NFL Player News

Herbert (ankle/shin) was a full practice participant Thursday.

After missing four games while recovering from a high-ankle sprain, Herbert was designated for return from injured reserve last week. He was listed as a full participant on practice reports issued last Monday through Wednesday, but he ultimately wasn't activated ahead of this past Thursday's win over the Panthers. Though Herbert is now dealing with a shin issue in addition to the ankle sprain and was a limited participant Wednesday to kick off his second week of practice, his ability to take every rep Thursday suggests he's tracking toward a return to the lineup Sunday in Detroit. The Bears will have to activate Herbert from IR by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday in order for him to be eligible to play this weekend. Herbert opened the season as the Bears' top option on early downs, but upon his return to action, he could have to share those duties or perhaps even cede them entirely to D'Onta Foreman. Foreman has scored four touchdowns and has averaged 4.3 yards per carry as Chicago's lead back over the past five weeks, but he's currently tending to an ankle injury that resulted in his practice reps being capped Wednesday and Thursday.

Blasingame (concussion) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Blasingame was able to log his second consecutive full practice Thursday, and he's officially cleared concussion protocol, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. Chicago's fullback has appeared in nine games thus far, recording 31 yards on 10 total touches while also contributing on special teams.

Foreman (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Foreman is still looking to move past an ankle injury that he suffered at some point during the Bears' Week 10 win over the Panthers back on Nov. 9. While the ankle issue didn't appear to affect his workload during the contest, Foreman may need to upgrade to full practice participation Friday to avoid an injury designation for this Sunday's game in Detroit. In addition to the ankle injury potentially impacting his Week 11 outlook, Foreman could face a threat to his status as Chicago's lead back in the form of Khalil Herbert (ankle/shin). Herbert has missed the Bears' last five games and remains on injured reserve for the time being, but he's in the midst of his second week of practicing with the team and may be healthier than Foreman at the moment. Herbert was a full participant in Thursday's practice and looks poised to be activated ahead of Sunday's contest.

Gibson (toe) wasn't spotted at Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Gibson missed Wednesday's session as well, making the running back's activity during Friday's practice worth monitoring when it comes to discerning his availability for Sunday's contest against the Giants. If Gibson ends up limited or out this weekend, Chris Rodriguez would be in line to see added snaps behind lead back Brian Robinson.

Pierce (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Back-to-back absences set the stage for what (if anything) Pierce does Friday to provide key context regarding the running back's chances of returning to action Sunday against the Cardinals. If Pierce is forced to miss his third straight game this weekend, Devin Singletary would once again be in line to lead the Texans backfield Week 11.

McIntosh (knee) is no longer listed on Seattle's injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 11 game against the Rams, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

The seventh-round rookie has yet to play this season. He's buried on the depth chart behind Kenneth Walker, fellow rookie Zach Charbonnet and veteran special teamer DeeJay Dallas. McIntosh does appear to be over his injury, however.

Washington played all 17 of his snaps on special teams Monday in the Broncos' 24-22 win over the Bills.

Washington has suited up for each of Denver's past eight games, but he's been deployed almost exclusively on special teams. He's played just one snap on offense and will continue to remain buried on the depth chart at running back behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine.

Evans played two of the Bengals' 64 snaps on offense and went without a carry or target in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Texans.

As usual, lead back Joe Mixon dominated the snaps and touches for the Bengals, leaving little opportunity left over for Evans and Trayveon Williams, who combined for one target and no carries. Williams out-snapped Evans by a 14-2 margin Sunday, so he would appear to be next in line for the starting role if Mixon were to miss time at any point.

Jones (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Jones has yet to put the hamstring injury that he sustained Week 1 in the rear-view mirror, but he has resumed his typical workload the last two contests, combining for 33 carries for 108 yards and one touchdown and eight catches (on 12 targets) for 45 yards during that span. Assuming he's active Sunday against the Chargers, he'll be taking on a defense that has given up the 11th-most touchdowns (eight) and second-most receptions (61) to opposing running backs in nine games this season.

Demercado (toe) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Demercado took part in his first documented on-field work since coming out of Week 8 action with a toe injury that sidelined him from practices and games for the last two weeks. While he's on a path to return Sunday at Houston, he likely won't be more than a change-of-pace back if he's able to suit up this weekend after James Conner (knee) returned from injured reserve and regained his standing as the team's lead runner in a Week 10 with over Atlanta. Demercado's main competitor for the No. 2 role is currently Keaontay Ingram, though Arizona did claim Michael Carter off waivers from the Jets on Wednesday.