NFL Player News

The Vikings have activated Jones (hamstring), who is officially listed as questionable for Thursday Night Football against the Chargers but is expected to play, from injured reserve.

Jones is expected to suit up Thursday night, per Kirk Herbstreit of Prime Video, and this transaction makes him eligible to do so. Minnesota may not make the veteran running back's status official until roughly 90 minutes ahead of Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, however. If he's indeed cleared to suit up on the road against Los Angeles, expect Jones join Jordan Mason atop Minnesota's backfield depth chart, bumping Zavier Scott (wrist) down to the No. 3 role. It's possible, though, that Jones will still have a cap on his reps after having managed two limited walkthrough practices this week.

Olave (ankle) was spotted taking part in practice Thursday during the media-access portion of the session, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Olave was held out of the Saints' first Week 8 practice Wednesday on account of an ankle injury, but his presence on the field a day later offers hope that his absence was mostly maintenance-related. The Saints will release their second practice report of the week later Thursday, when it will be known whether Olave was a limited or full participant in the session. After his 2024 campaign was derailed by two concussions, Olave has enjoyed generally good health so far in 2025, suiting up for all seven of the Saints' games to date while producing a 44-440-3 receiving line on 70 targets.

McLaurin (quadriceps) practiced fully Thursday.

Both McLaurin and Deebo Samuel had no limitations to kick off Week 8 prep, indicating Washington's top two wide receivers are trending toward returning to action Monday at Kansas City. McLaurin himself has missed the last four games due to a quad injury but was seen cutting hard during individual drills at Thursday's session, per Commanders writer Ben Standig.

Patterson was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Patterson and Nyheim Hines have both been elevated, giving the Chargers a pair of healthy alternatives to Kimani Vidal, who is the only available option currently on the 53-man roster. Patterson has rushed 85 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns in 21 regular-season NFL games. He played for Washington in 2021 and 2022 before appearing in one game with the Chargers in 2024.

Davidson (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Davidson was limited in practice Wednesday, but he may have now suffered a setback. That said, Davidson managed to suit up Week 7 despite logging a FP-DNP-LP practice slate while listed with a knee injury, so if he's able to get back to at least limited activity levels Friday, he could still gain clearance for Sunday's divisional matchup at Philadelphia.

Bellinger (neck) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Bellinger has been limited in both of the Giants' first two Week 8 practices, so he may need to upgrade to full participation in Friday's session to avoid taking a questionable tag into this Sunday's game in Philadelphia. Though Bellinger has played second fiddle to Theo Johnson throughout the season, the Giants' depleted receiver depth has prompted head coach Brian Daboll to deploy two-tight-end sets more frequently in recent weeks. Bellinger has played more than half of the Giants' offensive snaps in three straight games, recording seven catches for 140 yards and a touchdown on eight targets during that stretch.

Downs (concussion) practiced fully Thursday.

After returning to a limited practice Wednesday, Downs -- who was inactive Week 7 -- upgraded to full participation a day later while shedding his non-contact jersey in the process, per James Boyd of The Athletic. Friday's injury report will reveal whether Downs carries an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans or is fully cleared to reclaim his role in a Colts WR corps that also features Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce.

Moore (Achilles) was a full participant at Thursday's practice.

Moore's absence Wednesday appears to have been for maintenance purposes after he returned from a three-game absence in this past Sunday's win over the Chargers. He should continue to man the nickel cornerback role Sunday against the Titans.

Johnson (back) did not practice Thursday.

Johnson has now missed back-to-back practices, making his status uncertain for Sunday's road game against the Ravens. He suited up for Chicago's last five regular-season games but only handled two carries (for 17 yards) across that span, so if Johnson misses time it shouldn't have a notable impact on the workloads of D'Andre Swift (groin) and Kyle Monangai. If Johnson can't go, Travis Homer figures to slot in as the Bears' third-string running back.

Lewis (shoulder) isn't listed on Thursday's injury report, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Lewis didn't play in the Week 7 win over the Jets, but he has regained health as the Panthers prepare to face the Bills on Sunday. He's expected to reprise his role as the starting left guard against Buffalo.