What happened: The Wednesday pre-practice projection lists Barnett (ankle), Collins (foot), Graham (knee, ankle), Hall (ankle), Howard (knee), T. Jenkins (back), Judkins (ankle), Ryan (calf) and Schwesinger (ankle) as DNPs. Sampson, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Tennessee, was placed on injured reserve Sept. 15 and is now cleared to return to practice.

Why it matters: Graham, Hall and Collins all work on the interior defensive line, where depth has already been tested. Sampson adds another backfield option while Judkins is sidelined, after 65 carries for 175 yards in 15 games in 2025.

What to watch: The official practice report will confirm Sampson's participation and the status of the nine projected DNPs.