NFL Player News

Erickson (back) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

After Erickson sat out Wednesday's practice with the issue, this represents an upgrade. Friday will go a long way to determining the 27-year-old's status for gameday. Stanley Morgan would likely receive more snaps if Erickson is forced to sit.

Cooper (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, Cooper was seen working out on the side at the beginning of Thursday's session, but the receiver apparently fit in enough work behind the scenes to get an upgrade on the practice report after he was listed as a non-participant Wednesday. Gehlken posits that Cooper may be limited again Friday while managing the pair of injuries, but neither issue is expected to prevent him from playing Sunday versus the Lions.

Anderson (shoulder/back) remained limited at Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

That he's been able to practice in a limited fashion both Wednesday and Thursday suggests that Anderson has a solid shot to play Sunday against Washington, but he'll likely need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid heading into the weekend with an injury designation.

Brown (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

What Brown -- who logged a limited session Wednesday -- is able to do at Friday's practice will be telling with regard to his status for Sunday's game against the Texans, but for now it's unclear if the wideout's absence from Thursday's practice was simply maintenance-related or indicative of a setback.

Coach Mike Zimmer said Thursday that Thielen (hamstring) has "a chance to play" Sunday versus the Broncos, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Considering Thielen hasn't practiced this week, his odds to suit up may be minuscule, but Zimmer hasn't closed the door on having his top wide receiver available just yet. Friday's session and ensuing injury report will give a better sense of Thielen's Week 11 availability, but another absence would improve the prospects of Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr. and Bisi Johnson.

Thielen (hamstring) wasn't on the field for Thursday's practice, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Thielen's inability to practice for the second straight day adds fuel to the notion that the Vikings will withhold him from action through their Week 12 bye. Before Minnesota makes an official call on Thielen's status for Sunday's game against the Broncos, the team will see what the wideout is able to do Friday in the final practice of the week. In any event, Thielen's fantasy managers should already begin preparing to use other options at receiver for their weekly matchups.

Goodwin (wrist) isn't listed on the 49ers' injury report Wednesday.

Goodwin suffered the wrist injury during Monday's loss to the Seahawks, but it apparently isn't a serious issue. The 28-year-old hasn't caught a pass since Week 6 as he's tumbled out of San Francisco's offensive game plans.

Pettis was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a back injury.

Pettis is coming off an uneventful performance in Monday's loss to the Seahawks, during which he went without a catch on three targets. He apparently picked up an injury along the way, adding another complication as he prepares for a Week 11 matchup with the Cardinals. The 24-year-old has been minimally involved in the offense over the last three games, so even if he's available this week, he shouldn't garner much fantasy interest.

Dortch signed with the Panthers' practice squad Wednesday, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Dortch was waived by the Panthers on Monday and will remain with the organization after clearing waivers. The 21-year-old exclusively played special teams in his lone game appearance this season.

Davis signed with the Vikings' practice squad Wednesday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Davis cleared waivers Wednesday, and, conveniently, a practice-squad spot opened up when the Titans signed running back Khari Blasingame to their 53-man roster. The former could be brought back to the active roster if Adam Thielen (hamstring) is unable to play Sunday against the Broncos.