NFL Player News

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that McCarthy will not suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against New England.

McCarthy played one drive during Minnesota's preseason opener against the Texans, completing four of seven passes for 30 yards while rushing once for eight yards, but Sam Howell will get the start versus the Patriots. During the Vikings' exhibition finale versus Tennessee on Friday, Aug. 22, McCarthy could get a chance to handle more reps. Justin Jefferson (hamstring) remains absent from practice but will be re-evaluated next week, while Jordan Addison (suspension) will be eligible to play the remainder of the preseason but will begin the regular season with a three-game suspension.

Ifedi (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

Ifedi signed with the Dolphins earlier in August but won't suit up for the team in 2025 after being moved to season-ending injured reserve. He has 117 games of regular-season NFL experience, including 15 games with the Browns in 2024.

Coach Mike Tomlin noted Thursday that the same players (with the possible exception of LB Nick Herbig) who sat out last weekend's game against the Jaguars -- a group that included Warren -- are not in line to see action in this Saturday's game against the Buccaneers, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com and Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site report.

Along with Warren, that's a group that includes QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin (abdomen) and TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith (knee). Meanwhile, rookie RB Kaleb Johnson is on track to see snaps Saturday, as he did versus Jacksonville, per Pryor. As the regular season approaches, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic suggests that Warren likely will get the first chance to be the Steelers' lead back early on, but Johnson should remain in the mix, nonetheless, with Kenneth Gainwell on hand as well.

Herbert (undisclosed) isn't practicing Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Herbert hasn't practiced since playing in last Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens, in which he rushed seven times for 29 yards and a touchdown. He's competing with Tyler Goodson and DJ Giddens for a depth role behind Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis' backfield.

Love (thumb) is not practicing Thursday and is wearing a soft cast on his left hand, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Love won't practice as he continues to recover from surgery undergone to address a ligament injury in his left thumb, but the Packers still expect him to resume handling reps next weeks. The starting quarterback wasn't expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the Colts even if healthy, but it now remains to be seen whether he'll be able to log action in the team's preseason finale against Seattle on Saturday, Aug. 23. Elsewhere on the roster, Jayden Reed (foot) shed his walking boot Thursday but remains unable to practice, as do Romeo Doubs (back), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and active/PUP list resident Christian Watson (ACL).

Smith (undisclosed) was activated off the active/PUP list Thursday.

Smith was placed on the active/PUP list July 23 in a move that head coach Liam Coen described as precautionary. The 2024 second-round pick has regained health and will push for a role on the interior of Jacksonville's defensive line.

Abanikanda (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Abanikanda's back after missing practice Tuesday and Wednesday. He's one of seven running backs currently with the team, but Abanikanda's unlikely to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, though a practice-squad spot is a more realistic possibility.

Virgil was waived by the Bills on Thursday.

Virgil appeared in seven regular-season games for the Bills in 2024 and contributed two tackles on special teams but didn't log a target on offense. He'll be free to sign with any team if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday that he expects Lance (hand) to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Lance hasn't taken team reps at practice this week while wearing a wrap on his right hand, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, but the injury isn't expected to sideline the 2021 first-round pick Saturday. Lance is competing with Taylor Heinicke for the backup spot behind Justin Herbert. Harbaugh indicated that all three quarterbacks will see the field Saturday.

Herbert will start Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

With regard to to the Chargers' approach to the contest, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Thursday, "We're going to play starters on Saturday." As for Herbert, who is in line to make his first-ever preseason appearance, Harbaugh said that the QB is expected to play "a series, could be two," along with the team's other offensive starters. Beyond that, Harbaugh expects both Trey Lance (hand) and Taylor Heinicke to log snaps this weekend.