NFL Player News

Williams is expected to serve as the Rams' lead back Sunday against the 49ers after Jay Glazer reported on "Fox NFL Sunday" that Cam Akers will be a healthy inactive for the contest.

The Rams reportedly intend to entertain trading Akers, something they did last season before both parties were ultimately able to agree to a reconciliation. However, after Akers mustered just 29 yards on 22 carries in the Rams' Week 1 win over the Seahawks, he appears to have fallen out of favor again. Williams, meanwhile, carried 15 times for 52 yards and two touchdowns while going without a reception on two targets. He looks worthy of a spot in fantasy lineups this week with what should be a clear path to plenty of volume out of the backfield.

Akers is expected to be inactive for the Rams for Sunday's game against the 49ers and could be on the trade block, Jay Glazer reported Sunday on "Fox NFL Sunday."

Akers drew the start in the Rams' Week 1 win over the Seahawks, but he gained just 29 yards on 22 carries. Despite Akers' poor efficiency, the Rams' decision to drop him down the depth chart comes as a surprise after he finished the 2022 season with three straight 100-plus-yard rushing games. Kyren Williams will step up into a bigger role as a result of Akers apparently losing hold of the top backfield job.

Robinson may receive the starting nod Sunday against the Packers but is once again expected to split work out of the backfield with Tyler Allgeier, Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football."

The timeshare arrangement tilted in favor of Robinson in the Week 1 win over the Panthers, as he logged 31 snaps on offense (65 percent share) to Allgeier's 26 (54 percent). However, Allgeier turned in the more fantasy-friendly line (15 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns to go with three catches for 19 yards), though Robinson still delivered useful production in his own right (10 carries for 56 yards, six catches for 27 yards and a touchdown). Atlanta may not be able to find as many carries for both backs Week 2 in what projects to be a tougher matchup with the Packers, but Robinson should still be in store for double-digit touches while also functioning as the Falcons' preferred back on passing downs. Allgeier was used more than Robinson in goal-line scenarios last week, and if that trend continues Week 2, it could limit Robinson's touchdown-scoring upside.

Boone (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Boone handled a key role as a pass-catching back in the Texans' Week 1 loss to the Jaguars, recording three receptions for 18 yards on four targets across his 22 offensive snaps. Even though Houston's backfield configuration hasn't changed since Week 1, Boone will be in street clothes for Week 2, likely because the Texans are prioritizing extra depth along the injury-depleted offensive line. With Boone sidelined, Devin Singletary could see an expanded role behind starting running back Dameon Pierce.

Brown is active Sunday against the Ravens, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Brown was a healthy scratch Week 1, but with No. 3 running back Chris Evans (hamstring) inactive, the Illinois product will get the chance to operate in that role Sunday.

Evans (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against the Ravens, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Evans' absence will leave the team without its No. 3 running back and kick returner. In his place, Charlie Jones, who handles punt return duties, will likely also take over on kicks, while running back Chase Brown will make his NFL debut after being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft.

Patterson (coach's decision/thigh) is inactive for Sunday's Week 2 matchup versus Green Bay, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Patterson suffered a soft-tissue injury during training camp that kept him sidelined for the season opener. The veteran was able to log full practices Wednesday through Friday, suggesting he's healthy, but he finds himself inactive for a second straight week. It's possible Patterson's inactive status is related to conditioning as the veteran missed most of training camp rehabbing from the injury, but his status moving forward remains unclear. Godwin Igwebuike, who's been elevated from the practice squad in back-to-back weeks to open the season, will serve as the depth running back behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier once again.

Edwards-Helaire (illness) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

An illness prevented Edwards-Helaire from practicing Wednesday and Friday, but he'll be available Sunday to work in a complementary role in a Week 2 backfield that figures to be led by Isiah Pacheco, with Jerick McKinnon on hand to provide pass-catching/change of-pace support. In that context, Edwards-Helaire profiles as a hit-or-miss fantasy option versus Jacksonville.

Jones (hamstring) is listed as inactive Sunday at Atlanta, Mike Spofford of the Packers' official site reports.

Jones thus will miss at least one game due to the hamstring injury that he sustained during a 35-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the Packers' Week 1 win at Chicago. While he'll aim to get back on the practice field for the first time since that injury during Week 3 prep, Jones will hand off the backfield to AJ Dillon, who mustered just 36 yards from scrimmage on 15 touches against the Bears last Sunday. Behind Dillon, undrafted rookie Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor are the other available options at running back for Green Bay.

Foreman is a healthy scratch Week 2 against Tampa Bay.

Foreman seemingly started the season as the No. 2 back behind Khalil Herbert, but the Bears gave rookie Roschon Johnson an extended look in the second half of Week 1's blowout loss to the Packers and apparently liked what it saw. Chicago will now enter the second week of the season with just three active backs -- Herbert, Johnson and Travis Homer, who is largely a special-teams asset. The latest development essentially extinguishes Foreman's fantasy upside for the immediate future.