NFL Player News

Jefferson is expected to serve as the top backup to D'Andre Swift in Sunday's game against the Eagles with No. 2 running back Jamaal Williams (thigh) inactive for the contest, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Beyond Swift and Williams, none of the Lions' other running backs have played an offensive snap this season, as Jefferson (nine) and Godwin Igwebuike (116) have seen all their reps on special teams to date. Jefferson shouldn't be expected to handle Williams' typical snap share -- which has ranged between 29 and 39 percent in all but one of the Lions' seven games -- but the seventh-round rookie out of Oregon State looks like he'll at least be the next man up when Swift requires a breather.

Williams (thigh) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Williams was a surprise addition to the Lions' Week 8 injury report due to a thigh issue, which limited him in practice both Thursday and Friday. While he entered the weekend as questionable, the Lions won't take any chances with Williams with a Week 9 bye on tap. Detroit thus will trust in D'Andre Swift (groin) to be the lead back, with just Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson behind him on the depth chart.

Swift (groin) is listed as active Sunday against the Eagles.

Swift has had limitations in practice due to a groin injury each week this season, but he's been able to suit up on game days. He could earn an even bigger workload than normal with Jamaal Williams (thigh) a surprise inactive Week 8. Through seven games, Swift has earned 17.1 touches per game, but with just Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson to contend with for snaps, Swift could be in line for a career-best touch count (he's had 21 three different times in 20 appearances).

Ekeler (hip), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, told Adam Schefter of ESPN that he'll be ready to play.

Ekeler's hip injury cost him practice time during the week, but the running back himself seems confident in his health. While Ekeler's own optimism about his availability isn't as definitive as an official word from the team, his positive outlook should leave fantasy managers encouraged. Confirmation of Ekeler's Week 8 playing status will arrive upon the release of the Chargers' inactive list prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Ozigbo was waived by the Saints on Saturday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Ozigbo was rendered moot after Mark Ingram joined the team in a trade earlier in the week. The 25-year-old will look to latch on with another team or hang around on the practice squad.

Sanders (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

It was reported Friday the talented back would move to injured reserve, but the Eagles opted to wait slightly longer in order to finalize the rest of the roster ahead of Sunday's contest. Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott figure to operate the larger side of the backfield opportunities, but newly elevated running back Jordan Howard could see a handful of prominent carries, particularly near the red zone and on critical short-yardage attempts.

Williams is being elevated to the Bengals' 53-man roster for Sunday's game against the Jets, Marisa Contipelli of the Bengals' official site reports.

Williams gets the call with Chris Evans set to miss the game with a hamstring issue. The 24-year-old Williams is unlikely to see much work behind Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine.

Laird will make the jump from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Laird will be the third running back behind Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed since Malcolm Brown (quadriceps) hit IR earlier in the week. The 26-year-old will likely see a handful of snaps against a Bills defense that ranks sixth in DVOA so far this season.

Jackson was elevated to the Colts' active roster ahead of Sunday's tilt against the Titans.

Jackson signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in the past offseason. While he figures to primarily be available for special teams contribution, he will also provide depth at running back.

Wilkins has been waived by the Colts.

Wilkins will presumably revert to the team's practice squad should he ultimately go unclaimed off waivers. With four healthy backs on the roster, it looks like he was the odd man out.