NFL Player News

Thielen (hamstring) isn't practicing Friday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Following last week's aggravation, Thielen never had much chance to play in Sunday's game against the Cowboys. He'll likely be listed as 'out' or 'doubtful' when the Vikings release their final injury report.

Shepard (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Shepard will miss a fifth straight game as he recovers from his second concussion of the year. He cleared the concussion protocol last Friday, only to re-enter it a couple days later and get ruled out for Monday's 37-18 loss to the Cowboys. Another absence leaves Darius Slayton in a full-time role outside, with Golden Tate manning the slot and Bennie Fowler and/or Cody Latimer taking the third receiver spot. Shepard didn't practice in any capacity this week, but an upcoming bye could allow him to get healthy before the Giants face the Bears on Nov. 24. Of course, that's far from a sure thing.

Brown took part in Friday's practice, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Brown has been held out of Friday practices several times this season in order to manage the stress on first: the foot he underwent surgery on over the offseason, and second: the ankle injury he has dealt with of late, but it appears he is feeling good enough this week to avoid any restrictions. That's good news for those planning to include Brown in fantasy lineups, as he and the Ravens will square off against a Bengals defense that allowed opposing wide receivers to rack up a whopping 570 yards and three scores over its last to games.

Head coach Jason Garrett is hopeful that Cooper (knee) can take part in Friday's practice, Rob Phillips of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Cooper did not practice Thursday, but he is still expected to play Sunday against the Vikings, and his participation in Friday's practice at any level would bode well for his chances of doing so. Cooper's official status for Week 10 will be revealed when the Cowboys' final injury report of the week is released.

Renfrow secured four of five targets for 42 yards in the Raiders' 26-24 win over the Chargers on Thursday.

Renfrow continued to build on his recent momentum, co-leading the Raiders in receptions and checking in just two yards behind Jalen Richard for the top spot in that category. The rookie has gotten past the meager yardage tallies that plagued him over his first several games, as he's now posted between 42 and 88 in the last three contests. Renfrow did see his modest two-game touchdown streak snapped Thursday, but he'll look to get back in the end zone against the Bengals in Week 11 a week from Sunday.

Williams secured two of three targets for 55 yards in the Chargers' 26-24 loss to the Raiders on Thursday.

The majority of Williams' production came on a game-long 45-yard grab, but he was otherwise held in check by an aggressive Raiders defense. Williams had put together a season-high 111-yard performance in Week 9 versus the Packers, so the upside is certainly there for the 2017 first-round pick. However, Williams continues to see a relatively modest target share most weeks (six or fewer looks in four straight games), but he'll look to garner more opportunities versus the Chiefs in a Week 11 Monday night AFC West battle on Nov. 18.

Allen secured eight of 11 targets for 68 yards in the Chargers' 26-24 loss to the Raiders on Thursday. He also rushed once for 18 yards.

Allen paced the Chargers in receptions, receiving yards and targets on the night, while also logging double-digit looks for the third time in the last four games. Allen's catch and yardage tallies were both his highest since a season-best 13-reception, 183-yard explosion versus the Texans in Week 3, and he'll look to build on Thursday's numbers versus the Chiefs in a Week 11 Monday night showdown on Nov. 18.

Valdes-Scantling (ankle/knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Since going off for a season-best 133 receiving yards Week 7, Valdes-Scantling has hauled in just one of four targets for four yards over the last two games. He's been tending to ankle and knee injuries during that span, so there is a built-in excuse for his lack of production. No matter, Davante Adams (toe) is back in action, which should begin to free up Valdes-Scantling for deep shots once he gets healthier.

Adams (toe) was limited at Thursday's practice, Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

After missing four games with a right toe injury, Adams earned a typical 83 percent of the offensive snaps this past Sunday against the Chargers. His production was below average -- seven receptions (on 11 targets) for 41 yards and no TDs -- and he also emerged with some discomfort in the toe, per Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site. As such, Adam's activity level so far this week is no surprise. Expect his Week 10 status to experience some clarity upon the release of Friday's practice report.

Taylor (foot) dealt with an infection while recovering from August surgery on a Jones fracture, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The setback leaves Taylor uncertain to play this season, though coach Kyle Shanahan didn't rule out the possibility of eventually removing the slot receiver from injured reserve. It isn't clear Taylor would have a significant role in the offense even if he were healthy, so his fantasy value mostly is limited to deeper dynasty leagues.