NFL Player News

Johnson (lower leg) isn't participating in Wednesday's practice, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Johnson has been a spectator for practices since Aug. 8, when he appeared to sustain a right leg injury during a 1-on-1 drill. Though he still has two more days to potentially fit in some on-field work prior to Sunday's game against the Texans, Johnson may be trending toward an absence in Week 1. If Johnson ends up missing the season opener, the Bills would have more snaps on passing downs available for lead back James Cook.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday that McCarthy will serve as the Vikings' third-string quarterback for Sunday's season opener versus the Packers.

After losing out in the battle with newcomer Kyler Murray for the starting job prior to the preseason opener, McCarthy will plummet all the way to third on the depth chart heading into Week 1, with Carson Wentz settling in as Murray's top backup. O'Connell said that he considers the No. 2 quarterback "a week-to-week thing," so McCarthy could leapfrog Wentz on the depth chart in future games depending on how he performs during practice. In any case, the fact that the 23-year-old McCarthy has to battle for the No. 2 job less than three years after being selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is an indiction Minnesota doesn't view him as its long-term solution under center.

Coach Kevin O'Connell announced Wednesday that Wentz will serve as Kyler Murray's backup for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Wentz gets the QB2 nod over J.J. McCarthy, who will likely be inactive as the emergency third quarterback. O'Connell said this will be a week-to-week thing. Murray is expected to have a long leash as the Vikings' starter this season.

Shakir (undisclosed) is on the practice field Wednesday, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

After being sidelined recently by an undisclosed injury, Shakir's presence on the field is an encouraging sign for the wide receiver's availability for Sunday's season opener against the Texans. He's expected to face added competition for targets from trade pickup DJ Moore and a healthy Dalton Kincaid this season.

Brooks (general soreness) is in uniform and pads at Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.

With Brooks having worked off to the side earlier in the week, his presence in uniform and pads would suggest he's trending toward being available for Sunday's season opener against the Bears. If he plays, Brooks is expected to split backfield work with Chuba Hubbard, rendering both little more than low-end RB2 fantasy options until one is able to separate from the other atop the depth chart.

Coach Klint Kubiak said Jeanty (ankle) will practice Wednesday, Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com reports.

Jeanty has been sidelined since suffering a low-ankle sprain Aug. 23, but Kubiak expressed optimism last week that his star running back would be available for Week 1. Getting on the practice field Wednesday would be a strong sign that Jeanty will be able to suit up Sunday versus Miami.

Nabers (knee) participated in drills at Wednesday's practice, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Nabers was first in line to go through wideout drills, according to Hughes, and it appeared as if he's ready to go for Sunday night's Week 1 opener against Dallas. It's unclear if Nabers will play his full snap allotment against the Cowboys, so Nabers is looking more like a fantasy WR2 with obvious upside in what would be his first game back from a torn ACL.

Kraft (knee) is in full pads at Wednesday's practice, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Kraft has been in full pads at practice for weeks now and appears ready to go for Sunday's Week 1 opener against the Vikings. He's insisted he's ready and doesn't need to be on a snap count, but it will be something to watch Sunday in Kraft's first game back from a torn ACL. Even if he's somewhat limited, Kraft is a locked-in fantasy TE1.

Flowers (lower body) was working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun reports.

After appearing to participate fully Tuesday, Flowers' side work Wednesday suggests Baltimore could be managing his reps heading into Week 1. His official participation level on the Ravens' injury report will provide the clearest read on his availability for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, but there's been no indication Flowers is in any danger of missing the season opener.

Coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday he "feels good" about Higgins' (heel) chances of playing Sunday against Tampa Bay, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.

Higgins has been dealing with a bruised heel, but there's been nothing to suggest he's in any real danger of missing Week 1. As is the case most weeks, Higgins is a fantasy WR2 with WR1 upside in the Bengals' elite passing offense.