NFL Player News

Thorson (hamstring) was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday.

Thorson missed Sunday's Week 4 win over Miami due to hamstring injury. However, with a pair of full practices to begin Week 5 prep, he's probably good to go for Week 5 versus New Orleans. Thorson should thus reclaim his role as the Vikings' punter.

Tillman (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Tillman didn't play in the Week 4 loss to the 49ers. He was limited at practice Wednesday, but after improving to full participation Thursday, it appears he will be cleared to suit up in Week 5 against the Chargers.

Penning (concussion) was a non-participant at the Chargers' practice Thursday.

Penning has missed back-to-back practices to open the week while in concussion protocol. The offensive lineman appears to be rather unlikely to be available for Sunday's matchup with Denver, and Logan Taylor would be a candidate to draw a start at left guard in his place.

Burton (back) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Burton did not practice Wednesday, so his activity Thursday was actually a step in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game versus the Bears. If he can upgrade to full participation at practice Friday, he may still be able to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

O'Neill (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

That's two straight limited practice sessions to begin the week for O'Neill, who is dealing with a knee injury. It's unclear if the current issue is related to the knee injury that he dealt with earlier in the campaign. Regardless, O'Neill has a chance of suiting up Sunday in New Orleans, but he'll likely carry an injury designation into the weekend unless he's able to practice in full Friday.

Smith (foot) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

The Texans designated Smith to return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening the 21-day window for him to be activated to the 53-man roster. He likely has some hurdles to clear before getting the green light to suit up in Week 5 against the Titans. However, Smith appears to be trending favorably toward playing Sunday after sitting on the IR to begin the 2026 campaign.

Alt (neck) did not participate at the Chargers' practice Thursday.

Alt has missed each of the team's first two practices of the week while nursing a neck injury that he suffered Week 4 against Seattle. The offensive lineman appears to be unlikely to play Sunday versus Denver, and Travis Burke could draw a start at right tackle in his place.

Belton (knee) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Belton played all 60 of the Packers' offensive snaps in Week 4 at Tampa Bay, but his status for Week 5 now seems to be in question due to a knee issue. He'll likely need to log a full practice Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Darrisaw (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday.

Darrisaw suffered a concussion Sunday against Miami. He's currently in the league's five step protocol, and he'll need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he's able to suit up for game action. Darrisaw is in real danger of missing Sunday's matchup against New Orleans, and if that happens, Ryan Van Demark will likely step in to start at left tackle.

Monk (quadriceps) did not participate at the Packers' practice Thursday.

Monk has missed back-to-back practices to open the week as he continues to recover from a quadriceps injury he suffered during the team's Week 3 loss to Atlanta. The 25-year-old appears to be set to miss a second straight game, and Travis Glover could draw another start at left guard Sunday versus Chicago.