Patriots open A.J. Brown's IR window as Barkley and Rice sit out

Wednesday brought return windows in New England, Cleveland and New York, plus early Week 6 practice absences for several every-week starters. Here is what matters for RSO owners before Thursday night and the rest of the week.

A.J. Brown's window is open. Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that the Patriots are opening the practice window for Brown (high ankle sprain) after Mike Vrabel told reporters the club was taking that step. Brown remains on IR. Designation for return starts the 21-day clock; activation to the 53 is separate. ESPN transactions listed him among New England's designated-for-return players. Do not start him until he is activated and clears Friday's report.

Barkley and DeVonta Smith sat again. Adam Schefter and Underdog NFL reported Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (hamstring/toe) did not practice Wednesday. Philadelphia also opened IR practice windows for Landon Dickerson, Grant Calcaterra, Eli Stowers and Jakorian Bennett, per Schefter and Rapoport. Recheck Thursday and Friday before locking Eagles skill players.

Rashee Rice missed practice. Underdog NFL and PFT reported Rice (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, the only Chiefs player off after the bye. Watch Thursday for whether this is maintenance or a Week 6 issue versus the Chargers.

Cleveland's backfield split. The Browns designated Dylan Sampson for return from IR (knee), with a possible Week 6 role if he progresses. Schefter also reported Quinshon Judkins (ankle) did not practice and is in danger of missing Sunday against Baltimore.

Omar Cooper Jr. is practicing. The Jets designated the rookie receiver for return from IR (ankle). He practiced Wednesday with a possible Week 6 look against New England.

Alaric Jackson cut to one game. Hearing officer Derrick Brooks reduced the Rams left tackle's two-game suspension to one. He misses Arizona and is due back Oct. 25 against Las Vegas.

Thursday night board. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has no injury designation for Seattle at Denver. Pat Surtain II is out. Zach Charbonnet is out, and Seattle promoted Velus Jones to the active roster. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Also of note. Marvin Harrison Jr. will debut for Houston in London on Sunday, per Rapoport. The Texans reinstated tackle Braden Smith from IR. Tank Dell fully practiced Wednesday for the first time since the 2024 season, per Underdog NFL.

What to do now: keep Brown on IR until New England activates him, treat Barkley, Smith and Rice as day-to-day into Friday, stash Sampson if Judkins' ankle lingers, set TNF lineups with JSN clear and Charbonnet out, and plan for Jackson's one-game miss.