NFL Player News

Knight (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Knight was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a knee injury, but his return to all activity one day later indicates he's good to resume his backfield committee role with Michael Carter in the absences of James Conner (foot, IR) and Trey Benson (knee, IR). In the Cardinals' Week 6 loss at Indianapolis, Knight earned 37 offensive snaps to Carter's 32, and their stat lines were strikingly similar, as Knight turned 12 touches into 54 yards and one TD, and Carter tallied 11 touches for 64 total yards and no end-zone visits. Such a breakdown of reps is entirely possible Sunday versus the Packers.

Demercado (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

Demercado has now missed back-to-back practices due to a left ankle injury sustained during Arizona's loss to the Colts in Week 6. Unless he's able to return to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday, Demercado appears on track to miss Sunday's game against the Packers. That would position Michael Carter and Bam Knight to again split backfield opportunities with James Conner (knee) out for the year and Trey Benson (knee) on IR until at least Week 10.

McCarthy (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

McCarthy continues to operate with a cap on his practice reps after getting back onto the field for the first time since sustaining a high right-ankle sprain Week 2 versus the Falcons. Coach Kevin O'Connell previously said McCarthy would need to put together a week of full sessions in order to start, but he also relayed to Alec Lewis of The Athletic on Wednesday that he wasn't ready to name a starter between McCarthy and Carson Wentz (shoulder), the latter of whom has been a full practice participant this week. There's a decent chance O'Connell will make an announcement Friday ahead of Sunday's contest against the Eagles, but McCarthy at least is back in the conversation to lead the Vikings offense on game days.

Jones (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Jones stepped up with a 5-79-0 receiving line (on eight targets) during Arizona's Week 6 loss to the Colts with Marvin Harrison (concussion) making an early exit, but he's now missed back-to-back practices due to a knee injury. He was limited in practice Week 6 due to the same issue, so it's possible that Arizona is simply now taking extra caution with Jones' activity level due to Harrison being uncertain for Week 7. On a positive note for the Cardinals, Michael Wilson (foot) resumed practicing in full Thursday.

Wilson (foot) was a full practice participant Thursday

One day removed from being limited at Wednesday's walkthrough due to a foot injury, Wilson logged every on-field rep, paving the way for him to be available Sunday against the Packers. The same can't be said for fellow WRs Marvin Harrison (concussion, limited) and Zay Jones (knee, DNP), who maintained their activity levels into Thursday. Wilson thus is the healthiest among the Cardinals' top three at the position, but there's also the question of who will be under center Week 7, as Kyler Murray remained limited due to a mid-foot sprain. Jacoby Brissett will earn another spot start this weekend if Murray is out.

Bowers (knee) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Bowers also missed Wednesday's session, and another DNP a day later has the tight end trending toward missing a third straight game Sunday against the Chiefs. If Bowers remains sidelined this weekend, fellow TE Michael Mayer, who had five catches (on seven targets) for 50 yards and a TD in a Week 6 win over the Titans, once again would be in store for added opportunities in the Raiders offense.

Hainsey (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Hainsey was unable to play in Week 6 against the Seahawks due to a hamstring injury. His ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he is on track to play against the Rams on Sunday, and he'll likely reclaim his starting spot at center while Jonah Monheim reverts to a reserve role.

McManus (right quadriceps) was a non-participant at practice Thursday.

McManus already has missed one game due to the right quad that he pulled in practice last Wednesday, but coach Matt LaFleur told Ryan Wood of USA Today on Thursday that he's "day-to-day" and may "potentially" be able to kick on game day without practicing. McManus has one more chance to do so this week before Friday's injury report could include a ruling on his status for Sunday's contest in Arizona. Lucas Havrisik is available in the event McManus isn't able to go this weekend.

Wicks (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Wicks has logged back-to-back limited practice sessions since sustaining an ankle injury during Green Bay's win over the Bengals in Week 6. In order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's road matchup against the Cardinals, Wicks will likely need to upgrade to full practice reps Friday. Malik Heath and Savion Williams will benefit from added opportunities behind Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden if Wicks misses any time.

The Bengals activated Patrick (calf) from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game against the Steelers.

Patrick was officially listed as questionable for Thursday's AFC North clash, but his activation from IR indicates that he is trending toward making his return, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Patrick would likely reclaim his starting job at right guard if he is cleared to play, which would revert Dalton Risner to a reserve role.