NFL Player News

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears relayed Tuesday that Harris (head) has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reports. "We're on the wait-and-see program," Fears said of Harris.

In addition to Harris, fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson is also following the five-step concussion protocol, putting both players' statuses in question for Sunday's game against the Browns. In all likelihood, both Harris and Stevenson will be limited or non-participants in practice when the Patriots begin Week 10 prep Wednesday, leaving Brandon Bolden and J.J. Taylor as the only current healthy backs on the roster. Harris has found the end zone seven times through nine games and ranks ninth in the NFL with 547 rushing yards.

Felton tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, putting his status in question for Sunday's game at New England, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

In addition to Felton, Nick Chubb tested positive for the virus Tuesday as well, meaning that three running backs on the 53-man roster have now contracted COVID-19 after depth option John Kelly was revealed to have tested positive Monday. At this stage, D'Ernest Johnson remains the only healthy back on the roster who isn't in the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. Because Felton and Chubb are vaccinated, both will be eligible to rejoin the Browns as soon as they submit two negative test results at least 24 hours apart. Even if Felton clears all protocols prior to Sunday and Chubb remains out, Johnson would likely serve as the clear lead back Week 10, with Felton filling more of a change-of-pace role in that scenario.

Chubb tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and is uncertain to be available for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Fellow running back Demetric Felton also tested positive for the virus, but because both he and Chubb are vaccinated, the two will have a chance to be available this weekend if they're able to submit two negative test results at least 24 hours apart. Cleveland will likely place Chubb on the reserve/COVID-19 list in the near future to provide the team with more roster flexibility in the short term, but if he clears all health and safety protocols before Sunday, the 26-year-old should remain on track to lead the Cleveland ground game. If not, D'Ernest Johnson would likely step in as the Browns' feature back, though it's possible Cleveland could get Kareem Hunt (calf) back from injured reserve this week as well if he resumes practicing and proves he's healthy.

McKinnon reeled in all three of his targets for 26 yards Sunday versus the Packers.

McKinnon didn't receive any touches last week against the Giants but got a bit more involved Sunday. He's primarily a pass-catching option out of the backfield who can contribute on third downs, so his upside from a fantasy point will presumably remain limited.

Gore ran for 14 yards on three rushes and reeled in his lone target for six yards Sunday versus the Packers.

Gore didn't see anywhere near the involvement in Week 9 that he saw the contest prior, when he logged 11 touches. Gore is still firmly behind Darrel Williams in the pecking order and figures to fall further down the depth chart once Clyde Edwards-Helaire is ready to return from injured reserve.

Kelley carried the ball three times for six yards and caught his only target for four yards in the 27-24 win over the Eagles on Sunday.

Kelley became the No. 2 running back as Justin Jackson was out with a quad injury. Kelley and rookie sixth-round pick Larry Rountree have oscillated as the primary short-yardage ball carriers throughout the season without much rhyme or reason. With Jackson's status still up in the air, Kelley could be looking at more snaps in the upcoming weeks.

Snell totaled two carries for six yards in Monday's 29-27 win over the Bears.

Snell was on the field for just two offensive snaps in Monday's victory, but he recorded double-digit touches for the first time since Week 5. The 23-year-old has tallied just 10 carries for 27 yards while hauling in one of three targets for seven yards across the first 10 games of the year.

Ahmed had four carries for six yards during the Dolphins' 17-9 win over the Texans on Sunday.

Ahmed, as usual, was relegated to a clear backup role. Meanwhile, Myles Gaskin had 20 carries and six targets during Sunday's win, though he only racked up 34 rushing yards. Ahmed hasn't logged a single game with double-digit touches this season.

Herbert rushed four times for 13 yards in Monday night's 29-27 loss to the Steelers.

Herbert saw veteran David Montgomery return from a four-game absence to lead Chicago's backfield with 15 touches for 80 yards. Although the rookie got three carries during the first half, he was hardly involved during the second, taking a back seat to Montgomery as the Bears staged a comeback attempt. Given Herbert's production while Montgomery was previously sidelined, it's possible he's incorporated more in the offense following the team's Week 10 bye, but Herbert's stock has clearly taken a hit now that he's a second-stringer again.

Montgomery rushed 13 times for 63 yards and caught both of his targets for 17 yards in Monday night's 29-27 loss to the Steelers.

Montgomery returned from a four-game absence to lead Chicago's backfield with some tough running. The tailback ripped off a game-long rush of 21 yards and also sprinkled in a couple receptions, totaling a respectable 15 touches for 80 yards on the night. Meanwhile, with Montgomery returning, rookie Khalil Herbert managed just four rushes for 13 yards, including just one second-half carry. With the Bears now entering their bye week, Montgomery should be fresh when he next takes the field in Week 11 versus the Ravens.