NFL Player News

Claiborne was a healthy scratch for the Vikings' Week 1 win over the Packers, but he's in line for a larger role for at least the next four games after Jordan Mason (thumb) was placed on injured reserve, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Mason, Aaron Jones and DeeJay Dallas were Minnesota's three active running backs for Sunday's 39-22 win over Green Bay, with Claiborne observing the game in street clothes. Mason's injury means Jones is the clear RB1 on the roster while the former is sidelined, but Claiborne will be in the mix for backup duties, with Dallas -- who was signed to the Vikings' active roster from the practice squad Wednesday -- being the rookie sixth-rounder's main competition. The Vikings hit the road for a Week 2 NFC North tilt this Sunday against the Bears, whose defense gave up 478 total yards -- including 125 rushing yards -- to the Panthers in a 59-37 Week 1 win for Chicago.

Kansas City signed Heldman (undisclosed) to its practice squad Wednesday.

Less than two weeks after getting waived from the Saints' injured reserve list, Heldman has already found a new home. The Chiefs placed Cooper McDonald (knee) on their injured reserve list Wednesday, so it makes sense that they're looking to add some depth on the edge.

Skule (oblique) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Skule was inactive for the Buccaneers' 33-27 loss to the Bengals last Sunday due to an oblique injury. The offensive tackle has healed from the issue and is all set to log three consecutive full practices in the lead-up to next Sunday's game against the Browns.

Williams is expected to see more playing time Week 2 versus the Steelers, Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN.com report.

Williams didn't garner a target over 11 offensive snaps in the team's 13-10 loss to the Seahawks in Week 1. Now with A.J. Brown (ankle) on injured reserve, the second-year wide receiver has a clear path to more opportunities against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Williams caught 10 of 21 targets for 209 yards and three touchdowns over 17 regular-season contests with New England last season.

Okada (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports

Okada has now missed four consecutive regular-season practice sessions with a hamstring injury. The Seahawks' starting strong safety does not appear to have improved much since being ruled out ahead of last Sunday's 13-10 win over the Patriots. Okada will likely miss next Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, leaving Rodney Thomas to once again be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for a role in the team's secondary.

Sanders will have the opportunity to work in an expanded role in the Browns' offense after Dylan Sampson (knee) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Scott Petrak of BrownsZone reports.

Sampson injured his knee on a kickoff return during Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Jaguars, and he'll be required to miss at least the next four games while on IR. Sanders finished that game with three catches on as many targets for 25 yards along with a one-yard carry, but moving forward, he should see more offensive snaps as the Browns' RB2 behind Quinshon Judkins, with Jaleel McLaughlin slotting in as the No. 3 backfield option. The Browns will stay on the road for a Week 2 tilt against the Buccaneers, whose defense gave up 106 rushing yards and one touchdown on 27 carries (3.9 YPC) in a 33-27 loss to the Bengals in Week 1.

The Chiefs placed McDonald (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday.

McDonald will now be forced to miss at least four games after sustaining a knee injury during Monday's win over the Broncos. Ashton Gillotte, R Mason Thomas and Jack Pyburn should be in line for increased playing time in McDonald's absence.

Williams (Achilles) was estimated to be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Williams was limited at practice all last week before sitting out Sunday's win against the Chargers. Until he's able to practice in full, he may continue to have to miss game action.

Emmanwori (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports

Emmanwori was unable to overcome his ankle injury and suit up for last Wednesday's 13-10 victory over the Patriots. The slot cornerback is one of the most important parts of coach Mike Macdonald's Seattle defense, meaning a potential return for Sunday's divisional contest against the Cardinals would be significant. Emmanwori will need to upgrade to full practice participation to dodge an injury designation ahead of the game.

Taylor-Demerson (ribs) was estimated to be a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Taylor-Demerson missed Sunday's win against the Chargers due to a rib injury, but he's making progress toward potentially playing in Week 2. He'll still probably have to log a full practice Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.