NFL Player News

Tavai (undisclosed) was designated to return from the injured reserve list Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Tavai missed the Patriots' first four games this season due to an undisclosed injury, but it now appears he's nearing a return. The 29-year-old now has 21 days to be added to New England's active roster before reverting to IR. Once healthy, Tavai will likely reclaim his spot as one of the Patriot's top inside linebackers after posting 115 total tackles and five passes defended across 17 contests in 2024.

Walker is considered week-to-week with a wrist injury, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Following a visit to a wrist specialist, Walker is now considered week-to-week after suffering an injury in the Week 4 win over the 49ers. The 2022 first-round pick from Georgia could suit up in the Jags' Week 5 matchup against the Chiefs if he's able to practice in a limited capacity at some point this week.

McNeill (knee) was designated to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday, Justin Rogers of DetroitFootball.net reports.

McNeill tore his ACL in Week 15 of last year and has missed the Lions' first four games this season. He now has 21 days to be added to Detroit's active roster before reverting to the reserve/PUP list. The NC State product is an integral part of the Lions' run defense, tallying 25 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble over 14 regular-season games in 2024. Once healthy, he's expected to start alongside DJ Reader on Detroit's defensive line.

Demercado is slated for expanded backfield opportunities, beginning Sunday versus the Titans, with Trey Benson (knee) in line to be placed on IR, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Demercado looked solid in a change-of-pace role behind Benson during last Thursday's 23-20 loss to Seattle, in which he rushed twice for eight yards and secured both of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown. With Benson now out at 4-to-6 weeks, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, and James Conner (foot) already lost for the season, Demercado and Michael Carter now become positioned to lead Arizona's backfield, while Bam Knight steps into the No. 3 role. It's possible that Demercado still primarily operates as a pass-catching specialist, but at 215 pounds he's more suitable than the 201-pound Carter for between-the-tackles work. Especially in PPR formats, this development places Demercado firmly on the fantasy radar, though the Cardinals now become strong candidates to pursue further backfield additions.

Jean-Baptiste (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

The 2024 seventh-round pick from Notre Dame tore his pectoral during the Week 4 loss to the Falcons, so it's no surprise he's been placed on IR. Jean-Baptiste played 71 total snaps (59 on defense, 12 on special teams) over three games this season, recording six total tackles. Preston Smith is likely to see increased defensive work while Jean-Baptiste remains sidelined for at least the Commanders' next four games.

Gaskin signed with the Seahawks' practice squad Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Gaskin was cut by the Ravens in late August after failing to make the team's initial 53-man roster, but he's since found a new home in Seattle. The Washington product last played for the Vikings in 2024, logging 31 total snaps (six offensive, 25 on special teams) while touching the ball four times for 10 yards.

Tracy (shoulder) is not practicing Wednesday, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

Tracy's shoulder injury forced him to sit out Week 4, and reports suggest that he'll be sidelined multiple games. With all expectations being that Tracy again sits out Week 5, Devin Singletary will get another opportunity to contribute as the No. 2 running back behind rookie Cam Skattebo. After that, Tracy will face a short turnaround to attempt to take the field on Thursday Night Football against the Eagles in Week 6.

Yurosek (knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

The Georgia product was sidelined in Minnesota's Week 4 loss to the Steelers due to a knee injury. He's played 66 total snaps (27 on offense, 39 on special teams) through the team's first three games this season, failing to draw a target. Yurosek likely needs to upgrade to at least limited practice Thursday or Friday in order to play in the Week 5 matchup against the Browns.

Ham (knee) was designated to return from injured reserve and practiced in full Wednesday.

The 32-year-old was unable to participate in the Vikings' first four games this season due to a knee injury, but following Monday's full practice, his return seems imminent. Ham now has 21 days to be added to Minnesota's active roster before reverting to IR. Once healthy, he's likely to serve as the team's top fullback, contributing both on offense and special teams.

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday that Benson (knee) will be placed on IR, Dani Sureck of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Gannon said Benson is expected to return this season, but the second-year pro will now be forced to sit out at least four games while recovering from the knee injury he sustained Week 4 versus Seattle. Benson's loss is a tremendous blow for Arizona's offense, one magnified by already having lost James Conner (foot) for the year. Beginning Sunday versus the Titans, and through at least Sunday, Nov. 9 against the Cowboys, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter will be positioned to lead the Cardinals' backfield, with Bam Knight mixing in as the No. 3 option.