NFL Player News

Branch (toe) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Branch was a limited participant all week during practice, so he has a good chance to suit up in the important NFC clash. The third-year safety has averaged 6.3 tackles per game this season while adding eight pass breakups and 2.5 sacks through 11 games. If he winds up inactive, Daniel Thomas will get the nod at strong safety.

Lloyd (chest) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Lloyd started, as usual, this past Sunday against the Titans and tied his season-high mark with eight tackles, but he appears to have picked up a chest injury as well. At this point there's no indication that the issue is serious, though Lloyd may need to log at least one full practice session over the next two days to avoid entering the weekend with an injury designation. Ventrell Miller would figure to absorb most of Lloyd's defensive snaps if the latter isn't able to play Sunday versus the Colts.

Joseph (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Joseph hasn't played since suffering a knee injury in Week 6 versus the Chiefs, but he was never placed on injured reserve. The 2022 third-round pick was a non-participant during practice Tuesday and Wednesday. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Joseph is hopeful to play in Week 15 versus the Rams. He'll need to ramp up his practice time next week first, and until he returns, Thomas Harper will remain the team's starting free safety.

Mayer (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

Mayer didn't practice last week before being ruled out for Sunday's loss to the Chargers. Another DNP on Wednesday clouds the TE's Week 14 status, but Mayer's outlook for this weekend's game against the Broncos could improve if he returns to practice Thursday or Friday.

Vaki (thumb) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Vaki appeared to pick up a thumb injury during last week's loss to the Packers, putting his status in jeopardy ahead of a crucial game versus the Cowboys. If Vaki -- who has played just two offensive snaps this season -- sits out, Jacob Saylors will serve as the No. 3 running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Thornton (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

Thornton, who was forced out of the Raiders' Week 13 loss to the Chargers after recording 14 snaps on offense, has two more chances to practice in advance of Sunday's game against the Broncos. If he's unable to gain clearance to play this weekend, added WR snaps alongside Tre Tucker would be available for Tyler Lockett and Jack Bech.

Oluokun was limited in practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury.

Oluokun didn't play every defensive snap for the first time in eight games this past Sunday versus Tennessee, and the hamstring issue may explain why. How he fares in practice the rest of the week will likely determine whether the veteran linebacker enters the weekend with an injury designation. If Oluokun were to miss Sunday's matchup versus Indianapolis, Branson Combs or Jack Kiser could be in line for much more work on defense.

Zylstra (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game versus the Cowboys.

Zylstra has been on injured reserve since getting hurt in Week 2 against the Bears, and he finally returned to practice Monday. The 29-year-old tight end isn't quite ready to return to action, however, and he'll aim to get back in the mix in Week 15 versus the Rams. Last season, Zylstra averaged just 9.0 offensive snaps per game.

Burton (ankle) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Burton has yet to play this season, as he was a healthy scratch in 11 of 12 games this season. Now that he's back to full strength, he's not guaranteed to return to the lineup, although he'll have a better chance to play if Tee Higgins (concussion) is unable to go. As a rookie last year, Burton caught four passes (14 targets) for 107 yards.

Smith (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday.

It's unclear if the foot injury Smith is currently dealing with is something that stems from Week 13 action or an issue that occurred during Wednesday's practice, but the QB's status now is worth monitoring ahead of this weekend's game against the Broncos. In this past Sunday's 31-14 loss to the Chargers, Smith completed 18 of his 23 pass attempts for 165 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception The QB also rushed twice for minus-6 yards and a fumble that the Raiders recovered.