NFL Player News

Neal was limited at Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara also is dealing with an ankle issue, but Neal's concern is a new one. In his first game acting as the No. 2 back in place of Kendre Miller (torn ACL) this past Sunday against the Buccaneers, Neal played 46 percent of the snaps, didn't see a carry and tallied three catches (on three targets) for 11 yards, while Kamara logged a 51 percent snap share and notched 45 yards from scrimmage on eight touches. Such a breakdown of work may be the norm between Kamara and Neal moving forward, but with injuries in tow for both players, their statuses will be monitored as the week goes on to get a sense of their odds to be available Sunday at the Rams.

McCarthy (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

In the wake of Carson Wentz's imminent season-ending surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder, McCarthy was expected to take over starting QB duties for the first time since Week 2 this coming Sunday at Detroit. McCarthy's ability to handle every practice rep to begin Week 9 prep is a great sign that the Vikings will have the 2024 first-round pick back in action for that contest. McCarthy himself told Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday that his right ankle feels "amazing" and "ready to go." As a result, expect McCarthy to resume directing Minnesota's offense this weekend and beyond.

Prater was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a calf injury in his kicking leg.

It's unclear when Prater sustained the injury, though it was likely during the Bills' Week 8 win over the Panthers, when he made all six of his kicks (two field goals and four PATs). He has served as the Bills' starting kicker through the first seven games of the regular season due to Tyler Bass (hip) being on injured reserve, and Buffalo does not currently have a place kicker on the practice squad. Prater will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation heading into Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Mims (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

Per Tomasson, Mims, who is in concussion protocol in the wake of this past Sunday's 44-24 win over the Cowboys, was able to work on a side field Wednesday. The wideout thus has two more chances to practice fully before Denver's Week 9 injury designations are posted. Through eight games thus far, Mims has been a hit-or-miss fantasy option, recording a 22/234/1 receiving line on 32 targets in that span.

Wallace (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

Wallace sustained a stinger during the Panthers' Week 8 loss to the Bills, when he logged seven tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks. He sat out of the first practice of Week 9 prep, but he'll have two more chances to practice in at least a limited capacity heading into Sunday's game against the Packers. The second-year pro has 39 tackles (24 solo) and three pass defenses through eight regular-season games.

McManus (right quadriceps) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

McManus was cleared to kick this past Sunday in Pittsburgh for the first time since Week 4, but the results were tepid, as he missed his first two field-goal attempts from 57 and 44 yards. He made amends in the second half by connecting on both point-after tries and then a pair of much shorter FGAs (28 and 25 yards). The Packers continue to keep Lucas Havrisik on the active roster, but it appears McManus will handle placekicking duties on game days as long as the training staff clears him to do so.

Umanmielen (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Umanmielen likely tweaked his ankle during the Panthers' Week 8 loss to the Bills, and the injury prevented the rookie third-rounder from practicing Wednesday. He'll have two more opportunities to return to practice and avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday's game against Green Bay. Umanmielen has worked in a rotational role at linebacker and has nine tackles (five solo), including 1.5 sacks, through the first eight regular-season games of his NFL career.

Scott did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury.

Scott recorded a season-high eight tackles (five solo) during the Panthers' Week 8 loss to the Bills while playing 62 of 63 defensive snaps. He likely sustained his groin injury at some point during the Week 8 loss, but he'll have two more opportunities to return to practice and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Packers.

Shaheed was limited in practice Wednesday due to a hip injury.

This is a new health concern for Shaheed, who previously wasn't listed as limited at any point in the 2025 campaign. He's coming off a performance Sunday against the Buccaneers in which he earned a season-high 12 targets, turning them into nine catches for 75 yards. New Orleans is making a change under center moving forward, with rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough taking over for second-year pro Spencer Rattler. Whether or not that'll be a boon to the team's pass catchers remains to be seen, but first Shaheed's status will be monitored as the week continues to ensure he'll be out there Sunday at the Rams.

Haskins (hamstring) is not practicing Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Haskins wasn't able to suit up for Los Angeles' win over the Vikings on Thursday Night Football in Week 8, and it looks like his status remains up in the air heading into a road matchup against the Titans on Sunday. If Haskins remains sidelined versus Tennessee, Jaret Patterson will stand to be elevated from the practice squad again and work as the No. 2 backfield option behind lead back Kimani Vidal.