Wednesday Media Updates

***The Panthers cleared Christian McCaffrey to practice and will re-evaluate him as the week progresses. He remains questionable.

***Dalvin Cook labored at times in last week's game but told reporters he's going to continue to play through a high ankle sprain. Cook said something similar two weeks ago, was unable to practice, and didn't play. Watch his practice participation carefully to confirm his status.

***Joe Mixon may not practice until Friday and is a game-time decision at best. Zac Taylor said the team would "like to see some full-speed work later in the week." That's unlikely to happen. Expect Mixon to be out this week.

***Ezekiel Elliott told reporters his knee stiffness had mostly resolved on Wednesday and he felt "three times better than...on Monday." Elliott is likely to play.

***Amari Cooper did not practice but is expected to play and did return effectively after last week's hamstring strain. If he doesn't return to a full practice by the end of the week, there could be more gameday limitations than currently expected.

***Elijah Mitchell is likely to be cleared for contact this week. If he responds well, he should be active and play.

***Jimmy Garoppolo told reporters he remained sore and would be "battling through" a calf injury if he were to play. Expect the Niners to start Trey Lance.

Added to injured reserve thru Wednesday transactions:

• TE Logan Thomas
• WR Will Fuller
• WR D.J. Chark

Designated to return thru Wednesday transactions:

• RB Darrynton Evans
• RB Anthony McFarland

COVID-reserve

• None currently

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle

***Chris Carson did not practice all week. Pete Carroll told reporters Carson is dealing with inflammation related to a chronic neck condition. That's suspicious for a cervical disc herniation. Although Carroll said Carson would be a game-time decision, expect him to be inactive.

***The Rams limited Tyler Higbee (ankle) and Darrell Henderson (ribs) early in the week but both returned to a full Wednesday practice and should see full workloads.

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.