NFL Player News

Williams (hip) didn't practice Wednesday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Williams suffered a hip flexor injury in this past Sunday's 31-28 win over the Bears, so the running back's status will be worth monitoring closely in advance of this weekend's contest against the Jets. If Williams is sidelined or available in only a limited capacity Week 5, Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin would be in store for added reps out of the Denver backfield.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that Gray will resume working as the team's primary punt returner in Week 5 against Miami, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

After Gray muffed a punt in the first quarter of Monday's loss to Seattle, New York turned to veteran cornerback Adoree' Jackson to work as the returner the rest of the way. Keeping Jackson in that role was likely off the table as a long-term solution given that he sprained his MCL while returning a punt last season and subsequently sat out seven games, and Daboll confirmed Wednesday that Gray won't be permanently demoted. The rookie running back has worked exclusively on special teams so far this season -- even with Saquon Barkley (ankle) missing the past two weeks -- and has yet to log an offensive snap in the NFL.

Stevenson was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to a thigh injury, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

The fact that the running back was able to practice in any capacity to begin the week suggests he'll likely be available for Sunday's game against the Saints, but his activity in practices Thursday and Friday will be worth tracking nonetheless. In New England's Week 4 loss to the Cowboys, Stevenson logged 35 of a possible 55 snaps on offense, carrying 14 times for 30 yards and catching two passes for 10 yards. Meanwhile, fellow back Ezekiel Elliott played a season-high 40 percent of the snaps on offense, rushing six times for 16 yards and catching two of his three targets for six yards.

Brightwell was limited in practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

It was previously reported Wednesday by Bob Brookover of NJ.com that Brightwell was to be limited at practice Wednesday but without a specified reason. Salomone's report confirms those expectations were correct while also shedding some light on the cause, which is due to an ankle injury. Brightwell has seen his role grow over the last two weeks while Saquon Barkley recovers from a sprained ankle. If Barkley remains out and Brightwell recovers in time, he should see a continuance of that role Sunday against the Dolphins.

Taylor (ankle) was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.

In light of his presence at Wednesday's walk-through session, the Colts have a 21-day window in which to activate the running back off the reserve/PUP list. As Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis notes, the Colts haven't ruled Taylor out from playing Sunday against the Titans, but head coach Shane Steichen suggested that the team will see how the running back fares in practices Thursday and Friday before deciding on his status. Either way, Taylor has seemingly moved past his ankle issue, but his relationship with the Colts organization remains a fluid situation in the wake of his previous request to be traded in August.

Harris was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a neck injury, Chris Brown of the Bills Radio Network reports.

Despite playing fewer snaps (16) than fellow running backs James Cook (23) and Latavius Murray (19) in this past Sunday's 48-20 win over Miami, Harris is the only member of the backfield trio who appears on the Week 5 injury report. He'll have two more chances to increase his level of involvement in practice before the Bills decide whether Harris carries an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London.

Sanders (groin) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Sanders tended to a groin injury in training camp and the preseason, was affected by a pectoral issue during Week 3 prep and again had practice limitations last week due to a groin concern. Prior to this past Sunday's loss to the Vikings, his snap share ranged between 58 and 64 percent through the first three games, but it dropped to 43 percent Week 4 as he managed just 32 yards from scrimmage on 16 touches. Overall, Sanders is averaging only 2.9 yards on his 54 rushes this season, which may be the norm for him until he's able to get closer to 100 percent. The running back will have two more chances this week to prove his health.

Barkley (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Head coach Brian Daboll told Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News earlier Wednesday that Barkley was slated to take part in team drills for the first time since suffering a high right-ankle sprain Week 2. Even so, Barkley operated with a cap on his reps, as he did on all three practice reports last week. He likely will need to get back to full practice participation by Friday in order to avoid a designation ahead of Sunday's game at Miami.

Rodriguez (illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Bears.

The Commanders listed Rodriguez as a limited practice participant Monday through Wednesday, prompting the team to give him a designation for the Week 5 contest. The rookie running back's status will be established when the Commanders release their inactive list approximately 90 minutes before Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Even if he's active for the contest, Rodriguez isn't a good bet to see any touches on offense behind Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.

Brightwell (undisclosed) will be limited in practice Wednesday, Bob Brookover of NJ.com reports.

It's not clear what the injury Brightwell is dealing with is, but the Arizona product will be unable to participate in full to the start the week. He'll try to ramp up his activity ahead of Sunday's game against Miami on Thursday or Friday.