Wednesday Media Updates
***The Bengals hope to have Joe Mixon back on Sunday but did not clear him to practice on Wednesday. Both Mixon and Zac Taylor sound optimistic but Mixon needs to return to practice on Thursday to have any chance at a double-digit touch week.
***Hunter Henry sustained a tibial plateau fracture last week. He was able to finish the game, suggesting the injury is not extensive and likely not to a significant weight-bearing area. For now, Henry is not on injured reserve. Early timetable for his return is in the 4-6 week range. Expect his absence to stretch closer to the six weeks.
***JuJu Smith-Schuster was limited in practice with a toe injury. However, players who practice on Wednesday in Pittsburgh tend to play that weekend. There were no reports of concern through Wednesday and it's likely Smith-Schuster plays this week.
***Tyler Lockett missed Wednesday's practice with a back injury. For now, there are no concerns about his Week 2 availability. I'll update after tomorrow's practice report.
***The Chargers are worried about Mike Williams' knee injury. Video replays were inconclusive and provided no clues on his injury. Still undergoing testing on Wednesday, his availability is questionable at best this week.
***Patrick Mahomes II fully practiced after last week's low-grade high ankle sprain. He should play with minimal limitation this week. Deshaun Watson (back) is also fully practicing and expected to play.
THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS
Here are the key offensive players listed on the practice participation or game status report for Thursday Night Football:
Tampa Bay at Carolina
***The Buccaneers are healthy. O.J. Howard (ankle) and Ronald Jones (toe) were listed on the injury report this week but fully practiced and are expected to play.
***Edge rusher Bruce Irvin remains out with a hamstring injury. Greg Olsen (back) missed practice until Wednesday when he returned to a full practice. Listed questionable, Olsen is likely to play.
EARly week PRACTICE PARTICIPATION & EARLY EXPECTATIONS
The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team are 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: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.
