Marlon Mack is trending in the right direction for a potential return this week, but kicker Adam Vinatieri might pose another problem.
The Indianapolis Colts' feature running back was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Mack has been out of the lineup since suffering a fractured hand in Week 11. The Week 14 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been the target date for the 23-year-old's potential return, and practicing to start the week gives him a shot to hit that goal.
Before suffering the hand injury, Mack was morphing into a force for the Colts' offense, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, for 862 yards on 192 totes with four TDs. His last four games played he earned at least 74 yards rushing and has three tilts above the century mark this season.
Vinatieri was limited at practice with a knee injury and after practice got an MRI on his knee and his status for Sunday is in doubt, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday night. On Thursday, Vinatieri is set to meet with team doctors. As potential insurance, the Colts claimed kicker Chase McLaughlin off waivers from the 49ers and waived tight end Matt Lengel.
Facing a Bucs defense that ranks second in yards allowed against the rush this season, getting Mack back could prove huge as Frank Reich's squad tries to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Elsewhere for Indy, receiver T.Y. Hilton (calf) and defensive back Kenny Moore (ankle) did not practice. Receiver Parris Campbell (hand) was full-go. Safety Malik Hooker (foot) was limited.
Other news we are tracking Wednesday:
»Chicago Bears defensive back Prince Amukamara (hamstring) is doubtful for tomorrow's game after not practicing this week. Linebacker Danny Trevathan (elbow), offensive lineman Bobby Massie (ankle), wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (concussion) and tight end Ben Braunecker (concussion) have all been ruled out.
»Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) did not practice while running back James Conner (shoulder) and receiver Diontae Johnson (illness) were both limited.
»Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook reiterated that he plans to play this Sunday versus the Lions. Cook exited Monday's loss to the Seahawks in the second half with what was then deemed a shoulder injury. He was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough with a chest injury.
»*Julio Jones* will be limited in practice, per Dan Quinn. The Atlanta Falcons receiver missed the Thanksgiving loss to the Saints with a shoulder injury.
»*A.J. Green*'s season-long absence continues. Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor said he doesn't expect the receiver to play this week.
»Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson will be back at practice today. Johnson has been on IR with a knee injury since Week 8. The Lions have 21 days to active the RB off IR or shut him down for the season. The earliest Johnson could return is Week 16 in Denver.
»Denver Broncos pass rusher Von Miller practiced Wednesday on a limited basis. Miller sat out Sunday's win over the Chargers due to a knee injury. Running back Royce Freeman (ribs) was also limited.
»Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen remains in the league's concussion protocol and did not practice Wednesday.
»Ravens tight end Nick Boyle (illness), cornerback Brandon Carr (NIR), running back Mark Ingram (NIR), cornerback Jimmy Smith (NIR) and safety Earl Thomas (NIR) all did not participate in practice Wednesday. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (thigh), linebacker Patrick Onwuasor (ankle) and wide receiver Seth Roberts (knee) were all limited participants.
Baltimore announced it signed center Hroniss Grasu and waived defensive tackle Zach Sieler.
»Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan is out of concussion protocol, interim coach Bill Callahan announced.
»Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (ankle) defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (ankle), punter Sam Martin (abdomen) and cornerback Rashaan Melvin (ribs) were all limited in practice.
»New York safety Jamal Adams (ankle), linebacker Paul Worrilow (quad) and cornerback Brian Poole (concussion) did not practice. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring), defensive lineman Henry Anderson (shoulder) and offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (ankles) were limited.
»The Miami Dolphins claimed wide receiver Mack Hollins off waivers. Hollis was cut by the Eagles on Tuesday.
»Houston Texans linebacker Brennan Scarlett (shoulder), wide receiver Will Fuller (hamstring) and cornerback Gareon Conley (hip) were limited.
»Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (right hand/ribs) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Also limited were wide receivers Odell Beckham (groin) and Jarvis Landry (hip), defensive endOlivier Vernon (knee) and cornerback Greedy Williams (shoulder).
