Wednesday Media Updates

***Dalvin Cook, likely dealing with a lower-grade ankle sprain, did not practice on Wednesday. Mike Zimmer told reporters the Vikings would not limit Cook's workload if he was healthy but also said "If he can't play, there's a reason why he's not playing." Cook was cleared to talk to the media and suggested he could play. Expect Cook to be limited in practice and prepare for him to be a game-time decision.

***Carson Wentz is dealing with injuries to both ankles. The more significant injury is to his back (right) leg and was noted to be quite swollen earlier in the week. Frank Reich told reporters Wentz is unlikely to play and Wentz did not participate in any walkthrough snaps on Wednesday. Expect Wentz to be inactive.

***Diontae Johnson added a somewhat cryptic post to his Instagram account earlier in the week, suggesting a "comeback" is necessary. Even though there are reports Johnson's knee injury is not significant, the Instagram note and Wednesday DNP are ominous signs he'll be inactive in Week 3.

***Elijah Mitchell missed practice with what Kyle Shanahan said was "a little worse than a stinger." That's concerning. Mitchell was cleared to return during last week's game, which is usually a strong indication the medical staff is not concerned about weakness, pain, or range of motion issues related to the nerve injury. It's not clear why Mitchell's injury is more worrisome on Wednesday but it's not a good trend. He's trending doubtful. Trey Sermon is already back to limited practices and could be on track to play after last week's concussion.

***Josh Jacobs did not practice. Jon Gruden told reporters Jacobs was "very questionable" to play. Expect him to be inactive.

***Darrell Henderson has a painful rib cartilage injury. It's possible the Rams will clear him to play with an injection and kevlar padding but it's more likely he'll be inactive.

Added to injured reserve thru Wednesday transactions:

• WR Jarvis Landry
• WR Nico Collins
• QB Tyrod Taylor
• TE James OShaughnessy

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

Here are the key offensive players listed on the practice participation or game status report for Thursday Night Football:

Carolina at Houston

***There are no game-time decisions in this game. The Texans will be without Tyrod Taylor (IR-hamstring), Nico Collins (IR-shoulder), and Danny Amendola (declared out - thigh).

Early week practice participation and playing expectations

The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team is limiting in practice after the previous week's games. Players limited in mid-week practice aren't necessarily in danger of missing that week's game. But they all need to be watched closely.

Note: Asterisk denotes Monday night players who practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

Follow me on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news and analysis throughout the week.