Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 30

Lions TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) and RBs D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams (hip) are all questionable for Week 5 at the Minnesota Vikings.

The Lions could be without three of their best offensive players, as well as offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Tough times for Lions fans and fantasy players.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (ankle) was limited Wednesday according to Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media.

Jones's back-up A.J. Dillon practiced in full despite a back injury. Monitor the practice sessions of Jones as the week concludes.

Lions TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Not ideal considering Hockenson is the focal point of the Lions passing game. Hockenson has two days to log practice time ahead of their matchup against the Minnesota Vikimgs.

Brandon Aiyuk is evidently now better than the guy behind him.

Two weeks after the 49ers’ wide receiver played one fewer snap than one of his backups, Trent Sherfield, the 2020 first-round pick received his typical rookie-season workload in Sunday’s 30-28 loss to the Packers while Sherfield barely appeared on offense.

Total snaps: Aiyuk 60, Sherfield 2.

Aiyuk played 85.7% of the snaps Sunday. According to the story, he had logged 51.2% in the first two regular-season games and played just 13 more snaps than Sherfield, a 2018 undrafted free agent who entered the season with 30 career catches. Aiyuk’s diminished playing time suggested head coach Kyle Shanahan was sending a motivational message, the story said. It's good news for owners that he's trending up. If he's sitting on your wire, he may be worth a stash, especially if this trend continues.

On WR Brandon Aiyuk: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said that WR Trent Sherfield’s ascent in camp, combined with Aiyuk’s recent hamstring issue that cost him 10 day.

The tweet went on to say those were all driving factors in Aiyuk's usage, or lack thereof, in Week 1. While Deebo Samuel went off for 9-189-1, Sherfield caught two balls for 23 yards and a score. It's hard to imagine Aiyuk doesn't earn his way back onto the field sooner than later. This could be the wake-up call to motivate him.

Xavier Jones (ankle) was waived/injured by the Rams on Tuesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.

The Rams backfield has been beset by injuries this summer, with Cam Akers (Achills) and Raymond Calais (foot) already on IR and Jones set to join them.

Related players: Darrell Henderson, Sony Michel, Jake Funk

Assuming Jones clears waivers, he will have a chance to return at some point this season once his left ankle is healthy. For now, Los Angeles will rely on Henderson (thumb), Sony Michel and Jake Funk at running back.

The Jared Goff, T.J. Hockenson connection looks ready.

The tweet went on to say the two worked on routes off to the side Tuesday. It was just them. In the 11-on-11 sessions, Goff repeatedly found his Hockenson, both over the middle and on out routes. Right now, Hockenson's the guy Goff seems to trust most in a tight window. It's not the first time we've the two had a connection. We have Hockenson ranked sixth among our TEs this season.

When a coach singles you out, as was the case with Trent Sherfield and Jauan Jennings, that’s a terrific sign that they’ll make the roster.

We know Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are locks to make the roster. So let’s add Mohamed Sanu to the list, which leaves one spot for Jalen Hurd, Nsimba Webster, River Cracraft, and Richie James.

The story says the 49ers top guys should remain at the top of the depth chart, but it's possible Shanahan was trying to get the attention of Samuel and Aiyuk, the author went on to say. It's seems to be a crowded position, but keep an eye out for Sherfield and Jennings.