NFL Player News

Williams may serve as the Lions' lead option on the ground in Sunday's game against the Packers with D'Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder) -- who is listed as questionable -- expected to play but only in a limited capacity, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

According to Schefter, the Lions are aiming to have Swift handle a workload similar in the team's loss to the Dolphins last week, when he played 29 snaps but took only 10 touches (five carries and five receptions). In that same game, Williams played seven fewer snaps, but narrowly outdid Swift in touches (10 carries, three receptions) while netting 76 yards and two scores on the ground. While fantasy managers shouldn't bank on Williams finding the end zone twice, the fact that he'll likely be serving as the Lions' top ballcarrier against the Packers' 29th-ranked run defense makes him a more appealing option than he might normally be on the occasions Swift has been active this season.

Robinson (knee) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Bills, but the Jets are optimistic about his chances of suiting up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Robinson is officially listed as questionable after having been added to New York's injury report late this week with a knee issue. After handling just five carries in his Jets debut last week, Robinson's status for Sunday may not be disclosed until the team's injury report is released approximately 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight would stand to handle increased opportunities behind Michael Carter if Robinson isn't able to go.

Akers (personal) will be active for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Akers has been away from the team since Week 6, missing the Rams' last two games after expressing dissatisfaction with his role with the team and requesting a trade. After the Rams were unable to find a suitor for Akers ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, the running back rejoined the team Thursday and looks poised to suit up Sunday. However, the Rams have yet to determine what Akers' workload will look like, and it may ultimately be dependent on the flow of the game, per Schefter.

Harris (illness), officially listed as questionable, is unlikely to suit up Sunday against the Colts, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Harris failed to practice Wednesday and Thursday prior to logging a limited session Friday. Nevertheless, it appears that he has not made enough progress recovering from an illness to suit up Sunday, which would mark his second absence in the last four games. If Harris is in fact inactive, Rhamondre Stevenson should see a heavy workload.

Swift (ankle/shoulder), who is officially listed as questionable, is expected to play in a limited capacity Sunday against the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Swift managed limited practices both Thursday and Friday, which suggests that he is healthy enough to play. However, the Lions have been conservative with their approach to playing Swift, as he was limited to only 52 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps and five carries in its Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He could in line for a similar -- or even lesser -- role in Week 9, but it appears unlikely that he will serve as anything close to a workhorse back.

The Patriots signed Taylor to the active roster Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Taylor failed to secure a roster spot with New England out of training camp but stuck around on the practice squad. He has yet to be active for a game this season but will likely have the chance to serve a special teams role for the foreseeable future.

The Cardinals are hopeful that Conner (ribs), officially listed as questionable, will return for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Conner has missed the last three games, but he logged limited practices Wednesday through Friday before taking a designation into the Week 9 matchup. Though Conner looks to be trending toward playing Sunday at this juncture, how he looks in pregame warmups will likely dictate whether he's active and what kind of workload he handles if he does suit up. With that in mind, Eno Benjamin, who has been the Cardinals' top back the past three games, could end up having a role in the game plan even if Conner is cleared to play.

Brown was elevated from the Panthers' practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

With Chuba Hubbard (ankle) set for his second consecutive absence, Brown was elevated to the active roster to provide depth to the running back corps. He was also active in Week 8, when he tallied six rushes for 27 yards while working behind D'Onta Foreman.

Wilkins was elevated from the Colts' practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports.

Wilkins joined the Colts' practice squad Wednesday to provide depth after the team traded away Nyheim Hines. With Jonathan Taylor (ankle) sidelined, Wilkins and Phillip Lindsay are expected to back up Deon Jackson out of the backfield.

Edwards (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Saints, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Both Gus Edwards and Mark Andrews (shoulder/ankle) are listed as doubtful, meaning the Ravens could be without three of their top offensive weapons, including Rashod Bateman (foot), who was placed on injured reserve this week. If Edwards is ultimately ruled inactive, expect both Kenyan Drake and Justice Hill to see work out of the backfield. The former was particularly effective in last Thursday's win, tallying 11 total touches for 67 total yards and a touchdown.