Wednesday Media Updates

***Kyler Murray told reporters he feels good despite not practicing. Kliff Kingsbury said Murray could play without practicing. Ten days is a tough turnaround for a mobile quarterback with an ankle injury more significant than a simple low ankle sprain. Jay Glazer reported Murray's return timetable was 1-3 weeks. It's possible Murray returns this week but he's likely to be limited in the pocket.

***The Panthers designated Christian McCaffrey to return to practice but Matt Rhule told reporters McCaffrey was "very limited" in Wednesday's workout. He's likely to need at least one more week of reconditioning before returning.

***DeAndre Hopkins aggravated a hamstring injury in Week 8 and is in jeopardy of missing this week's game. Hopkins rarely misses games but Kliff Kingsbury told reporters he's not sure Hopkins will be able to play.

***Saquon Barkley tested positive for COVID but has since had a negative follow up test. It's likely a large number of positive tests in New York were false positives. Barkley needs just one additional negative test to be cleared to return. Joe Judge would not rule Barkley out when asked about the status of his ankle earlier in the day. The lost day of practice and rehab could push Barkley's return to next week.

***Deebo Samuel aggravated his calf injury last week but Kyle Shanahan expects him to return to practice and play on Sunday.

***Dak Prescott was reportedly cleared to play last week but the Cowboys elected to allow him another week to recover. Dallas plans to put Prescott through a full Thursday practice. He's likely to play Sunday.

***Urban Meyer said James Robinson "made a big step" but is still day-to-day with a heel contusion.

***The Niners are hopeful Elijah Mitchell is able to practice despite a rib injury. His status will become more clear as the week progresses.

***Darren Waller had no injury designation and is expected to play.

***Matthew Stafford missed practice with back stiffness. He told reporters he will play against Tennessee.

Added to injured reserve thru Wednesday transactions:

• RB Derrick Henry
• TE Robert Tonyan Jr

Designated to return thru Wednesday transactions:

• RB Christian McCaffrey
• TE George Kittle
• RB Jeff Wilson (PUP practice window open)
• WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• WR Scott Miller

COVID-reserve

• QB Aaron Rodgers
• WR Davante Adams
• RB Saquon Barkley
• TE Noah Fant
• WR A.J. Green

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

New York Jets at Indianapolis

***Corey Davis was unable to practice again this week. He's listed doubtful but will not play. Zach Wilson and Tevin Coleman also remain out for New York.

***The Colts will be without T.Y. Hilton, who had no chance to complete the return to play concussion protocol on a short week. Indianapolis is otherwise healthy.

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.