McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding nine rushes for 12 yards and another score in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday. He also fumbled once but recovered.

The second-year signal-caller made his return from a five-game absence and delivered a significant upset in a difficult road environment. McCarthy's final stat line wasn't exactly scintillating, yet it was still fantasy-friendly thanks to his 10- and seven-yard touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in the first half, as well as his own nine-yard rush with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. McCarthy flashed encouraging chemistry with both Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he'll head into a Week 10 home showdown against the Ravens with plenty of momentum.

McCarthy (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

In the wake of Carson Wentz's imminent season-ending surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder, McCarthy was expected to take over starting QB duties for the first time since Week 2 this coming Sunday at Detroit. McCarthy's ability to handle every practice rep to begin Week 9 prep is a great sign that the Vikings will have the 2024 first-round pick back in action for that contest. McCarthy himself told Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday that his right ankle feels "amazing" and "ready to go." As a result, expect McCarthy to resume directing Minnesota's offense this weekend and beyond.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that McCarthy (ankle) will be the starter for Sunday's game against the Lions and get a full week of practice in preparation for his return to the lineup, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

O'Connell essentially doubled down on the comments he offered Tuesday while speaking with KFAN FM 100.3, as Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, O'Connell specified Wednesday that there is nothing left for McCarthy to do to prove his health, an indication that the second-year pro will not only practice in full but also return to the starting lineup on the road against Detroit after having been inactive for Minnesota's prior five contests due to a right high-ankle sprain. With veteran fill-in Carson Wentz (shoulder) now on IR after having undergone season-ending surgery, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will be positioned as the No. 2 option behind McCarthy going forward.

Pollard rushed the ball 10 times for 56 yards in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Chargers. He added one reception on two targets for 12 yards.

Pollard out-carried Tyjae Spears 10-7, though the touches were nearly identical when taking into account receptions. Unlike past weeks, Pollard was the more efficient back, as he opened the game with rushes of 16 and 12 yards on Tennessee's first possession. While there were some positives to take away from the performance, Pollard hasn't found the end zone since Week 5, and the split in touches will likely continue to hamper his fantasy outlook.

Polalrd (neck) practiced without limitations Thursday.

Pollard popped up on the injury report Wednesday after his practice participation was limited by a neck injury, but he returned to full participation Thursday, paving the way for Pollard to suit up Sunday against the Chargers. Pollard has logged exactly 12 touches in each of his last three games and will likely continue to work in a timeshare with Tyjae Spears on Sunday.

Pollard (neck) was limited at practice Wednesday.

While logging a 46 percent snap share in in this past Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Colts, Pollard carried 11 times for 44 yards while adding one catch on two targets. Meanwhile, fellow RB Tyjae Spears parlayed a 52 percent snap share into a 9-59-1 rushing line to go along with three catches for 23 yards. Pollard now has two more chances to upgrade his practice participation before the Titans assign Week 9 injury designations, but so far there's been nothing to suggest that he won't be available this weekend against the Chargers.

Legette caught one of three targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Packers.

Legette was evaluated for a possible concussion after taking a hit to the head in the second quarter, but he later returned and finished with 31 offensive snaps. Since posting a 9-92-1 receiving line against the Jets in Week 7, the second-year wideout has been quiet, recording just three catches for 39 yards over Carolina's last two contests. However, his lack of production in Week 9 can likely be attributed to the poor weather conditions and quarterback Bryce Young attempting only 20 passes and throwing for just 102 yards. Legette will look to bounce back in a Week 10 divisional matchup against the Saints.

Legette (head) was cleared to return to Sunday's game in Green Bay, Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.

Legette was checked for a possible concussion after taking a hit to the helmet at the end of a 22-yard catch in the second quarter that left him shaken up. He'll be looking to build upon the aforementioned reception for the rest of Week 9 action.

Legette is being evaluated for a possible concussion during Sunday's game at Green Bay, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

At the end of a 22-yard connection with QB Bryce Young in the second quarter, Legette endured a hit to the helmet and was clearly shaken up. If he's diagnosed with a concussion, Legette will be out for the rest of Week 9 and subject to clearance from an independent neurologist for his next game action.

Croskey-Merritt rushed the ball 12 times for 38 yards in Sunday's 38-14 loss to the Seahawks.

Croskey-Merritt managed double-digit rushing attempts for the fourth time in his last five games, though he also ceded a significant amount of work to Chris Rodriguez. The split backfield wasn't solely a product of garbage time, as Croskey-Merritt out-touched Rodriguez only 5-4 at halftime. Washington's choice to change the touch allocation may have come as a result of Croskey-Merritt's inefficiency, as he's now been held below 4.0 yards per carry in four consecutive games while failing to log a rush of at least 20 yards in that span. Overall, he has been held below 40 yards from scrimmage in three straight contests.

Croskey-Merritt rushed nine times for 25 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Commanders' 28-7 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night.

Croskey-Merritt was held under 3.0 yards per carry for the second consecutive game in what was a second straight lopsided loss for the Commanders. The rookie back outpaced backfield mates Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols by eight carries each, but McNichols was much more involved in the passing game while recording a team-high five catches and 64 yards while also logging a co-team-high six targets. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt continued to be an afterthought in the passing game, a trend that conspires to limit his fantasy value when rushing opportunities and/or running room is at a premium. The outlook doesn't get any rosier Week 9, as the Commanders welcome a tough Seahawks defense to town for a Sunday night showdown.

Reichard made both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries during the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday.

Reichard drilled a 50-yard field goal late in the second quarter before adding a 20-yard chip shot in the fourth frame. The second-year kicker has connected on six field goals from 50-plus yards, which is tied for second most in the NFL behind Chase McLaughlin (eight). Reichard is 16-for-18 on field-goal attempts and 16-for-16 on extra-point tries through eight regular-season games.

Reichard went 1-for-2 on field-goal tries and made his only extra-point attempt in Thursday's 37-10 loss to the Chargers.

Reichard connected on a 54-yard field goal early in the second quarter before later leaving a 53-yard attempt just short ahead of the break. The kicker has now gone 14-for-16 on field-goal tries, including 5-for-7 from 50-plus yards, while making all 13 of his PATs over seven games this season.

Smith rushed three times for seven yards and was not targeted as a receiver in Sunday's 28-21 loss to the Bills.

Smith is poised for more work Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) ruled out for that contest, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

Smith accrued three rushes for eight yards during Monday's 28-7 win against the Commanders.

Slayton caught five of seven targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 34-24 loss to the 49ers.

Slayton (hamstring) caught two of five targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 38-20 loss to the Eagles.

Slayton (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game at Philadelphia, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.