NFL Player News

Coach Mike Zimmer expects Cook (groin) to suit up Week 8 against Green Bay, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The Vikings seemed to express a great level of optimism about Cook's status earlier in the week, and it doesn't appear the tune has changed after Cook logged a limited practice Wednesday. As long as he continues to get through the week without any meaningful setbacks from what was considered a minor injury from the beginning, Cook should be in uniform against Minnesota's division rival. Minnesota's lead back will be facing a Packers team that gave up two touchdowns to him in a Week 1 loss and also one that happens to be giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in standard formats.

McCaffrey (ankle) is unlikely to be activated from the IR in advance of Thursday's matchup against Atlanta, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

While McCaffrey is back practicing with the team this week, it was seemingly always a bit of a long shot that he'd beat his timetable and suit up Week 8 against the Falcons. He still isn't formally ruled out for the contest, but the team also has yet to activate him from IR, thus his absence from the official injury report that would have detailed his practice participation. Look for the backfield to once again be led by Mike Davis, with Trenton Cannon available if needed in a reserve capacity. McCaffrey will instead target a return Week 9 against Kansas City.

Patterson (quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday.

Patterson appears to have picked up an injury during Monday's 24-10 loss to the Rams, in which he had six offensive touches and returned four kickoffs. If the veteran special-teams ace were forced to miss any time, Darnell Mooney would stand to handle kick returns while Ryan Nall could see some snaps behind David Montgomery.

Jacobs was limited at practice Wednesday due to a knee injury, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

So far, the Raiders haven't suggested that Jacobs' status for Sunday's game against the Browns is in any danger, despite his lack of full activity to begin Week 8. As long as he's good to go this weekend, the running back will look to bounce back from a 10-carry, 17-yard rushing effort in last week's 45-20 loss to the 5-2 Buccaneers.

Homer (knee) won't participate in Wednesday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Coach Pete Carroll said that Homer, who is dealing with a knee contusion, is "moving better" than he was Tuesday, indicating that the second-year running back could be doing some work on a side field to begin the practice week. Still, Homer needs to participate with the Seahawks' main group in some capacity by Friday to have a chance to play Sunday against the 49ers. If he's able to suit up, Homer could take on a larger role in the backfield rotation than normal with both Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (hamstring) looking iffy for the Week 8 contest. In the event at least one of Carson or Hyde is available, however, Homer would likely be limited mainly to a third-down role thanks to his pass-blocking and pass-catching skills.

Harris was limited at practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Harris is one of eight New England players who was limited in the team's first Week 8 practice. At this stage, it's unclear if Harris' listed ankle issue is a carryover from Week 7 action or indicative of an in-practice setback. He was on the field for 21 of the Patriots' 52 offensive snaps in Sunday's 33-6 loss to the 49ers, carrying a team-high 10 times for 58 yards while catching one pass for 12 yards.

Cook (groin) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Coach Mike Zimmer noted earlier Wednesday that Cook was expected to practice, but he didn't disclose whether the running back's reps would be capped. Even though Cook ended up being limited to start Week 8 prep, Zimmer believes the running back will return to action Sunday at Green Bay. Still, Cook's status bears watching as the week goes on to make sure he's trending in the right direction.

Jones (calf) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The Packers have a reputation for being cautious with injured players, and coach Matt LaFleur reiterated Wednesday that the team would be "very careful" managing Jones' calf strain. LaFleur said he hopes to have the running back available sooner than later, but it isn't clear if that will happen for a Week 8 matchup with the Vikings. A return to practice Thursday or Friday would at least give Jones a shot to make his case for suiting up.

Sanders (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Speaking to media earlier Wednesday, coach Doug Pederson classified his starting running back as day-to-day. An absence from practice suggests Sanders is in serious danger of missing a second straight game, but he could perhaps have a shot to suit up Sunday if he makes it back on the field Thursday or Friday. The Eagles host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 8.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that the Packers will be "very careful" with Jones as the running back works through a strained calf muscle, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

LaFleur also said the team hopes to have Jones back in the lineup sooner than later, though the overarching theme is one of caution. Jamaal Williams filled in effectively for Jones in the Week 7 win over Houston, and he could get another start Sunday against the 49ers. Practice reports throughout the week should provide some information on Jones' progress.