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Mason, Jacobs trending toward returns — NFC North roundup
No games on the slate, but a wave of potential returns headlined a busy off-day around the NFC North ahead of Week 7.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
There were no games on the schedule Tuesday, but it was a meaningful day for backfields and depth charts across the NFC North as the Minnesota Vikings (5-0), Green Bay Packers (4-2), Chicago Bears (4-2) and Detroit Lions (3-2) reshaped their rosters ahead of Week 7.
Vikings: Jordan Mason designated for return
In Minnesota, the undefeated Vikings took a key step toward bolstering their running back room. As relayed by Pro Football Rumors, the team designated Jordan Mason for return from injured reserve. Mason landed on IR about a month ago with a fractured thumb, and there had been optimism he would miss only the minimum four games. Opening his return window gives the 5-0 Vikings a chance to reintegrate another option into an offense that has yet to lose this season.
Packers: Josh Jacobs cleared to practice fully
Green Bay’s biggest headline also came at running back. According to Pro Football Rumors, the NFL officially removed Josh Jacobs from the commissioner’s exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to play for the first time this year. Head coach Matt LaFleur said, via USA Today’s Ryan Wood, that Jacobs will get a full week of practice, though his Week 7 game status remains undecided.
The Packers also continued to tinker with their depth, signing defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the practice squad, per Pro Football Rumors. Their recent win over Dallas has already had ripple effects around the league: CBS Sports notes that Cowboys executive Stephen Jones publicly addressed offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s job status after that loss to Green Bay, underscoring the impact of the Packers’ 4-2 start.
Lions: Branch and Mays expected back
Detroit is lining up reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Pro Football Rumors reports that the Lions opened the practice window for safety Brian Branch and center Cade Mays on October 7, and both are eligible to be activated at any time. Barring any late setbacks, the team plans to play both in Week 7, a timely boost for a Lions squad sitting at 3-2.
Bears: practice squad shuffle
In Chicago, it was about fine-tuning the bottom of the roster. According to Pro Football Rumors, the Bears signed defensive back KC Eziomume to their practice squad. It’s a low-profile move, but it highlights the ongoing effort to build depth for a 4-2 team trying to keep pace in a division where every edge matters.