Photo: Aaron Doster, USA Today Sports

WEDNESDAY MEDIA UPDATES

***A.J. Green was rumored to be ready to return last week by media members and coaches. Green himself didn't speak to the media and didn't practice -- then didn't play. On Wednesday, Green bristled at any suggestion he'd allow himself to be shut down with Andy Dalton out for the season and all but guaranteed he'd play this week after a limited practice. He looks likely to play and return to his pre-injury workload.

***Both Stefon Diggs (knee) and T.Y. Hilton (groin) missed practice. There are no indications they won't play but watch Thursday's practice closely. Doug Baldwin (groin) also missed practice but Pete Carroll said Baldwin feels "really good." Expect Baldwin to play this week.

***Kerryon Johnson did not return to practice. It's not a promising sign; he should be considered doubtful to return this week.

***Bill O'Brien told reporters Keke Coutee was "trending toward playing" this week. It would be more reassuring to see a full practice for Coutee by Friday.

***Local media was surprised to see Gus Edwards listed as DNP today after a normal media interview prior to practice. Most speculate the Ravens elected to give Edwards a rest day.

***Mitchell Trubisky was limited in practice but did not throw. He's unlikely to play this week.

***Sam Darnold is hopeful to play this week. If he's able to fully practice on Thursday, expect him to return. If not, he's likely inactive again this week. Josh McCown is dealing with minor soreness himself and was limited in practice.

THURSDAY NIGHT INJURY EXPECTATIONS

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

New Orleans at Dallas

***The Dallas offensive line is battling injury. Zack Martin continues to play through an MCL sprain. Tyron Smith has often missed practice with a disc herniation over the past 2-3 seasons and is again struggling with pain. Both are expected to play.

***The Saints will have Tre'Quan Smith back this week. He returned to a full practice and is not listed on the injury report.

***Tackle Terron Armstead will miss another game with a pectoral strain. His loss is significant but the Saints offense has continued to roll in his absence.

EARly week PRACTICE PARTICIPATION & EARLY EXPECTATIONS

The Wednesday and Thursday practice participation reports are our first chance to see which players each NFL team are 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: Monday night players with asterisk practice Thursday/Friday/Saturday.

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.