NFL Player News

Brightwell carried one time for five yards and caught both of his targets for six yards in Sunday's blowout loss to the Cowboys.

Brightwell didn't get a touch until midway through the fourth quarter, when the Giants were down 40-0. He logged a five-yard rush on his lone carry and added a pair of meaningless receptions with the clock ticking down for the final two plays of the game. Brightwell ended up on the field for 11 of New York's 70 offensive snaps overall, and he could be hard-pressed to see even that much action most weeks as he works behind Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida.

Abanikanda (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Bills.

Abanikanda was able to clear the Jets' injury report Thursday after dealing with a thigh contusion but will not play in the season opener. He's buried on the depth chart behind Dalvin Cook, Breece Hall and Michael Carter and will have to wait until at least Week 2 against the Cowboys to make his debut.

Hall (knee) is listed as active for Monday night's game against the Bills.

Hall, who was limited at practice Thursday and Friday and then listed as a full participant Saturday, drew an official injury designation of questionable ahead of Week 1 action, but as expected the 2022 second-rounder is available to face Buffalo. However, given that Hall is bouncing back from an ACL tear that he suffered last October, it remains to be seen what his initial workload will be out of the gate this season. With that in mind, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that the Jets plan to ease Hall back into the mix in the team's opener, and in that context Dalvin Cook is a candidate handle the bulk of the carries versus the Bills. Meanwhile, Michael Carter is also on hand to provide backfield depth alongside Cook and Hall and could mix in to some degree Monday.

Coach Brandon Staley relayed Monday that Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

As a result, Ekeler's standing for Wednesday's practice is "to be determined," per Staley. With that in mind, the running back's status will need to be monitored ahead of Sunday's game against the Titans. If Ekeler ends up out or limited at all this weekend, Joshua Kelley would be in line for added Week 2 touches.

Gainwell didn't take part in Monday's walkthrough due to a rib injury.

With Rashaad Penny a healthy scratch for Sunday's season opener at New England, Gainwell handled a 62 percent snap share (41 of 66), while D'Andre Swift (29 percent, 19 snaps) and Boston Scott (12 percent, eight snaps) mixed in behind him. That split is unlikely to be repeated though, with Gainwell tending to a health concern on a short week. The Eagles' first Week 2 injury report was an estimation, so his activity level in the team's first actual practice will offer more clarity on his status for Thursday's home opener against the Vikings.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Jones (hamstring) is still being evaluated after leaving Sunday's win over the Bears in the third quarter, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The Packers went to Jones early and often in the third quarter, and on a fourth-and-3, Jordan Love found his running back over the middle for a 35-yard catch-and-run touchdown to give Green Bay a commanding 24-6 lead. However, as Jones crossed the goal line, he appeared to be grabbing at his left hamstring. Jones was shown on the broadcast being stretched out by the training staff numerous times throughout the fourth quarter, but he never returned to the field. LaFleur said they didn't need Jones the rest of the way and was encouraged that he was able to jog off the field after the game. Jones had similar comments during his postgame press conference, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him listed on the Packers' initial injury report for Week 2, which will be released Wednesday.

Mitchell rushed five times for 10 yards and failed to bring in his lone target in Sunday's 30-7 win over Pittsburgh.

The Steelers were unable to stop Christian McCaffrey (22-152-1) on the ground, which left little work for Mitchell and the rest of the 49ers' backups Sunday. The 25-year-old was on the field for 15 percent of the offense's plays, and he likely won't crack the 25 percent mark so long as McCaffrey stays healthy this season. Mitchell has proven that he can do a lot with a little (6.2 YPC in 2022), so those in deeper formats shouldn't cut ties with the power runner after a quiet Week 1.

Gaskin was active but did not play in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.

Gaskin is third on the depth chart at running back but will have a limited depth role barring injuries. He may be moved to the practiced squad if Kene Nwangwu returns from injured reserve from a back injury.

Coach Shane Steichen said Monday that Hull (knee) "could miss time," Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Hull was forced out of Week 1's loss to the Jaguars early due to a knee injury, and he looks uncertain for Week 2 versus Houston at this point. His status will likely depend on what he's able to do in practice Wednesday through Friday. With Jonathan Taylor (ankle) not eligible to come off the PUP list yet, it will be worth monitoring whether Zack Moss (forearm) can manage to return to face the Texans.

Chandler had three carries for a net of zero yards and one reception for 18 yards on his lone target in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay. He also returned a kickoff for 15 yards.

Chandler played on 11 of the offense's 64 snaps as the backup to Alexander Mattison (47 snaps). Chandler showed a burst on the 18-yard reception, but he otherwise was part of an anemic rushing attack that had just a 2.4 YPC. He looks like the clear backup to Mattison as Myles Gaskin didn't play in the loss. Chandler also will be used as a kick returner.