Photo: Joe Nicholson, USA Today Sports

Wednesday Media Updates

***Alvin Kamara (foot) and Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) were both limited on Wednesday. Neither injury is significant and both are expected to play. Kamara described his injury as a painful stubbed toe but told reporters he would play.

***The Saints are likely to get both Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders back this week. Sanders has been returned from the COVID list and is expected to play. Drew Brees told reporters he was excited to get Thomas back. The Saints won't directly address Thomas' return but all indications are he'll play for the first time since Week 1.

***Chris Godwin remains in a cast and participating in limited workouts. Bruce Arians told reporters the team won't know whether Godwin will be able to catch a football until Friday. He remains questionable at best.

***Chris Carson remains a game-time decision. Pete Carroll told reporters Carson would see limited work on Friday and the team would evaluate his progress after practice. Carroll does not expect Carlos Hyde to return this week. Travis Homer (just 7 of 68 snaps last week) is expected to be available.

***Jonathan Taylor is dealing with a minor ankle issue and is expected to play. Local writers believe Jordan Wilkins -- also limited on Wednesday with a groin injury -- may see a larger role again this week regardless of Taylor's health.

***Phillip Lindsay suffered a "jammed toe" last week. The Broncos are hopeful he'll be able to play. It's unclear whether this is an aggravation from the toe injury that cost Lindsay multiple weeks earlier this season or a new condition.

Injured Reserve additions through Wednesday transactions:

• QB Andy Dalton (COVID-reserve) -- Out Week 9
• QB Matthew Stafford (COVID-reserve) -- Probable Week 9

Designated to return through Wednesday transactions:

• WR Steven Sims Jr -- Questionable/Doubtful

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

Green Bay at San Francisco

***Aaron Jones is officially questionable as he continues to recover from a calf injury. The team allowed a full week of limited practice and Jones has traveled with the team to San Francisco. The Green Bay medical staff will have to clear Jones -- something they've yet to do while Jones has been less than full strength. Offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett said Jones remains "a game-time deal."

***If Jones is not cleared, the Packers will be without their top three backs. A.J. Dillon (COVID+) and Jamaal Williams (COVID list) are both out.

***Already without George Kittle, Jimmy Garoppolo, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and Tevin Coleman, the Niners will also be without receivers Deebo Samuel (hamstring, COVID list), Brandon Aiyuk (COVID list), and Kendrick Bourne (COVID+). Richie James (ankle) is questionable after limited practices this week. Trent Taylor is the only receiver on the current active roster available and not injured. The team does have multiple practice squad receivers (Kevin White, River Cracraft) they can promote. It's also possible they'll have Jordan Reed back on the active roster.

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.