Franklin (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Both Franklin and fellow WR Pat Bryant (concussion) made early departures from this past Saturday's divisional-round win against the Bills, but both players were able to handle some drills to begin prep for the AFC Championship Game. Franklin will have two more chances to prove the health of his hamstring this week before the Broncos potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Patriots.

Dobbins (foot) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Broncos designated Dobbins to return from injured reserve Monday, and now that he's back on the practice field, he at least has a chance to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. Perhaps Super Bowl LX is a more realistic opportunity for Dobbins to suit up again, assuming the Broncos win this weekend, but his status will continue to be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of his odds to to return for the first contest. Currently, RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie are the healthy backfield options for Denver.

The Broncos designated Wattenberg (shoulder) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wattenberg suffered a shoulder injury in late December that required extensive recovery time. Alex Forsyth (ankle) took over as the starting center in his absence and has played since Week 17. With Forsyth injuring his ankle in last Saturday's overtime playoff victory over the Bills, Wattenberg's potential return for Sunday's AFC Conference Championship Game against the Patriots would be a huge addition to the offensive line. In a doomsday scenario where neither Wattenberg nor Fosyth can suit up, the task of protecting backup quarterback Jared Stidham would fall to Sam Mustipher.

The Eagles signed Bell to a reserve/future contract Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Bell was cut from the Eagles' practice squad in October, and the tight end spent the rest of his season as a member of the Steelers' practice squad. The 24-year-old was not elevated to the active roster for any games this season. With a contract in place, Bell will have a chance to make the 2026 Eagles' roster once training camp commences.

The Falcons signed Simon to a reserve/future contract Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Simon stuck with the Falcons' practice squad throughout the 2025 season after ultimately failing to make the 53-man roster. The tight end was not elevated to the active roster at all this season. The future contract will allow Simon to compete for a spot on the 2026 roster once the preseason commences.

The Patriots designated Farmer (hamstring) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Farmer was placed on injured reserve in late December due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the Patriots' Week 16 win over the Ravens. Before sustaining the injury, the defensive end accumulated 15 tackles (seven solo) and one pass defensed through 13 games. The return of the fourth-round rookie would provide rotational depth at defensive end behind starters Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. If Farmer can string consecutive practice sessions together, he may be activated in time for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos.

The Bears signed Ismail to a reserve/future contract Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ismail signed with the Bears' practice squad in late November before being placed on the practice-squad injured list with an undisclosed issue in late December. The tight end was not elevated for any games this season. The 25-year-old is currently listed behind Colston Loveland (concussion), Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe, Stephen Carlson and Nikola Kalinic on the depth chart. Ismail will have a chance to fight for a roster spot over any of those names and likely more when the 2026 season commences.

The 49ers are hopeful that Bosa (ACL) will be back in time for training camp ahead of the 2026 season, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bosa underwent surgery to address his torn ACL in late September. The defensive end is progressing well in his recovery and is anticipated to be all set for the 2026 season. Before missing most of the 2025 campaign, Bosa logged 52 tackles (33 solo), including 9.0 sacks for one forced fumble, and one pass defensed for an interception over 14 games in the 2024 season. If the 28-year-old can set his body right, the ceiling of the 49ers' 2026 defense will surely climb.

Lake (illness) will not practice Wednesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lake has come down with an illness and will not be able to participate in the first practice of Week 21. The starting slot cornerback will likely be able to recover in time to practice ahead of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks. If Lake is unable to suit up for Sunday's contest, Josh Wallace is next on the depth chart at slot cornerback.

Davis (head) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Davis remains in concussion protocol after leaving the second half of last Sunday's playoff victory over the Texans with a head injury. The presence of the cornerback in Wednesday's session is a good sign for his potential to play in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. Davis will have two more chances to upgrade his practice participation in an attempt to dodge an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest.