NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Croskey-Merritt maintained his activity level from Wednesday as he tends to a groin injury. Friday's practice report may provide clarity on his status ahead of Sunday's contest against the Giants. Through four games this season, Croskey-Merritt boasts 197 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 61 touches.

Dowdle (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Dowdle practiced for the second day in a row, albeit with a cap on his reps. Earlier Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy told Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com that Dowdle's status for Sunday's game against the Colts is still up in the air, though the running back would put himself in good position to play this weekend if he's able to upgrade to full practice participation Friday. If Dowdle ultimately suits up versus the Colts, he'll likely be Option 1B in the backfield behind Jaylen Warren, who has averaged 6.5 yards per carry and 13.7 yards per reception over the past two weeks while Dowdle has been sidelined with a dislocated toe on his right foot.

Swift (hip/knee) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This is progress for Swift, who did not practice to begin the week Wednesday. Notably, backfield mate Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) also did not practice either day. Swift may be slightly ahead of Monangai in terms of his progress, but Friday's injury report will be the telltale sign for the Bears' backfield outlook going into the Week 5 matchup against the Packers.

Monangai (thumb/toe) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

With back-to-back absences to begin Week 5 prep due to thumb and toe injuries, Monangai now has only one more chance to mix into drills Friday, at which point the Bears could make a ruling on his availability for Sunday's game at Green Bay. Meanwhile, backfield mate D'Andre Swift (hip/knee) upgraded to limited Thursday, seemingly putting him in a better spot to suit up this weekend.

Demercado was waived by the Cowboys on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After being a healthy scratch in each of the Cowboys' last two games, Demercado is now off Dallas' active roster. His departure leaves the team with one fewer backfield depth option behind Javonte Williams and Tyler Goodson. Tyler Smith was activated from short-term IR in a corresponding move.

Barkley (hamstring) wasn't present during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Tim McManus of ESPN reports.

Barkley appears as if he'll go down as a non-participant for a second session in a row to kick off Week 5 prep, something that'll be confirmed once the Eagles post Thursday's injury report. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Barkley currently is viewed as week-to-week due to the hamstring issue that knocked him out of this past Sunday's game against the Rams after just four offensive snaps, so the running back's continued likely lack of activity isn't unexpected.

Hall (quadriceps) wasn't present for warmups at the start of Thursday's practice, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Hall's continued absence isn't surprising after head coach Aaron Glenn recently described the running back as week-to-week. If Hall sits as expected Sunday against the Browns, Braelon Allen would be poised to take on another heavy workload after accounting for all 16 touches by Jets running backs in the Week 4 loss to Chicago.

Head coach mike McCarthy said Thursday that it remains up in the air whether Dowdle (toe) will be available Sunday against the Colts, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com reports.

Dowdle was listed as limited at Wednesday's practice after missing the past two games due to a dislocated toe. Jaylen Warren has functioned as Pittsburgh's lead back in Dowdle's absence, but McCarthy has said the team intends to return to a backfield platoon once Dowdle is healthy enough to resume playing. Dowdle's status for Sunday's game has yet to be decided, so how he fares in practice Thursday and Friday will be key to assessing his availability.

Love (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

On Monday, coach Mike LaFleur said that Love emerged from Week 4 action with an ankle injury that's not related to the high-ankle sprain he tended to in August. Prior to Wednesday's session, LaFleur added more context, telling Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com that the issue shouldn't impact Love's practice reps this week. With a capped session to begin Week 5 prep, Love is experiencing practice restrictions, so the status of the Cardinals' No. 1 RB will be monitored closely as the weekend approaches.

The Eagles signed Pierce off their practice squad Wednesday.

Philadelphia placed Tank Bigsby (core) on injured reserve Tuesday and appears likely to be without top back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London, so Pierce will be moved up from the practice squad to replenish the team's depth in the backfield. Assuming Barkley sits, Pierce will be primarily competing for reps with Will Shipley, who has been on the roster all season as the No. 3 back behind Barkley and Bigsby. Philadelphia could also look to elevate one of Jaydon Blue or Carson Steele from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's contest.