NFL Player News

Kamara (rib) was in attendance for Thursday's practice but wasn't spotted participating in drills, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Kamara's presence on the sideline Thursday comes after he was a limited participant in the Saints' first Week 2 practice session Wednesday due to the rib injury he sustained during last Sunday's win over the Falcons. While the downturn in activity isn't the most welcome sign for Kamara, it's conceivable that the Saints intended to give him some extra maintenance Thursday before having him return to the field Friday in some capacity. With that in mind, Kamara's activity at Friday's practice will bear watching, but unless he's a full participant in the session, he may head into this weekend's matchup against the Buccaneers with an injury designation.

Swift (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Swift also sat out Wednesday's session, so what the running back is able to do at practice Friday will be telling with regard to his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Commanders. If Swift is out or limited this weekend, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson would be candidates for added backfield snaps.

Robinson (knee) took part in agility work off to the side of practices Wednesday and Thursday, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Since he currently resides of the reserve/non-football injury list, Robinson isn't practicing with Washington just yet, but the rookie running back at least seems to be making strong progress while he recovers from the two gunshot wounds he suffered to his lower body when he was the victim of an attempted robbery Aug. 28. Robinson won't be eligible to play in any of the Commanders' first four games, but a return to the field as soon as Week 5 is still a plausible outcome at this stage. In the meantime, Antonio Gibson is expected to serve as Washington's clear lead option in the backfield while Robinson is sidelined.

Houston head coach Lovie Smith said Wednesday that Pierce needs to be more involved in the offense, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports. "We need to get Dameon more touches," Smith noted.

Pierce played 29 percent of the offensive snaps in a Week 1 tie with the Colts, while Red Burkhead played 71 percent. Following the game, Smith initially attributed the playing-time split to a game situation that called for more pass-oriented packages, which he said worked in Burkhead's favor. Perhaps after watching game film, Smith is of a different belief. The coach added that both backs will get carries Week 2 against Denver, but the snap counts could be more evenly distributed compared to the season opener.

Walker (hernia) practiced fully Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Walker didn't practice at all last week before being one of the Seahawks' inactives for Monday's win over the Broncos, the result of his continued recovery from a hernia procedure performed in mid-August. Head coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that the team expected Walker to be available Week 2 before telling Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic that the rookie running back was slated to practice Wednesday. The 2022 second-round pick did just that and more, handling every rep in the first session of the week. Walker thus is on track to serve as a complement to Seattle's No. 1 running back, Rashaad Penny, on Sunday at San Francisco.

Bolden (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.

Prior to exiting this past Sunday's season-opening loss to the Chargers, Bolden logged 16 snaps while working behind starter Josh Jacobs. In his reserve role, Bolden rushed three times for seven yards while securing both of his targets for 21 yards and a touchdown. If Bolden is out this weekend against the Cardinals, Ameer Abdullah and Zamir White could see added backfield snaps for the Raiders.

Strong was limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.

With Ty Montgomery (knee) on injured reserve, Strong is a candidate to log some change-of-pace snaps in the New England backfield Sunday against the Steelers, assuming he's able to play through his shoulder issue. The team also has the option of elevating J.J. Taylor from the practice squad in order to help fill the void created by Montgomery's absence.

Washington (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Washington didn't practice at all last week before being sidelined for the season opener. His return to practice is an encouraging sign, but if he isn't upgraded to a full participant Thursday or Friday, he could be in danger of missing a second straight game.

Williams (ribs) was held out of practice Wednesday, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

Williams left Sunday's opener against the Saints for a spell due to a rib injury, but he was able to return and play out the rest of the game. He relayed to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com on Monday that he's tending to sore ribs, which kept him out of the Falcons' first Week 2 practice. Williams has two more opportunities to get on the field this week, so his status will be watched as the week goes on to get a sense of his availability for Sunday's road game versus the Rams.

Walker (abdomen) is expected to practice Wednesday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Pete Carroll has already said he expects Walker to return for this weekend's game against the 49ers, though Carroll noted Wednesday that the Seahawks are relying on the rookie to let them know how he feels in practice, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports. Either way, Rashaad Penny likely will be the lead back again, though Walker could take a chunk out of the rushing workload if he's truly ready this Sunday. Carroll's history of unrealistic optimism about injuries does leave some doubt as to Walker's availability. However, any doubt about Walker's status could largely be removed by a full practice showing by the end of the week.