NFL Player News

Vaki (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

The 2024 fourth-round pick from Utah missed the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers due to a knee injury. However, Vaki appears to have moved past the knee issue following Wednesday's full practice. Now that he's returned to full health, expect Vaki to play almost strictly on special teams in the Lions' Week 10 matchup against the Texans.

Pollard (foot) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Both of the Titans' top two running backs are operating with restrictions to begin Week 10 prep, as Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was also a limited participant after missing the team's last three games. Pollard hasn't missed a game this season, and his availability for Sunday's game against the Chargers doesn't appear to be in any danger after he racked up 54 touches en route to 271 scrimmage yards over Tennessee's past two contests. Still, a full practice from Pollard on Thursday or Friday would help put fantasy managers' minds at ease.

Robinson (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

A limited participant all last week, Robinson was listed as questionable on the final injury report and ended up inactive for a 28-23 win over the Giants on Sunday. His absence freed up a larger role for Austin Ekeler, but the Commanders also gave Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez some work, especially late in the game while trying to run out the clock with a lead. Robinson will look to upgrade to full practice participation by Friday to clear up any concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey will be a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, but the running back has exhibited "no pain" in either of his Achilles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The 49ers designated McCaffrey for return from injured reserve Monday following their Week 9 bye, opening a 21-day window in which to evaluate him for a return to the active roster. The team has been circling this Sunday's game at Tampa Bay as his likely season debut, but McCaffrey may need to conclude this week with a full practice in order to go into the weekend without a designation.

Patterson (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Patterson is finally healthy again after having missed each of the Steelers' last four games prior to a Week 9 bye. He's poised to reprise his role as Pittsburgh's return man on kickoffs Sunday against the Commanders. Patterson can also contribute at running back, but his opportunities will likely be limited with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both healthy.

The Chargers designated Edwards (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Edwards hasn't played since prior to the Chargers' Week 5 bye, but he's eligible to return from IR and will resume practicing ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. Even if he doesn't get activated ahead of the Week 10 contest, Edwards will presumably be added back to the active roster at some point prior to the expiration of the 21-day practice window. Once available, Edwards will step into a backup role behind J.K. Dobbins.

Head coach Dave Canales said Brooks (knee) will be activated from the reserve/non-football injury list Wednesday, but he isn't certain whether or not the running back will play Sunday against the Giants in Munich, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Dating back to last week, Brooks now has been listed as a full participant on four consecutive injury reports, but the Panthers continue to take a cautious approach with the rookie second-round pick as he gets back to full health from the torn ACL that he suffered in his right knee last Nov. 12 during his final collegiate season at Texas. If Brooks doesn't make his pro debut Sunday, Chuba Hubbard will continue to lead Carolina's backfield, while the team uses their Week 11 bye to get the former ready for its next game Nov. 24 versus the Chiefs.

Pierce (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pierce was also listed as a non-participant last week before being ruled out ahead of this past Thursday's loss to the Jets. With another absence from practice Wednesday, the running back's status for Sunday's game against the Lions remains cloudy. If Pierce remains sidelined this weekend, Dare Ogunbowale and J.J. Taylor would continue to see complementary snaps behind top back Joe Mixon.

Brooks (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Brooks was a full practice participant throughout last week but wasn't activated from the reserve/non-football injury list ahead of the Panthers' 23-22 win over the Saints. Instead, head coach Dave Canales suggested after last Friday's practice that the rookie likely would make his NFL debut this coming Sunday against the Giants in Munich, per David Newton of ESPN.com. In order for that to come to fruition, the Panthers will need to move Brooks from the NFI list to the active roster this week.

Bailey was cut from the Chiefs' practice squad Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Bailey joined Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in the spring, and, despite not making their 53-man roster out of training camp, he managed to secure a spot on their practice squad. However, for now, his time with the Chiefs franchise will end and he'll have to work to find another opportunity.