NFL Player News

Ford was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ford is appearing on the injury report for the first time this season, though his ability to begin the week as a limited participant in practice at least bodes well for his chances of getting cleared ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore. The second-year back may just be banged up after stepping into the lead role since Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the Browns' Week 2 loss to the Steelers. Over the last two games, Ford has amassed 182 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, so he seems to have built at least some security atop the depth chart. The recently re-signed Kareem Hunt (ribs/groin) worked in a complementary role behind Ford in his season debut in last week's win over Tennessee, while Pierre Strong logged eight snaps on offense as the team's No. 3 back.

Patterson (thigh) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Patterson has been tending to a thigh issue since mid-August, which has caused him to miss the first three games of the campaign. It's unclear what kind of role he can expect once he's able to suit up in a backfield that boasts a formidable one-two punch in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Before he'll have a chance to contribute to the Atlanta offense in any capacity, Patterson will need to completely move past the thigh concern.

Jones (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Lions, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.

Jones will carry a questionable tag for the third week in a row, but after sitting out games in Atlanta and versus New Orleans on the past two occasions, he may be poised to play Thursday. The Packers have been listing Jones as a limited practice participant since last Thursday, and they certainly missed him the past two weeks with AJ Dillon having struggled as the team's lead back. If Jones is active Sunday, it's unclear if he would get the green light to handle a high-volume role, or if he would be eased back in with a lighter snap count than usual.

Scott (concussion) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report.

In the wake of the Eagles' Week 2 win versus the Vikings, Scott entered the concussion protocol. Prior to being ruled out for this past Monday's game at Tampa Bay, he managed just one limited practice. While he didn't have a cap on his reps at Wednesday's walk-through session, it's unclear if Scott has made his way through the aforementioned protocol.

Ahmed (groin) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Ahmed's limited participation was expected after head coach Mike McDaniel said earlier Wednesday that the running back would take part in some drills. While Ahmed is progressing in his recovery from a groin injury that kept him sidelined in Week 3, the Dolphins have little reason to rush him back for Sunday's game against the Bills after Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane combined for eight touchdowns in Miami's 70-20 romp over the Broncos.

Montgomery (thigh) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Green Bay, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports.

The Lions held walk-through practices each day this week and listed Montgomery as a limited participant for every one. Left tackle Taylor Decker (ankle) and left guard Jonah Jackson (thigh) also carrying questionable tags into Thursday after being listed as limited Monday through Wednesday, while right guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee) and swing tackle Matt Nelson (ankle) are already ruled out. The Lions can't expect great run-blocking with so many linemen banged up, and at this point it's not clear if Montgomery of Jahmyr Gibbs will be spearheading the rushing attack. Montgomery may end up a game-time decision ahead of Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, with his availability having a huge impact on Gibbs' fantasy value after the rookie took on more carries Week 3 (17) than in Weeks 1 and 2 combined (14).

Ekeler (ankle) is present for practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Ekeler has missed two straight games, but his presence on the field Wednesday offers hope that the running back could return to action Sunday against the Raiders. The Chargers will release their first Week 4 injury report later Wednesday, when the extent of Ekeler's participation in practice will be known.

Sanders was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a groin injury.

The groin injury is a new concern for Sanders, who was limited in a pair of practices last week due to a pectoral issue before suiting up for Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. Sanders' ability to practice in some capacity Wednesday at least suggests he's on the right track to play this Sunday against Minnesota, even if he happens to be at less than 100 percent.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that he plans to have Akers active for Sunday's game in Carolina, Matthew Coller of PurpleInsider.com reports.

The Vikings acquired Akers last Wednesday and made him a healthy inactive for Sunday's loss to the Chargers. O'Connell said last week that he still views Alexander Mattison as the team's lead back, something that's unlikely to change in the immediate future after Mattison rebounded from a rough start to the season with 25 touches for 125 yards this past Sunday. A benching down the road is still possible, of course, and if nothing else, Akers will face soft competition for backup touches. The relatively unproven Ty Chandler represents the only other back currently on the roster.

Hill (foot) isn't taking part in practice Wednesday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Gus Edwards, on the other hand, is suited up for practice just three days after his early departure from a loss to Indianapolis to be evaluated for a concussion. Hill and Edwards split the work out of the backfield in the Week 2 win over the Bengals after J.K. Dobbins' season-ending Achilles tear in the season opener, but Hill then missed the Week 3 loss to the Colts while recovering from turf toe. Hill appears in danger of missing another game when the Ravens travel to Cleveland this Sunday, with Melvin Gordon and Kenyan Drake being the alternatives if both Hill and Edwards are out.