NFL Player News

Pollard carried the ball seven times for 26 yards and caught his only target for one yard in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Vikings.

The Cowboys' rushing game couldn't get a whole lot going with Cooper Rush under center instead of Dak Prescott (calf), but Minnesota stacking the box allowed the backup QB to throw for 325 yards. Pollard's eight touches was his smallest workload since Week 1, but with Prescott expected back Week 9 against the Broncos, the running back is likely to see double-digit touches once again.

Brightwell did not play an offensive snap during Monday's 20-17 loss against the Chiefs.

Brightwell has yet to record an offensive snap since the Giants' Week 3 loss against the Falcons. The 2021 sixth-round pick has failed to make a name in the Giants' rushing attack despite an injury to All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley (ankle). In Barkley's absence the team has relied exclusively on running backs Devontae Booker and Elijhaa Penny. Monday's contest saw only Booker register any carries for the Giants, totaling 60 yards on 15 attempts.

Laird secured his only target for 10 yards during Sunday's 26-11 loss to the Bills.

Laird jumped from the practice squad to the 53-man roster in time to make his season debut Sunday, with Malcolm Brown (hamstring) now on IR. Both Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed worked ahead of Laird, however, leaving him with only enough opportunity to handle eight offensive snaps.

Ahmed handled seven carries for 22 yards during Sunday's 26-11 loss to the Bills. He also secured one of two targets for six yards.

Ahmed once again took a backseat to Myles Gaskin in terms of both rushing and receiving work. Through eight contests, Ahmed has yet to log a single game with at least 4.0 yards per carry, and he's still looking for his first touchdown of the year. Even with Malcolm Brown (hamstring) sidelined and a plus matchup against the Texans on deck in Week 9, Ahmed isn't a tempting fantasy option.

Gore rushed 11 times for 48 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 20-17 win over the Giants.

Gore took advantage of his opportunities in his third career game, making a big impact during the first half. The UL Monroe product had a number of nice runs, paving the way for a three-yard touchdown during the second quarter, his first as a pro. Although starter Darrel Williams still racked up 110 scrimmage yards on 19 touches, Gore likely did enough to keep himself in the mix should Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee) not be able to return in Week 9 versus the Packers.

Williams rushed 13 times for 49 yards and caught all six of his targets for 61 yards in Monday night's 20-17 win over the Giants.

Williams saw backup Derrick Gore enjoy a first-half outburst that enabled him to finish with 11 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, but the veteran gained stream during the second half. With a combination of handoffs and check-down receptions, Williams ultimately posted 110 yards from scrimmage, his most of this season. With it currently unknown whether usual starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire (knee) is expected to return in Week 9 versus the Packers, the outlooks of Williams, Gore and Jerick McKinnon could be dependent on Edwards-Helaire's status as the week unfolds, making Kansas City's backfield situation worth monitoring in the coming days.

Rountree carried the ball four times for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Patriots.

The Chargers ran just 18 designed runs on an afternoon in which the Patriots sat on the ball with a successful rushing attack. One game after serving as a healthy inactive, Rountree at least managed to pick up a handful of carries, but he hardly did anything with the opportunities. Primarily a short-yardage ballcarrier, Rountree is averaging a pitiful 2.5 yards-per-carry through 28 attempts this season.

Williams reverted to the Bengals' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Williams was called up to add depth to Cincinnati's running back group with Chris Evans (hamstring) unable to go Sunday against the Jets. Williams ultimately only played eight snaps, all on special teams. If Evans misses Week 9 against the Browns, Williams will look for another chance to play Sunday.

Barkley told Lisa Salters of ESPN that he didn't play Monday at Kansas City due to "too much swelling and soreness" in his left ankle, but he hopes to be available Sunday against the Raiders.

The Giants have a Week 10 bye, so they could proceed with caution and hold Barkley out for a fourth straight game in Week 9, but the running back appears to be seeking some game action before the team's midseason respite. Prior to spraining his ankle back in Week 5, he averaged 16.5 touches for 79 yards from scrimmage per game and scored three TDs through the first four contests of the campaign. While Barkley goes through the final stages of his recovery, the Giants will continue to go with Devontae Booker and fullback Elijhaa Penny out of the backfield.

Ozigbo was claimed off waivers by the Jaguars on Monday.

Ozigbo was waived by New Orleans over the weekend and will now return to Jacksonville, where he spent the previous two seasons. The 25-year-old will provide some backfield depth after starter James Robinson (ankle) picked up an injury Sunday.