NFL Player News

Barkley (elbow) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The lack of an injury designation isn't particularly surprising after Barkley was able to return to last Sunday's win over the Commanders after hyperextending his elbow during the contest. He finished the game with an 83 percent snap share and 24 touches, after handling 79 percent of snaps and 28 touches the week before in a loss to Buffalo in his first game back from an ankle injury. Barkley should be busy again this Sunday and will once again have quarterback Tyrod Taylor alongside him in the backfield rather than Daniel Jones (neck).

Pierce said Friday that this season has been like another rookie year for him, but he currently feels "amazing" and believes the Texans are "really close" to establishing a successful running game, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pierce doesn't exactly sound frustrated; he appears to be acknowledging that he's had a tough adjustment period under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who has overseen a productive offense overall under the leadership of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The running back didn't mention being frustrated with his role or usage, though fantasy managers have some cause for concern after Devin Singletary received just one fewer carry than Pierce (13 to 12) in Houston's final game before its Week 7 bye. Pierce likely will remain the starter this Sunday at Carolina and anticipates the Texans having a much more efficient rushing game during the second half of the season. A healthier offensive line certainly should help, especially relative to September, when the Texans often had three or four of their five preferred starters out of the lineup.

Montgomery (ribs) isn't practicing Friday, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

With two straight absences to begin Week 8 prep, Montgomery appears to be trending toward missing a second straight game due to a rib cartilage injury. The Lions will wait and see what Montgomery is able to do Saturday -- if anything -- before handing him a designation for Monday's game against the Raiders. If Montgomery is once again sidelined Week 8, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs would be in line for another turn as the Lions' lead back.

Ford (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ford "surprised" the Browns with how well he ran Thursday, and with the running back having tested his ankle out during Friday's practice, he now has a chance to play this weekend. Look for added context with regard to Ford's status to arrive prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff. If Ford ends up on the inactive list or is available to play in only a limited capacity, added backfield reps would be available for Kareem Hunt (thigh) and Pierre Strong.

McKinnon (groin) is practicing Friday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

McKinnon missed practice Thursday due to a groin injury, and while the extent of his participation Friday has yet to be revealed, it's encouraging to see him back on the field in any capacity. If he suits up Sunday, the veteran receiving back will likely continue to cede the majority of backfield snaps to starter Isiah Pacheco, but McKinnon would have some additional upside going against a Denver defense that has allowed 385 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns to running backs this season, both among the league's three most generous marks.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Brown (hamstring) won't play Sunday against San Francisco and is week-to-week, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

Taylor confirmed that Brown injured his hamstring in practice earlier in the week. With the rookie running back sidelined, Trayveon Williams and Chris Evans will be on hand as backup options behind workhorse Joe Mixon against the 49ers.

Ford (ankle) was spotted on the field for practice Friday, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.

Trotter reported earlier in Week 8 prep that Ford's "low grade, high ankle" sprain was expected to sideline him for 1-to-2 weeks, but the running back's appearance on the field Friday offers hope that he might be able to play Sunday against the Seahawks. The Browns' final Week 8 injury report will be released later Friday and will bring further clarity to Ford's status. While Ford missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday, Kareem Hunt (thigh) returned to a limited session Thursday after being sidelined Wednesday. Hunt will likely be in line to lead the backfield Sunday if Ford is held out or is limited.

Cleveland signed Kelly to its practice squad Friday.

Kelly spent time with the Browns during the preseason, and he now reunites with the team as an emergency depth option. The third-year pro has logged five appearances with Cleveland over the last two seasons.

Cook said Thursday he will speak with Jets general manager Joe Douglas about a possible trade due to frustrations with his role on offense, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Cook, who has carried the ball just 39 times for 109 yards (2.8 YPC) across six appearances while hauling all nine of his targets for 46 yards, is now operating as the clear backup to Breece Hall after opening the season in a timeshare. The veteran back has just 10 touches over the last two games while Hall has 42, so frustrations with his reduced role are understandable, but Cook has shown little from a production standpoint to convince the coaching staff that he's deserving of more touches. It's possible that Cook earns a few more reps during Sunday's game against the Giants after making his grievances with his role public, but even if he were to officially request a trade, there's no guarantee teams around the league would be willing to part with much draft capital to bring him aboard.

White rushed nine times for 39 yards and brought in all seven targets for 70 yards in the Buccaneers' 24-18 loss to the Bills on Thursday night.

White had limited opportunities on the ground due to game script, although his 4.3 yards per carry tied his season high from Week 2, when he posted a 17-carry, 73-yard effort versus the Bears. Where the versatile second-year back really shined Thursday was as a receiver, with his catch and yardage totals both leading the Buccaneers on the night. Both numbers were also season-high figures, and White now boasts a 13-135 receiving line on an unblemished catch rate over the last two contests heading into a Week 9 road matchup against the Texans on Sunday, Nov. 5.