The Atlanta Falcons still have a chance to take the NFC South crown, and it looks like their veteran wide receiver will do everything in his power to make sure he's a part of the stretch run.
Roddy White has been bothered by knee and hamstring issues in 2014, but his latest injury -- a tweaked ankle that he appeared to suffer in a 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns -- kept him out of practice Thursday. Falcons coach Mike Smith expects the receiver to participate in some fashion on Friday.
White has missed just one game for Atlanta this season -- the Falcons were just fine without him in a 56-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- but his value to the team's passing game is unquestioned, adding a weapon alongside fellow wideouts Julio Jones and Harry Douglas (the latter of whom also missing Thursday's practice with a foot injury) to an offense that has largely underachieved in 2014. The Falcons will need White as they attempt to resuscitate their postseason aspirations.
Here are some other injuries we're tracking on this Thanksgiving Day:
- The Cincinnati Bengals had a busy injury report on Thursday, listing linebacker Vontaze Burfict (knee) and defensive end Margus Hunt (ankle) as non-participants in practice. Defensive end Robert Geathers and safety George Iloka (groin) were limited participants.
- Texans pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney said he suffered a setback and might not play Sunday (Houston coach Bill O'Brienwas not amused with the claim), whereas running back Arian Foster was declared day to day, per O'Brien. The Texans also practiced without linebacker Akeem Dent (neck) and cornerback Kareem Jackson (knee).
- Bears safety Chris Conte suffered an eye injury in Chicago's loss to the Lions and never returned. Cornerback Tim Jennings left later with a groin injury and never returned.
- Popping up on the Green Bay Packers' injury report Thursday was Davante Adams (heel) after the rookie wideout was stepped on in practice Wednesday. Adams was a limited participant.
Offensive linemen T.J. Lang (ankle) and Josh Sitton (toe) were both limited as well.
- Colt McCoywill return to the Redskins' starting lineup on Sunday and could see one of the game's premier left tackles return to watch his blind side. Trent Williams (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, and coach Jay Grudenexpects him to play against the Colts.
- Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (hamstring) and center Evan Dietrich-Smith (illness) did not participate in practice. Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back), running back Charles Sims (ankle) and defensive end Da'Quan Bowers (knee) were limited participants.
- Raiders running back Latavius Murray practiced for his second consecutive day on Thursday. He suffered a concussion in Week 12.
- The Indianapolis Colts practiced without tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle), offensive tackle Xavier Nixon (foot) and defensive end Cory Redding (knee). Cornerbacks Vontae Davis (foot) and Darius Butler (knee) were limited.
- Giants offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz (toe) and linebacker Jacquian Williams (concussion/shoulder) did not practice. Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (calf), linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka (knee) and linebacker Jameel McClain (knee) were limited. Odell Beckham (back) was a full participant. (Fantasy owners can exhale.)
- The Saints placed defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley (quad) on season-ending injured reserve.
- Jaguars defensive end Chris Clemons (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday. Cornerback Demetrius McCray (ankle) was limited.
- Vikings receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (knee), running back Jerick McKinnon (low back) and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee) did not participate. Safety Harrison Smith (shoulder/ankle) was a limited participant.
- Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (ankle) and defensive end Charles Johnson (illness) did not participate in practice.
- Defensive linemen Sheldon Richardson (low back) and Muhammad Wilkerson (toe), and tight end Jace Amaro (concussion) sat out of practice for the Jets.
- Five notable Miami Dolphins were all limited in practice: Tight end Charles Clay (hamstring/knee), guard Daryn Colledge (back), cornerback Cortland Finnegan (ankle), offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James (neck) and wide receiver Mike Wallace (chest). Cornerback Jamar Taylor (shoulder) missed practice.
- The Denver Broncos were without running backs Montee Ball (groin) and Ronnie Hillman (foot), linebacker Brandon Marshall (concussion) and cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring). Tight end Julius Thomas improved to limited participation after missing practice Wednesday.
- Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano (knee), defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (calf), cornerback Chris Owens (knee/abdomen), linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) and wide receiver Donnie Avery (groin) were limited in practice.
- Titans running back Dexter McCluster (concussion) was limited in practice.
- Saints running back Khiry Robinson (forearm) did not practice.
- Running back Shane Vereen (ankle), defensive end Chandler Jones (hip) and defensive lineman Chris White (ankle) were limited for the Patriots.
- Rams linebacker Will Herring (foot) improved to participating on a limited basis Thursday after sitting out of practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Kenny Britt (back) and linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle) returned as full participants after missing practice Wednesday.
- Cornerback Carlos Rogers (knee) did not participate in practice for the Raiders.
- After missing Wednesday's practice, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs fully participate Thursday.
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