Wednesday Media Updates

***Elijah Mitchell isn't likely to play after reporting concussion symptoms on Monday. He's unlikely to progress through the exercise protocol this week. He's also reportedly dealing with knee inflammation. Expect him to be inactive. Jeff Wilson was limited in practice, a reassuring sign after he experienced irritation in his surgically-repaired knee that was expected to limit him until the end of the week.

***Tony Pollard did not practice with a foot injury. Local reporters are hinting at concern Pollard won't be able to play. The Cowboys added Ito Smith to the practice squad this week, an ominous sign for Pollard's availability.

***Darren Waller was "upgraded" to day-to-day this week but is still not practicing. He's trending doubtful again this week.

***Keenan Allen tested positive for COVID and is unlikely to play this week. Mike Williams must quarantine five days as a close contact and could return on Friday if he continues to test negative.

***Daniel Jones is not expected to be cleared for contact this week. The Giants do not believe his neck injury is season-ending. Although Mike Glennon did not practice, New York is optimistic he will be cleared from concussion protocol.

Added to injured reserve thru Wednesday transactions:

• TE Logan Thomas
• RB Kenyan Drake
• WR Corey Davis

Currently designated to return:

• WR Julio Jones
• TE Hayden Hurst

COVID-reserve

• WR Keenan Allen
• WR Mike Williams
• RB Mark Ingram
• TE David Njoku
• RB Jalen Richard
• QB Jordan Love

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

Pittsburgh at Minnesota

***Minnesota listed Dalvin Cook questionable after a week of limited practices. It's very unlikely Cook has been cleared for contact yet. The limited practices are likely more about conditioning rather than readying to play. Cook has a much better chance of returning next week. Adam Thielen has been ruled out with a high ankle sprain.

***The Steelers are healthy and have no critical offensive players on the injury report.

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.