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Wednesday Media Updates

***Michael Thomas returned to a limited practice on Wednesday and every observer reported he was moving well. Multiple teammates, including Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara, discussed the possibility of Thomas' return. Ian Rapoport noted that Thomas would have "prove he's not at risk of re-injury" to return. I'm not sure that's a helpful note -- unless Thomas is fully recovered (and he won't be) there will be some risk of aggravation if he plays -- but I think it's Rapoport's way of slightly hedging on his positive report. More on Thomas throughout the week.

***Chris Carson was able to participate in individual drills on Wednesday, a surprisingly positive development after last week's knee sprain. The Seahawks are likely testing Carson's ability to recover overnight. If he responds well to activity, it looks like he has a chance to play this week.

***George Kittle returned to practice and will play barring a setback during the week.

***Both Davante Adams and Julio Jones have an extra day to prepare for Monday night after missing last week's games. I consider both questionable with Adams slightly more likely to play than Jones. Both could return with a reassuring week of practice.

***Raheem Mostert did not do much on Wednesday, as observers noted he was not full speed in the rehab session. Earlier in the week, the Niners told reporters Mostert would be evaluated today and a decision would be made on his Week 4 status. It's not looking good for a return this week.

***The Eagles may not have run the ball as much as they preferred in the second half last week as Miles Sanders was "fatigued" and "battling through some things." That apparently includes a glute strain, which limited in practice this week. There doesn't appear to be any local concern about Sanders ability but keep an eye on his practice participation as the week progresses.

***Leonard Fournette didn't practice and Bruce Arians told a SiriusXM radio host he was not optimistic about Fournette's ability to play this week.

***Jimmy Garoppolo didn't return to practice on Wednesday. Kyle Shanahan told reporters Garoppolo has to practice and prove he's healthy enough to protect himself to be cleared to play. We'll see if he clears that hurdle by Friday. Consider him doubtful to play until his practice participation changes.

Injured Reserve additions through Wednesday transactions:

• TE Dallas Goedert (ankle)
• WR Jalen Reagor (thumb)
• RB Tarik Cohen (knee)

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

Denver at New York Jets

***Phillip Lindsay is listed questionable after a week of limited practice. After some optimism earlier in the week, most local observers are referring to Lindsay as a game-time decision. And the Broncos promoted a running back from the practice squad to the active roster. Barring a promising overnight report, it appears Denver is planning to give Lindsay until next weekend to recover.

***Jamison Crowder is questionable after a week of limited practice. Crowder told reporters he was confident he will play and finish the game. Expect him to return and play as many snaps as possible given the Jets' thin depth chart. Breshad Perriman remains out with a high ankle sprain.

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.