The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without their feature back for another week.
Bucs coach Bruce Arians said Thursday that Ronald Jones, who went on the reserve/COVID-19 on Dec. 16, will not play Saturday versus the Lions.
His absence again likely means more work for Leonard Fournette, LeSean McCoy and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Tampa Bay rushed for just 51 yards without Jones in the lineup for its Week 15 win over the Falcons.
The Buccaneers are signing veteran quarterback Drew Stanton to their practice squad, NFL Network's Peter Schrager reported, per sources. Stanton knows Bruce Arians' offense from their time together in Arizona.
Arians said cornerback Carlton Davis will be a game-time decision. The third-year starter has not practiced this week after exiting early this past Sunday with a groin injury. He was officially listed as doubtful on the injury report. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (knee) did not participate at practice.
Here's other injury and roster news we're tracking on Thursday:
- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (rib/right thumb), center Frank Ragnow (throat), and kicker Matt Prater (back) are questionable for Saturday's game vs. the Buccaneers.
- The Detroit Lions will interview Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes for their general manager post, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
- Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was fined $7,500 for a COVID-19 violation along with teammates who showed up at his restaurant opening, paid the fine for himself and teammates who were photographed at the event without wearing masks, Rapoport reported.
- Miami Dolphins wide receivers DeVante Parker (hamstring) and Jakeem Grant (hamstring), tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder), guard Ereck Flowers (ankle) and defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder) are questionable for Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that star tight end George Kittle (foot) will return to the lineup Saturday against the Cardinals for the first time since Week 8.
- Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones (hamstring) did not participate at practice.
- The Buffalo Bills released Jake Kumerow. He recorded one catch for 22 yards and played five snaps in his lone appearance this season (Week 15 vs. Broncos).
- Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (calf) remains "in a limited practice mode," coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday.
- Washington announced quarterback Alex Smith (calf) threw to receivers during the team's individual period Thursday, while Dwayne Haskins took all the first-team reps. Smith and running back Antonio Gibson (toe) were both limited at practice.
- Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, running back Alexander Mattison and linebacker Eric Kendricks have been ruled out for Friday versus the Saints.
- Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (hip) and defensive end Bradley Chubb (ankle) did not practice for the second consecutive day.
- Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (groin) does not have a game designation for Saturday, indicating that he's good to go versus the Dolphins.
- The San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Matt Cole, who's been on the Dolphins' practice squad this season, to a two-year deal.
- Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn told reporters tight end Hunter Henry was added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. Receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) will likely be a game-time decision Sunday, Lynn added.
- Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (thigh) did not participate at practice.
- Kansas City Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill (hamstring) was limited in practice today after not participating yesterday. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle), linebacker Damien Wilson (knee), and defensive end Frank Clark (illness) did not practice.
- Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (neck) did not participate at practice. Wideout Jalen Reagor (ankle) was limited. Cornerback Darius Slay (concussion) was a full participant.
- Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) did not practice after being a limited participant Wednesday.
- Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that Corey Linsley (knee) "looked good in limited practice" but did not indicate if he would be cleared to return to the active roster to play Sunday night against the Titans, per ESPN.
- Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (hamstring) sat out practice Thursday.
- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (groin), running back Chase Edmonds (ankle/knee), linebacker Haason Reddick (shoulder), tight end Maxx Williams (ankle) are all questionable for Saturday's game versus the 49ers.
