Taylor: Chase working through concussion protocol

Both players missed the team’s Week 7 win over the 49ers before starting Week 8 preparations with absences. A return to the practice field Thursday keeps the possibility of returns open ahead of a matchup against the Buccaneers.

Hawkins was absent for the second consecutive day, requiring some level of participation Friday to avoid a designation for the team’s showdown against the Bills in Week 8. The team got good news on other fronts as Lamar Jackson, Ioane Vega, Kyle Hamilton, and Roquan Smith were all present Thursday.

Irving was absent from Thursday’s sessions with an official “rest” designation, allowing fantasy managers to breath a collective sigh of relief after the veteran back has morphed into a borderline workhorse in recent games. Managers can likely continue forward with Irving in their starting lineups as an upside RB2 against the Falcons.

Both players missed practice Wednesday, with their return Thursday a good step in the right direction for their availability in a marquee matchup against the Bills in Week 8. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety-linebacker Kyle Hamilton were also present at practice Thursday as the team inches closer to full strength.

It’s the second consecutive full practice for Jackson, who is attempting to return from a three-game absence to face the Bills in Week 8. The two full sessions were also his first such practices since injuring his ankle, a positive development toward an active status in a marquee matchup. He’ll have one more opportunity to maintain his level of participation, which would likely keep him off the injury report heading into the weekend.

Both players emerged from their Week 7 win a bit banged up, with their return to practice Thursday a positive development toward an active game-day status. Right tackle Tytus Howard (concussion) remained sidelined, who will have one more opportunity to get on the practice field and remain asymptomatic to have a chance at playing against the Steelers in Week 8.

Hamilton was seen in full pads, participating in practice the day after being held out due to a knee injury. The All Pro safety-linebacker hybrid is arguably the most important piece of the Baltimore defense considering his absurd flexibility to play multiple positions on the field. While the official status of his return has not been provided by the team, it’s a step in the right direction ahead of a divisional showdown against the Bills in Week 8.

With two DNPs to start the week, Spears looks unlikely to play on Sunday. He also missed Week 7 with the knee issue. Tony Pollard racked up 28 touches and scored three rushing touchdowns. While we’re not banking on another multi-score outing anytime soon, his role alone is worth an RB2 ranking if Spears remains out.

Tate has now missed two practices with the shoulder issue, making him truly questionable for Sunday’s game versus the Bengals. Tate has been operating as the Titans’ clear WR1, meaning there would be plenty of opportunities up for grabs if he can’t go. Wan’Dale Robinson could be in line for more targets, but his slot-only role doesn’t have much overlap with Tate’s job. Second-year wideout Elic Ayomanor might be the best bet to see more work if Tate is out this week, though that would only move him into the WR4 ranks.

Heck spent the offseason with the Dolphins but did not make their final roster. He has 29 career starts, with all but two of them coming at right tackle. His most recent action came in Tampa Bay, where he started six games in 2025.