NFL Player News

Branch was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Branch logged four tackles (one solo) during the Lions' Week 5 win over the Bengals. He briefly left the game due to an injury, and it is an ankle issue that limited his participation during the Lions' first practice of the week. Branch will have two more days to upgrade his practice participation and avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday's road clash against the Chiefs.

Joseph (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Joseph continues to have his practice time limited while tending to a lingering knee issue. He hasn't missed a game all season, and through five games he's recorded 14 tackles (10 solo) and four pass defenses (three interceptions). Joseph's practice participation over the next two days will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Chiefs on Sunday.

Skattebo will have more competition for playing time with Tyrone Tracy cleared to return from a shoulder injury for Thursday's game against the Eagles.

Over the past three weeks, Skattebo averaged a 67.9 percent snap share, 16.7 carries and 5.7 targets per game, producing 315 total yards (105 per game) and a touchdown in the process. His workload projection declines with Tracy back in the lineup, but to what extent is unclear. Back in Week 2, when Tracy was healthy, Skattebo played 53 percent of snaps and took 13 touches for 59 yards and a TD in an overtime loss at Dallas (Tracy had five carries and five targets on a 42 percent snap share). One week later, Tracy got seven carries and three targets on the first two drives against Kansas City, only to miss the rest of the game (and the following two weeks) with a shoulder injury. That's when Skattebo started to dominate New York's backfield work, although his efficiency declined in Weeks 4-5 after a big night versus the Chiefs in Week 3. The big pictures is that Skattebo's workload floor for Week 6 is much lower than what his recent numbers might seem to suggest.

Raymond (neck) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

The veteran wide receiver sustained a neck injury on a punt return during the second quarter of the Lions' Week 5 win over the Bengals. Raymond wasn't able to return to the game, and the injury has prevented him from participating in the first practice of the week. He'll have two more opportunities to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's road tilt against the Chiefs. Running back Jacob Saylors could fill in on punts as a returner if Raymond is not cleared to play.

Sanders (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Sanders didn't practice at all prior to being ruled out for Dallas' win over the Jets in Week 5, so it's notable to see that he was upgraded to limited activity. If the veteran running back is able to gain clearance in time to suit up Sunday against the Panthers, he'll join Jaydon Blue as a reserve option behind No. 1 running back Javonte Williams.

Smith-Wade (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Smith-Wade was sidelined for the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a chest injury. However, his ability to practice without restriction Wednesday indicates that he should be available for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, which would revert Corey Thornton to a reserve role in the secondary. Smith-Wade has 10 tackles (nine solo) and one pick-six through four regular-season games.

Johnson (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Johnson also tended to an ankle injury last week, but he was able to suit up for this past Sunday's win against the Giants and logged a typical 85 percent snap share on his way to two catches (on four targets) for 17 yards. He'll have a pair of practices to get back to full this week or else risk entering the weekend with a designation for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.

Bowers (knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Bowers, who was inactive for this past Sunday's 40-6 loss to the Colts after logging DNPs last Thursday and Friday, now has two more chances to practice before the Raiders submit their Week 6 injury designations. If he's limited or out this weekend, Michael Mayer -- who has cleared concussion protocol -- would be in line to see an expanded role this weekend versus the Titans.

Mingo (knee), who remains on IR, was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Mingo had his 21-day practice window opened last Wednesday and logged a trio of limited practices before being ruled out for Week 5, but he's now practicing without restrictions. That seemingly sets the stage for Mingo to be activated from IR and make his regular-season debut ahead of Sunday's road game against the Panthers. With CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot) both candidates to miss Week 6, Mingo's return would provide the Cowboys with needed depth at the wide receiver position.

Wharton (toe) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Wharton was unable to play in the Panthers' Week 5 win over the Dolphins due to a toe injury. He's opened the week with another DNP, so he'll have two more opportunities to return to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's road game against the Cowboys.