NFL Player News

Vaki (groin) did not practice Thursday, Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News reports.

Vaki has appeared in just one game this season, logging seven special-teams snaps. He doesn't have an offensive role behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that Tracy (shoulder) won't practice Thursday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Tracy has yet to resume practicing since dislocated his right shoulder in the Giants' 22-9 loss to the Chiefs on Sept. 21. With reports suggesting that Tracy will need 2-to-4 weeks to make a full recovery from the injury, he's on track to miss a second straight game Sunday in New Orleans, though the running back could have a shot at playing in the Giants' Week 6 matchup with the Eagles next Thursday. Tracy's upcoming absence this weekend should once again clear the way for rookie Cam Skattebo to take on a leading role out of the backfield.

Samuel (heel) was spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Thursday's practice, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.

The Commanders listed Samuel as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to a heel injury, but he appears poised to upgrade to at least limited activity Thursday. Samuel accounted for 81 total yards and a touchdown on nine touches (six catches, three carries) in the Commanders' Week 4 loss to the Falcons, but he could see a slight downturn in his usage in Sunday's game against the Chargers if Washington gets Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) back in action.

The Jets officially placed Allen (knee) on IR on Thursday.

The expected move freed up a roster spot for the team's addition of fellow running back Khalil Herbert. Allen thus is slated to miss a minimum of four games, though it's possible that his stint on IR could continue beyond that, with Rich Cimini of ESPN.com noting that the RB's injury is still being evaluated, and surgery is considered a possibility. In Allen's absence, Isaiah Davis, Herbert and Kene Nwangwu (hamstring) -- when healthy -- will provide depth behind top back Breece Hall.

The Jets signed Herbert on Thursday.

In a corresponding move, the team placed fellow running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve. With the Jets, Herbert will provide depth to a backfield that's led by Breece Hall and also includes Isaiah Davis and Kene Nwangwu (hamstring). While Herbert doesn't have an immediate path to fantasy lineup utility, that's a context that could change if Hall were to miss time at any point down the road.

Evans (hamstring) isn't participating in Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Evans hasn't been able to practice in any capacity since exiting the Buccaneers' Sept. 21 win over the Jets with a moderate left hamstring strain and is in line to miss a second straight game this Sunday in Seattle. Initial reports shortly after Evans sustained the injury suggested that he would require a 3-to-4-week recovery period, so the 32-year-old is far from a lock to make it back for the Buccaneers' Week 6 matchup with San Francisco. Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka should continue to operate as the clear top two options in the Tampa Bay passing game while Evans is on the mend.

Mayfield (knee/biceps) was spotted practicing during the portion of Thursday's session that was open to the media, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Mayfield sat out Wednesday's walk-through session due to knee and right biceps injuries, though his absence may have been more of a maintenance day than anything. His presence on the field Thursday is a good sign that Mayfield will be available to play this weekend in Seattle, though it won't be known until after practice concludes whether the quarterback was a limited or full participant. Assuming he's ultimately cleared in advance of Sunday's contest, Mayfield will be working behind a beat-up offensive line and could be without two key players in running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and wideout Mike Evans (hamstring), neither of whom has been able to practice so far this week.

Irving (foot/shoulder) isn't taking part in Thursday's practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Though Irving is being listed with a pair of health concerns on the Buccaneers' Week 5 injury report, the shoulder issue is considered less worrisome than his sprained left foot, which confined him to a walking boot during Wednesday's walk-through session. The Buccaneers haven't yet officially ruled Irving out for Sunday's game at Seattle, but his consecutive absences to begin Week 5 prep don't bode well for his chances of playing. If Irving ends up sitting out this weekend, Rachaad White would be in line to see more involvement in the rushing attack, as would third-year back Sean Tucker.

Turner (illness) did not practice Thursday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

With Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) banged up, Turner has started each of the last three games, and he even played 100 percent of the defensive snaps last Sunday against the Steelers. If Van Ginkel, who has posted back-to-back DNPs this week, is unable to play again, Turner should have another heavy workload against Cleveland, as long as he's healthy himself.

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said Walker is considered day-to-day after undergoing surgery on his wrist and still has a chance of playing Monday versus the Chiefs, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Though a source familiar with the wrist injury Walker sustained in the Week 4 win over the 49ers told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com on Wednesday that the defensive end was viewed as "week-to-week," Coen offered a more encouraging prognosis a day later. Following Walker's surgery, the Jaguars will likely wait and see what, if anything, he's able to do in practices Thursday through Saturday before deciding on his status for Monday's contest. Even if Walker is cleared to play Monday, he could have to wear some sort of brace or cast to protect his surgically-repaired wrist.