NFL Player News

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.

Chandler had one carry for no gain and two receptions for nine yards on two targets in Thursday's loss at Philadelphia.

Chandler played on just seven of the offense's 58 snaps, as he got little work despite starter Alexander Mattison struggling to run the ball (3.5 YPC). Mattison played 44 snaps, and it looks like Chandler will have a minimal reserve role in the backfield.

Miller (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's contest against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

The Saints will likely reveal more information regarding Miller's status prior to the 7:15 p.m. ET Monday kickoff, but it does appear as if the rookie is trending in the right direction to make his NFL debut. Jamaal Williams was heavily featured in the Week 1 win over the Titans, playing 49 of the offensive snaps compared to nine total for backups Tony Jones and Kirk Merritt. That snap-count disparity will likely change if Miller is active, as the 2023 third-round pick could help take the load off Williams until the return of Alvin Kamara from suspension.