Reggie Bush is one step closer to suiting up for Detroit's showdown with the Patriots.
The Lions running back returned to practice Thursday after saying that he's "on track to play" Sunday following his absence in last week's loss to the Cardinals due to ankle and foot injuries, per Paula Pasche of The Oakland Press.
The tweaked ankle has bothered Bush for months and contributed to his underwhelming totals on the ground. With just 191 yards off 53 attempts, the eighth-year runner has taken a backseat to early-down pounder Joique Bell this season.
With the Lions deadlocked atop the NFC North with Green Bay, we can't think of a better time for Bush to break out.
Other injuries we're following on Thursday:
- Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) returned to practice, but defensive end Jason Jones did not for a non-injury reason.
- Niners linebacker NaVorro Bowman has a doctor's appointment Friday and will need a "couple of weeks" of practice before being game-ready, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. Cornerback Tramaine Brock did not attend practice.
- Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (back) and guard Max Unger (knee/ankle) did not practice.
- Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (knee) missed practice for the second straight day.
- Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan (ankle) missed another Dolphins practice after getting hurt in Week 10 against Detroit. Tight end Charles Clay joined him on the sideline as he continues to nurse a knee injury; he will be a game-time decision, per ESPN.com.
- Bengals running back Giovani Bernard practiced for the second straight day, clearing the way for his return this Sunday against the Texans.
- Also for Cincy, pass rusher Wallace Gilberry (back) and cornerback Terence Newman (knee) were limited, but Vontaze Burfict (knee) did not participate. Offensive tackle Andre Smith (ankle), however, was a full participant.
- Texans running back Arian Foster did not practice Thursday with his recurring groin injury, while rookie pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney (knee) and linebacker Brian Cushing (knee) were limited.
- Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Steven Jackson were held out of practice due to illness. Coach Mike Smith said that he "fully anticipates" Jones will return Friday, per the team's official website. Fellow wideout Harry Douglas returned to the field and was limited after sitting out Wednesday with a foot injury.
- Colts tight end Dwayne Allen missed another day with the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Patriots. We're losing confidence in him dressing for Sunday's meeting with the Jaguars. Also, offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (shoulder) and cornerback Greg Toler (concussion) did not practice.
- The Redskins announced that offensive tackle Trent Williams (knee/ankle), defensive lineman Chris Baker (chest) and tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) did not practice, while guard Shawn Lauvao (concussion) was limited.
- Browns coach Mike Pettine said that Josh Gordon was "sore" after participating in his first practice since the summer Wednesday. The plan, though, is to increase the wideout's workload on Thursday.
- Pettine also said there is an "outside chance" that pass-rusher Jabaal Sheard (foot) plays against Atlanta after getting a second opinion on his banged-up foot. Karlos Dansby's knee injury is less promising. "I wouldn't rule him out at this point," Pettine said, "but it's getting close."
- Julius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders had their helmets off but were still at practice wearing their jerseys and "taking mental reps," per the Broncos' official website.
- Rams defensive end Chris Longparticipated in 11-on-11 drills as he continues to recover from a foot injury, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
- Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (hamstring) did not practice.
- Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (knee) was limited in Thursday's session.
- For the Saints, running back Khiry Robinson (forearm) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (knee) were held out of practice, while wide receiver Robert Meachem (ankle) and running back Pierre Thomas (rib/shoulder) were limited.
- Raiders running back Latavius Murray suffering a concussion during Oakland's win against the Chiefs. He finished the night with 112 rushing yards and a 90-yard touchdown.
- Chiefs defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson injured his calf Thursday night and never returned to the game.
Donald Stephenson (shoulder) and Junior Hemingway (concussion) were both injured against the Raiders. Stephenson and Hemingway did not return.
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