NFL Player News

Jones (hamstring) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Minnesota, though head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that the running back isn't at "100 percent, by any stretch," Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Jones will play for a second straight week but may again be part of a timeshare or perhaps even the No. 2 option behind AJ Dillon, who had 17 touches for 95 yards in last Sunday's 19-17 loss to Denver. In Week 7, Jones took 11 touches for 57 yards, and while it's certainly possible his role expands this week against a division rival, there's also a chance Dillon gets more than half the snaps and carries again. It's a tough situation with no clear answers for fantasy managers rostering one or both of the Green Bay running backs.

McKinnon (groin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos after practicing fully Friday.

McKinnon sandwiched a Thursday absence between a pair of full practices and will be available as Kansas City goes for a 17th consecutive head-to-head win against the Broncos. Denver has allowed the third-most receiving yards to running backs this season, so McKinnon's pass-catching skills could prove crucial in this matchup, even with Isiah Pacheco handling the majority of snaps out of Kansas City's backfield.

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.