NFL Player News

Christensen (hamstring) was designated to return from injured reserve Tuesday.

Christensen has been rehabbing from a hamstring injury all season and has yet to play in a game. The Panthers will now have 21 days to activate him from IR, otherwise he won't be eligible to suit up this season. If Christensen does indeed return, he could be moved into a starting role.

Vildor was released by the Patriots on Tuesday.

Vildor will hit the open market after compiling seven total tackles (six solo), a pass defensed and a forced fumble while appearing in the Patriots' last five contests. The cornerback could return to the practice squad with New England in the near future.

Bryant (ankle) was activated from injured reserve by the Patriots on Tuesday.

Bryant will return to action in Week 9 after spending the entirety of the regular season to this point on IR after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason. The 24-year-old will operate as a top reserve option behind Will Campbell and Morgan Moses at offensive tackle moving forward.

Howell (wrist) was placed on injured reserve by the Bengals on Tuesday.

Howell suffered a right wrist injury during Sunday's overtime win against the Titans, and he will now be forced to miss at least four contests as a result. The defensive lineman has already undergone surgery, per Mike Petraglia of CLNSCincy.com, and in Howell's absence, Shemar Stewart will stand to see an increase in workload at defensive end.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that Darrisaw is nursing a shoulder issue, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Darrisaw played all 52 of the Vikings' offensive snaps during Sunday's game at Detroit, but he hurt his shoulder somewhere along the way, and now his status for Week 9 is in doubt. His activity at practice will be worth monitoring when Minnesota releases its first official injury report of the week Thursday.

Carlson reverted to the Bears' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Carlson was elevated ahead of Chicago's win over Seattle on Monday and logged 10 offensive snaps, along with four special-teams snaps, without otherwise getting into the box score. It was his first gameday action of the season, so the veteran tight end is eligible to be elevated twice more. With Cole Kmet (knee) landing on season-ending IR in late October, Carlson could be called upon again in Week 9 against Tampa Bay.

Walker (ribs) was a limited participant at practice Tuesday.

Walker suffered a rib injury during the third quarter of Sunday's game versus the Colts, and now his status for Thursday's game at Baltimore is uncertain. He'll probably need to upgrade to full participation at practice Wednesday to avoid carrying an injury designation into gameday.

Foster reverted to the Seahawks' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Foster was elevated to the active roster ahead of Monday night's 34-17 loss to the Bears. The wide receiver played three snaps on special teams in the contest, and he can be elevated two more times before the team would have to officially sign him to the active roster.

Smith (foot) was a full participant at practice Tuesday.

Smith popped up on Baltimore's injury report Monday with a foot issue, but it doesn't look like it was anything too serious, and he's on track to play in Week 9. He's easily on pace for his fourth consecutive 100-plus tackle season and is a solid IDP consideration in most formats going into Thursday's game versus the Jaguars.

Connors (hand) was placed on IR on Tuesday, Blaine Grisak of SI.com reports.

Connors broke his hand in Sunday's win over the Chargers and is slated for surgery. He's worked as a core special-teamer this season but hasn't logged a snap on offense. As such, Connors' IR stint -- which will last at least four games -- isn't likely to cause any waves in fantasy.