indicator for his availability Sunday against the Jets.