Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 43

Rams running back Cam Akers was removed from the team's injury report and will play Thursday against the Patriots.

The Rams ramped up Akers's practice participation throughout the week, going from no practice on Monday to a full session today. His removal from the injury report means he should be ready to play without restrictions against the Patriots tomorrow night. Sean McVay's running back usage can be perplexing, but Akers looks like a decent RB2/flex in Week 14.

The Giants expect starting quarterback Daniel Jones to play this week barring a setback at practice.

Hamstring injuries can be tricky, but the Giants obviously feel confident Jones will only miss one game in this instance. Jones's return would give a small boost to all of the Giants' pass catchers and the offense in general. Check back later in the week to confirm Jones is on track to play.

Heading into the contest, Brandon Aiyuk had played one game in the last month and the thought was that he’d have fresh legs against the Bills. Nick Mullens targeted him nine times and Aiyuk finished with five catches for 95 yards, including a rare — for the 49ers — deep ball down the sideline for 49 yards.

How rare was it? According to the NFL’s NextGen stats, the ball traveled 54.1 yards in the air. That ranks in the middle of the pack among NFL long balls but is the longest completed throw in terms of air yards by a 49ers quarterback this season. Jimmy Garoppolo had a completion that traveled 43.1 yards earlier this season. Garoppolo had one of 57.2 yards — to Emmanuel Sanders against the Saints — last season.

Aiyuk also drew a pass-interference penalty on a deep ball on the 49ers’ opening drive that flipped the field position and indirectly led to the 49ers’ first score — a 2-yard pass to Aiyuk. Reports said Aiyuk is more of a pure receivers vs. Deebo Samuel who is also used a lot in sweeps and gadget plays. Aiyuk could be worth a grab if he's still on your wire.

On Monday, head coach Joe Judge outlined what the team will be looking for before making a call about who starts this weekend. Daniel Jones was able to do a little bit at practice this week despite his injured hamstring and Judge said the team wants to be sure Jones’ injury doesn’t leave him as a sitting duck for the opposing pass rush.

“We’re going to give him every opportunity to go on the practice field this week and show that he can defend himself on the field properly,” Judge said, via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “If that’s the case, we obviously want him to play."

Related players: Colt McCoy

The G-men want to make sure Jones can side step and avoid defenders, etc., while on the field. As the story said, the Giants will be back on the practice field on Wednesday and that session should provide a better idea about how likely it is that Jones will be part of their continued push for a division title.

The Rams did not practice today, but released an injury report as if they held a full workout:

RB Cam Akers (Shoulder) - DNP
DL Michael Brockers (Neck) - DNP
OLB Terrell Lewis (Knee) - Limited

Related players: Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown

As the tweet said, Akers appearing on the injury report with a shoulder injury is a bit of a surprise. Thiry went on to say HC Sean McVay will be available again Tuesday night so we may not have another update on Akers until then. Akers didn't start, but led the way in touches last week, scoring a TD for the third-straight week. Henderson could see more work on a short week in what looks to be a tough matchup at home against New England.

In a running back committee with Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown, Cam Akers is emerging as a powerful weapon in a crucial stretch that includes an upcoming Thursday night matchup against the New England Patriots (6-6).

Akers still came off the bench behind Henderson, but he again ended up leading the way, this time with 72 yards on a season-high 21 carries. He also caught a pass for 22 yards. The story said Akers' 22 touches were the most from any Rams back this season. Brown had 21 touches in a season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys and Henderson also had 21 in a Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Akers has a TD in three-straight games.

Giants coach Joe Judge said the team will give QB Daniel Jones (hamstring) “every opportunity” to play this coming week.

Related players: Colt McCoy

Rapoport said it sounds like there is optimism that Jones will be able to suit up. It's a potentially big add to the team even though McCoy led the G-Men to a surprise victory in Seattle. New York is in great position to win the NFC East so Jones would certainly help in that quest. The Giants host the Cardinals in Week 14.

Giants QB Daniel Jones is doubtful to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Art Stapleton of The Record in New Jersey.

Related Player: Colt McCoy

This is not a surprise, but the good news is that Jones had been spotted with the team this week. Jones will have to wait a week before potentially playing again.