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NFL injury updates, latest league news from Thursday, Dec. 30

The Indianapolis Colts are getting reinforcements ahead of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Colts announced Thursday that linebacker Shaquille Leonard, receiver Zach Pascal and safety Khari Willis have been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Getting Pro Bowler Leonard back after he missed the Christmas Day win over the Arizona Cardinals will be a big boon for Indy as it attempts to clinch a playoff berth with a victory.

The Colts are the latest beneficiary of the NFL’s modified COVID-19 protocols, which cut the standard isolation period after a positive test for asymptomatic individuals from 10 days to five days regardless of vaccination status.

"Thank God they changed the rules," Leonard said during his media availability, per The Athletic. " ... I'm feeling good, ready to get back out there and ready to rock and roll."

Indianapolis still has a host of players on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The biggest name on the list is quarterback Carson Wentz, who could be eligible to be activated Sunday before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff against the Raiders.

Receiver Parris Campbell (foot) was designated to return to practice Thursday. He's been on injured reserve since mid-October. Tight end Jack Doyle (knee/ankle), offensive lineman Eric Fisher (knee/toe/shoulder) and safety Andrew Sendejo (concussion) remained out.

Injuries/COVID-19

Roster moves

  • The Baltimore Ravens signed offensive lineman Patrick Mekari to a three-year contract extension through the 2024 season. The new contract is worth $15.3 million with a chance to earn $750,000 more in 2023 and 2024, Rapoport reported. Or another way of looking at it, per Rapoport, is a two-year extension beyond Mekari's restricted year that's worth roughly $12 million in new money with $13 million max. Mekari will get more than $7 million in guaranteed money.
  • The Buffalo Bills released running back Antonio Williams from the practice squad.
  • The Carolina Panthers elevated tight end Stephen Sullivan to the 53-man roster as a COVID-19 replacement, and signed quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and cornerback Tae Hayes to the practice squad.
  • The Cincinnati Bengals signed long snapper Colin Holba to the practice squad.
  • The Cleveland Browns waived defensive tackle Josiah Bronson and released kicker Chris Naggar from the practice squad.
  • The Green Bay Packers signed receiver David Moore to the practice squad.
  • The Las Vegas Raiders signed offensive linemen Nico Falah and Brett Heggie to the practice squad.
  • The New York Giants waived linebacker Trent Harris.
  • The New York Jets released safety Elijah Benton and receiver Isaiah Zuber from the practice squad.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers signed receiver Darrius Shepherd to the practice squad.
  • The Tennessee Titans signed offensive lineman Paul Adams and defensive back Shyheim Carter to the practice squad