NFL Player News

Black (illness) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Black should be fine to handle his normal role Sunday against the Seahawks as Christian McCaffrey's direct backup. The rookie running back has turned 20 carries into just 55 yards (2.75 YPC) over the last three games following a strong Week 1 debut in Australia against the Rams.

Jefferson (ankle) said Wednesday that he's aiming to play Sunday at New Orleans, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.

Coach Kevin O'Connell provided an update on Jefferson earlier Wednesday, saying the wide receiver "is doing well" and will be limited to begin Week 5 prep. Jefferson's ensuing activity level indeed was limited, but per the player himself he wants to play against the Saints as a native of Louisiana. The Vikings will take the situation "day by day," and his listing on Friday's practice report may be telling for his odds to suit up this weekend.

Mingo did not practice Wednesday due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers, Tommy Yarrish of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Wednesday was the first time this week that Mingo popped up on the injury report, which casts uncertainty over his status for Thursday Night Football. He's seen just three targets through four regular-season games, but if Mingo isn't cleared to play, then undrafted rookie Camden Brown would be in line to be on the active gameday roster for the first time this season, with Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin both in the mix for a slight increase in offensive snaps.

Evans (ribs) was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

With Evans managing the rib issue well enough to practice in a limited capacity after playing through it last Sunday, his status appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of the Niners' Week 5 date with the Seahawks. Evans has been dinged up seemingly all season already but has been productive through it all, catching 17 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns on 24 targets.

The Buccaneers have ruled out Winfield (ribs) for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, Winfield is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks due to a "slight rib fracture" that he sustained during the Buccaneers' loss to the Packers this past Sunday. It's unclear whether he needs a stint on IR, but for as long as he's sidelined, Ifeatu Melifonwu figures to start alongside Tykee Smith at safety.

Branch (Achilles) had his 21-day practice window opened by the Lions on Sunday, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports.

Branch was limited in Wednesday's practice, but it was an encouraging sign to see the fourth-year pro back on the field following a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles that he sustained in early December of 2025. The Lions' secondary has been one of the worst in the league this season, and while Branch's return would be a significant upgrade to the unit, he'll likely need to log multiple full practices before being activated from the reserve/PUP list. While unlikely, Branch's first opportunity to make his 2026 debut is Sunday against the Cardinals.

Barkley (hamstring) officially didn't practice Wednesday

Barkley lasted just four offensive snaps before exiting this past Sunday's loss to the Rams in the first quarter due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Nick Sirianni remained mum Monday regarding Barkley's status, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic, though Ian Rapoport of NFL Network later reported that the running back is considered week-to-week with an injury that's not deemed to be long term. As a result, Barkley's lack of activity Wednesday isn't a shock, and if he indeed sits out Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London, he likely will pass off the No. 1 spot in the Eagles backfield to Will Shipley, with Dameon Pierce backing him up.

The Ravens signed Scott to the practice squad Wednesday.

Scott failed to make the Ravens' 53-man roster out of training camp, but he's back with the organization as a member of the practice squad. The Ravens don't have a fullback on the active roster, so Scott could be elevated from the practice squad should the team require a specialized blocker out of the backfield.

The Ravens signed Vannett to the active roster off their practice squad Wednesday.

The move gives Baltimore depth at tight end following Durham Smythe's placement on injured reserve due to a torn Achilles tendon. Vannett opened the season on the Ravens' practice squad, and he'll now operate as the team's TE4 behind Mark Andrews and rookies Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas.

Gronowski signed with the Texans on Wednesday, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Texans had an open roster spot, so the move was made to sign Gronowski. However, with C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills in the equation, Gronowski likely won't see the field.