Vikings Thursday injury Report: Dean Lowry, K.J. Osborn upgraded

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn and DL Dean Lowry were upgraded to limited participation during Thursday's practice after missing Wednesday's session due to their injuries.

Osborn suffered a scary-looking concussion in last Sunday's win over the Falcons. His participation in Thursday's practice is a sign he's progressing through the protocol and may have a chance at being cleared to play against the Saints this weekend. Rookie QB Jaren Hall, who is also in the protocol, has not yet practiced this week.

The Vikings would love to have Osborn, who is a reliable route-runner with a strong command of Kevin O'Connell's offense. He's also a sound blocker from the receiver position. If Osborn doesn't play, the Vikings' wide receivers against New Orleans would be Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson, and N'Keal Harry. Justin Jefferson is back at practice this week but won't be playing.

Lowry, who missed the Falcons game with a groin injury, is also progressing. The fact that he practiced on Thursday suggests he might head into the weekend with a questionable tag, assuming he practices again on Friday. If he's healthy, it's unclear how big his role would be in a resurgent Vikings defensive tackle room that includes Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Khyiris Tonga, and Jaquelin Roy. Practice squad DT T.J. Smith was elevated and played in Atlanta due to Lowry's absence.

Those are the only notable changes from Wednesday's injury report for either team. Harrison Smith was given a veteran rest day on Thursday.