NFL Player News

Mason rushed five times for 27 yards and a touchdown but wasn't targeted in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Browns.

Mason took over as San Francisco's lead back after Christian McCaffrey (oblique/rib) exited in the second half. The 24-year-old running back out of Georgia Tech gave the 49ers a 17-13 lead with an eight-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but Cleveland responded with a pair of field goals to hand the 49ers their first loss of the season. Elijah Mitchell (knee) returned from a two-game absence but had just minus-3 yards on two carries. If McCaffrey is unable to suit up against the Vikings in Week 7, Mason would likely lead San Francisco's backfield over Mitchell.

Singletary rushed 12 times for 58 yards and caught one of two targets for four yards in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints.

Singletary didn't have a rushing attempt in Week 5 and came in with just 95 rushing yards on 27 carries in 2023, but he set season highs in both rushing attempts and yards while Dameon Pierce plodded for 34 yards on 13 carries. Pierce is averaging just 2.9 YPC to Singletary's 3.9 on the season, so while neither running back has found much success, Pierce's struggles have opened the door for Singletary to take on a larger role. After a Week 7 bye, Houston's Week 8 matchup with Carolina's leaky run defense will present an opportunity for both running backs to raise those subpar YPC averages.

Pierce rushed 13 times for 34 yards and wasn't targeted in Sunday's 20-13 win over the Saints.

Pierce was outplayed by Devin Singletary, who rushed 12 times for 58 yards. With just 281 yards on 97 carries (2.9 YPC), Pierce has struggled despite seeing substantial volume, which opened the door for Singletary to siphon off a larger share of backfield opportunities in Sunday's win. Both Houston running backs could be poised for success against Carolina's generous run defense in Week 8 after a Week 7 bye.

Brooks was ruled out in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Panthers due to an ankle injury, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Wolfe notes that Brooks was avoiding putting pressure on his right leg and that his teammates came over to console him while on the cart. The Dolphins haven't provided an update on the extent of Brooks' injury, but he looks like he could be at risk of missing time. With De'Von Achane (knee) moving to injured reserve earlier this week, Brooks and Salvon Ahmed stepped into larger backup roles behind lead back Raheem Mostert. Brooks had a 28-yard run before leaving the game, but he combined for zero yards on his other five carries.

McCaffrey (oblique) won't return to Sunday's game against the Browns following an evaluation in the locker room, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Initially listed as questionable to return in the third quarter due to the oblique injury, McCaffrey checked back in for one play that was nullified by a penalty, then headed back to the sideline, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. After examining McCaffrey in the locker room, the 49ers opted to hold him out for the rest of the game. McCaffrey will finish with 11 carries for 43 yards to go with three receptions for nine yards and a touchdown. His status will now bear watching heading into Week 7, when the 49ers will travel to Minnesota for a Monday night game. With versatile wideout Deebo Samuel (shoulder) also leaving early Sunday, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason are expected to serve as the 49ers' main options on the ground for the remainder of the Week 6 contest.

McCaffrey exited Sunday's game at Cleveland due to an oblique injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

In what has been a rough and tumble affair in rainy weather, McCaffrey is the second top skill-position player for the 49ers to depart after wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) was knocked out in the first half. If McCaffrey is unable to return, he'll leave Week 6 with 11 carries for 43 yards and three catches (on three targets) for nine yards and a touchdown. In McCaffrey's absence, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason will man San Francisco's backfield.

Jones (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's contest at the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Arizona claimed Jones off waivers last Monday, giving him less than a week to get up to speed with his new offense. In the wake of James Conner (knee) landing on injured reserve, the team instead will roll with Keaontay Ingram, undrafted rookie Emari Demercado and veteran Damien Williams out of its backfield Week 6. Jones' next chance for his first game action with the Cardinals will arrive next Sunday in Seattle.

Penny (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Penny dealt with an illness that served as an official reason for his Week 5 absence, but he's back to being a healthy scratch for Sunday's contest. As long as D'Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott are healthy in front of him, Penny looks likely to continue to be frozen out of the team's offense.

Bawden (calf) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Eagles.

Bawden sat out the team's first practice of Week 6 prep, but he was a limited participant Thursday and a full go Friday. The fullback has been active for each of the team's first five games, but he's garnered just one offensive touch, though he did convert the rushing attempt into a one-yard touchdown.

Spears carried the ball four times for 15 yards in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Ravens. He added one reception for 48 yards.

Though not necessarily indicated by the final score, the Ravens dominated the game from the standpoint of plays run and time of possession. That limited the opportunity for Spears and all of Tennessee's skill position players, and he matched his season low in touches as a result. However, Spears still managed to showcase his playmaking ability when he took a quick dump-off pass for a 48-yard gain late in the fourth quarter while weaving his way through Baltimore's defense. Derrick Henry will continue to lead the Titans' backfield, but Spears has shown the ability to contribute significantly as the change-of-pace back.