NFL Player News

Van Ginkel (neck) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Van Ginkel was unable to practice for most of August due to an undisclosed injury, and it's unclear whether that is related to the neck issue that popped up on Thursday's injury report. Regardless, his full practice participation indicates that he will be ready for the Vikings' Week 1 contest against the Bears on Monday. Van Ginkel is coming off a career-best season in 2024, when he finished with 79 tackles (50 solo), including 11.5 sacks, two pick-sixes and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season games.

Davis (knee) was placed on the Bills' practice squad injured list Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Davis agreed to sign with the team's practice squad Tuesday, but the wideout will reside on the injured list while he continues to bounce back from a torn meniscus he sustained last season, per Joe Buscagliaof The Athletic. Down the road, Davis could find himself back in the Bills' WR mix, and his familiarity with the offense (the 26-year-old played for Buffalo from 2020 through 2023) would no doubt ease his transition to a return to action in such a scenario.

Smith did not participate in Thursday's practice due to an illness.

Smith previously missed practices for personal reasons, but the veteran safety appears to be battling through an illness. His practice participation over the next two days will determine his availability for Monday's regular-season opener against Chicago. Theo Jackson and Jay Ward would be the top candidates to start at safety alongside Josh Metellus if Smith is not cleared to play.

Scott (ankle) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Scott is nursing an ankle injury that he suffered during the Vikings' preseason finale against the Titans. He'll have two more chances to return to practice and give himself a shot at playing in Monday's regular-season opener against the Bears.

Felton (arm) was not listed on Thursday's injury report.

The rookie third-rounder was dealing with arm soreness in the tail end of training camp, but he appears to be past the issue given his absence from Thursday's injury report. Felton is on track to play Monday against the Bears, when he'll make his NFL regular-season debut. With Jordan Addison (suspension) missing the first three games of the season, Felton is in line to see rotational snaps at wide receiver behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and Jalen Nailor.

Howden (oblique) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Howden is working through an oblique injury that has limited him in each of the Saints' first two practices of the week. He would likely avoid an injury tag for Sunday's regular-season opener against Arizona if he were to log a full practice Friday. Howden is expected to serve in a prominent rotational role at safety alongside Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon.

Young (calf) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Young is dealing with a calf issue that he picked up during Wednesday's practice, but the 2020 first-rounder relayed Thursday that the injury is not a long-term concern, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Regardless, Young's practice participation Friday will provide more clarity on his status heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against Arizona. Chris Rumph would be slated to see more snaps at outside linebacker opposite Carl Granderson if Young is not cleared to play.

Nailor (hand) practiced fully Thursday.

Nailor suffered a hand injury in practice Aug. 14 and was sidelined until getting back on the field for Wednesday's unofficial session. With no limitations to speak of one day later, he's set to handle WR reps behind veterans Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen to begin the season due to Jordan Addison's three-game suspension. In a part-time role last year, Nailor gathered in 28 of 42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.

Taylor (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

A groin injury has limited Taylor's participation in each of the first two practices of the week. A full practice Friday would likely clear him of any injury tag heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against the Cardinals, though the 2022 second-rounder would still be on track to play with a limited practice. If Taylor is unable to play Sunday, the Saints would turn to Quincy Riley, Rejzohn Wright or Isaac Yiadom to start at outside corner opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Stills did not participate in Thursday's practice due to a heel injury, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Stills wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, indicating that his heel issue is a recent one. His level of participation in Friday's practice will provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's regular-season opener against the Saints in New Orleans. Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas would be slated to see more rotational snaps at defensive end behind starters Josh Sweat and Darius Robinson if Stills is unable to play Sunday.