NFL Player News

Johnson is likely to serve as the top backup behind starting running back Khalil Herbert in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with the Bears expected to make D'Onta Foreman a healthy inactive in Week 2, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Johnson was one of the few bright spots for the Bears in their 38-20 loss to the Packers in Week 1. Though most of his touches came in garbage time, Johnson still capitalized on his opportunities, carrying five times for 20 yards and a touchdown while turning seven targets into six receptions for 35 yards. The Bears apparently saw enough from the rookie fourth-round pick out of Texas to give him a look in the No. 2 role this week at the expense of Foreman, who gained just 24 yards on seven touches (five carries, two receptions) against Green Bay. Considering that Herbert doesn't have much of a track record as a lead back in the NFL, Johnson could have a chance to unseat him atop the depth chart if he can continue to find success on the ground and as a pass catcher. Johnson may already be the Bears' preferred option over Herbert on passing downs, given that Herbert has recorded just 26 catches for 190 yards on 33 targets through 31 career games.

Foreman is expected to be a healthy inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Chicago kept four running backs active for last week's season-opening loss to the Packers, but Foreman looks as though he'll be the odd man out Week 2. After rookie Roschon Johnson impressed with 11 touches (five carries, six catches) for 55 yards Week 1, he's expected to step in as the primary backup to starter Khalil Herbert on Sunday, while Travis Homer likely retains a role as the No. 3 back due to his ability to contribute on special teams. Foreman, who carried five times for 16 yards and added two catches for eight yards in the 38-20 loss to the Packers, could become a regular on the inactive list in the weeks to come if Johnson continues to capitalize on his opportunities and if both the rookie and Herbert are able to stay healthy.

Dillon is slated to step in as the Packers' lead option out of the backfield Sunday against the Falcons with Aaron Jones (hamstring) listed as questionable for the contest but not expected to play, Bill Huber of SI.com reports.

After tweaking his hamstring on a 35-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the Packers' Week 1 win over the Bears, Jones failed to practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday and is poised to sit out the Week 2 contest. Dillon worked behind Jones in the win in Chicago, mustering just 19 yards on 13 carries while adding two catches for 17 yards on three targets. Despite the poor showing against the Bears, Dillon has been a more respectable performer over his four-year career, averaging 4.2 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per reception. He should have a path to getting 15-plus touches Week 2, potentially making him a useful No. 2 running back or flex option for fantasy managers. Dillon could find more open running room in Atlanta than he did in Chicago since the Falcons will be without one of their top tacklers in middle linebacker Troy Andersen (concussion), who was been ruled out for Sunday's game.

Ekeler (ankle), who has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Titans, has a chance to return to the field Week 3 versus the Vikings, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ekeler's ankle issue prevented him from practicing this week, but he doesn't look to be at risk of a long-term absence. Joshua Kelley is in line to serve as the Chargers' lead back versus Tennessee in Ekeler's stead, making Kelley a valuable option for fantasy managers even against one of the league's better run defenses. Los Angeles also has Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller available in reserve.

Jones (hamstring) isn't expected to play in Sunday's matchup with the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Jones is officially listed as questionable for the Week 2 contest, but he was a non-participant at practices Wednesday through Friday due to the hamstring injury he sustained in the Packers' season-opening win over the Bears. Unless Jones makes dramatic progress leading up to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, expect him to be included on the Packers' inactive list, which will be released approximately 90 minutes before the start of the game. Assuming Jones is sidelined, AJ Dillon will likely step in as the Packers' lead back, while Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor would operate as depth options in the backfield.

McFarland (knee) has been ruled out for Monday night's contest versus Cleveland, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

McFarland has been unavailable for practice this week with a knee injury and will now be forced to miss Monday's game. He'll now set his sights on returning for Week 3 against Las Vegas.

The Ravens elevated Gordon from their practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Ryan Mink of the team's official site reports.

In the wake of J.K. Dobbins' Week 1 Achilles tear, Gordon was the most logical immediate option to join Baltimore's backfield based on his presence on the team's practice squad. He'll thus be on hand behind Gus Edwards and Justice Hill on Sunday at Cincinnati, but Gordon may be limited to just short-yardage work at this point in his career.

Jones was elevated to the Giants' active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cardinals, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jones will be active for a second game in a row in Week 2 after playing 15 snaps on special teams last week. The 25-year-old will likely operate in a similar role in the Giants' second game while also serving as an extreme depth option behind Saquon Barkleyand others at running back.

Washington was elevated to the Broncos' active roster Saturday.

Washington's addition to the active roster means the Broncos are rolling with four options in the backfield. He is not likely to see much work, if any, at running back, but the 29-year-old could be used on special teams.

Igwebuike was elevated to the Falcons' active roster Saturday, Scott Bair of the team's official site reports.

Igwebuike has now been called up in consecutive games to start the season. He will be available to provide depth at running back, if needed, but his primary role will be returning kicks. He logged one offensive snap in Week 1 to go along with eight on special teams.