NFL Player News

Mitchell is expected to head the 49ers backfield Sunday in Philadelphia, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Mitchell stepped in for an injured Raheem Mostert in Week 1 at Detroit and ripped off 104 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. With Mostert on the shelf for the rest of the season following knee surgery, Mitchell has assumed the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, but he'll have to contend with JaMycal Hasty and third-round rookie Trey Sermon, the latter of whom was inactive last Sunday. Mitchell himself was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, so his sudden rise seemingly has him on pace to be featured in coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme.

Murray, Ty'Son Williams and Devonta Freeman are all expected to be involved in a backfield committee Sunday against the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

In the Week 1 loss to the Raiders, Williams started and was the most efficient back with nine carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, but he took a back seat in the second half to Murray, who finished his Ravens debut with 10 carries for 28 yards and a touchdown while playing 31 percent of the offensive snaps. The Baltimore backfield looks like it'll become more muddled in Week 2 with the addition of Freeman, who profiles as more of a threat to contend for reps on offense than the since-waived Trenton Cannon. With that in mind, Rapoport suggests that the Ravens may opt for a hot-hand approach to the backfield, making it difficult to handicap the potential workloads for any of the three backs ahead of time.

Moss is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

It appears that Moss was simply a healthy scratch in Week 1, but all signs point to the second-year back returning to the lineup Sunday. In the opener, Devin Singletary led the team with 72 yards on 11 carries. Singletary figures to lead the backfield again, but Moss could operate as the 1B.

Abdullah signed a contract with the Vikings on Saturday.

Abdullah actually played a crucial role in the Week 1 contetst, registering as many snaps as nominal backup Alexander Mattison, but saw just three total touches in the contest. Practice squad call-up rules would have forced the Vikings to officially sign Abdullah to the active roster as soon as next week had they elevated him a second time, so this designation isn't exactly surprising.

Swift (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Packers, but Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports the running back is expected to be available for the primetime matchup.

Swift logged a full practice Saturday after being limited all week, confirming coach Dan Campbell's optimism regarding his injury status. Top backup Jamaal Williams also saw his injury status removed after being limited in practice all week with a chest injury, meaning that arguably two of the team's top playmakers will be available for Monday's divisional clash. That's important considering top wideout Tyrell Williams (concussion) will not play, and nominal No. 2 option Kalif Raymond also popped up on Saturday's injury report with a thigh injury.

Williams (chest) was not listed with a designation ahead of Monday's contest against the Packers.

Williams was a full participant in Saturday's practice, signaling the all-clear ahead of Monday's contest against his former team. Crucially, D'Andre Swift (groin), who had been a limited participant in practice all week, also logged a full practice, setting the stage for both of the Lions' top backs to play in the prime-time contest.

Armah was signed to the Saints' active roster Friday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Armah spent training camp with the Saints, but he was ultimately let go during the final roster cuts. However, he subsequently landed on New Orleans' practice squad and will now get a chance to see the field on the active roster. He will presumably be used primarily for special teams and blocking situations.

Mitchell seems poised to lead the 49ers backfield in the wake of Raheem Mostert's season-ending knee injury, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Mostert lasted just four snaps and two carries before getting hurt this past Sunday at Detroit, which will require surgery and put a quick end to his campaign. With Trey Sermon, a 2021 third-round pick, inactive, the 49ers turned to rookie sixth-rounder Mitchell to lead the ground game, and he didn't disappoint. After 104 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries, Mitchell is atop the depth chart, but JaMycal Hasty (two touches, 18 yards and a TD in Week 1) and Sermon are nipping on his heels in a backfield that often rotates multiple players on and off the field. It'll be interesting to see if Mitchell retains a similar share of the RB work Sunday in Philadelphia and beyond.

With Josh Jacobs (toe/ankle) ruled out Sunday against the Steelers, Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal believes that Drake figures to take the majority of the Raiders' backfield snaps Week 2.

That's a notion echoed by Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site, though it's worth noting that coach Jon Gruden suggested that Peyton Barber is also in the team's plans this weekend. "It's an opportunity for Peyton Barber," Gruden noted. "We really like Barber. I like the way he runs and catches and picks up blitzes." With that in mind, look for Drake to maintain a key role in the team's passing game, while seeing added carries Sunday after logging six Week 1, while Barber mixes in some on early downs.

Penny (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Since Penny hurt his calf Week 1 at Indianapolis, the injury has transformed from minor to one that's expected to sideline him for a few weeks. With a doubtful designation for Sunday, he's almost certainly going to be listed among the Seattle's inactives, which would give Alex Collins, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer a chance to make an impact in the ground game behind starter Chris Carson.