NFL Player News

The Chargers are optimistic that Ekeler's hamstring injury won't prevent him from playing in Sunday's season opener at Washington, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Ekeler made a surprise appearance on the Chargers' first official injury report of 2021, as the hamstring injury resulted in him working out on the side with triners at Wednesday's practice rather than taking part in team drills. Based on Kyed's report, the Chargers' decision to hold Ekeler out of practice may have been precautionary to some degree, though the fact that the running back missed six games in 2020 due to the same injury isn't the most encouraging sign. Ultimately, the extent of Ekeler's activity in the Chargers' remaining two practices of the week Thursday and Friday and how he looks in those sessions will determine whether he carries a designation into Sunday's game.

Williams could be set to start at running back Week 1 at Las Vegas with Gus Edwards suffering a potential season-ending knee injury in Thursday's practice, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Williams was slated to become the backup to Edwards after Justice Hill suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. He'll now likely take over the starting role in Week 1 if Edwards is confirmed to have a significant injury. Also in the Ravens' backfield mix following a recent string of serious injuries are Trenton Cannon and veteran Le'Veon Bell, who is a candidate to be promoted from the team's practice squad in short order. Additionally, Zrebiec suggests that free agents Latavius Murray or Devonta Freeman could be potential reinforcements. In any case, Williams has gone from being a fantasy sleeper/backup to target to a likely Week 1 starter for Baltimore.

Dobbins underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Dobbins is expected to make a full recovery, and the timing of his injury should allow the starting running back to be ready by the start of next season if he avoids any setbacks. With fellow running back Gus Edwards sustaining a potentially serious knee injury of his own in practice Thursday, the Ravens are perilously thin in the backfield heading into the 2021 season.

Both Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network relay that the Ravens fear that Edwards suffered a torn ACL during Thursday's practice.

After losing both J.K. Dobbins (knee) and Justice Hill (Achilles) to season-ending injuries, Baltimore now is poised to lose Edwards for an extended period. In that context, Ty'Son Williams now appears to be on track to head the team's backfield Week 1, with Trenton Cannon in reserve and Le'Veon Bell a candidate to be promoted from the practice squad in short order. Moreover, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic suggests that free agents like Latavius Murray or Devonta Freeman could be options for the Ravens to explore.

Barkley (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

After a rainy night and Thursday morning, the grass was somewhat slick at practice, but Barkley was out there, indicating confidence in his surgically repaired right knee. Speaking to the media, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post that he has "a lot of confidence" in Barkley and termed the running back "heathy and 100 percent." That's not to say Barkley will have his typical workload, if active, Sunday against the Broncos, but he should have the greatest share of touches afforded the Giants backfield, if so. Aside from Barkley, Devontae Booker and rookie sixth-rounder Gary Brightwell are the team's other running backs on the 53-man roster.

Edwards suffered a knee injury in practice Thursday that the team fears is season-ending, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Edwards was set to be the primary running back with the season-ending knee injury to J.K. Dobbins. With Justice Hill also suffering a season-ending injury, Ty'Son Williams could lead the backfield in Week 1 if Edwards is sidelined.

Atlanta offensive coordinator Dave Ragone suggested Thursday that Patterson -- who is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Falcons' unofficial depth chart -- would be involved in the game plan for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Patterson has dabbled at both receiver and running back since entering the NFL in 2013, but the Falcons seemingly envision him lining up primarily out of the backfield after he inked a one-year, $3 million contract in March. Mike Davis will open the season as the Falcons' top running back, and while Davis' ability to play all three downs should allow him to see the lion's share of snaps and touches, McElhaney speculates that Patterson may fill a larger role as the No. 2 option than initially anticipated. Perhaps as a show of faith in Patterson, the Falcons waived 2019 fifth-round pick in Qadree Ollison coming out of the offseason, though the subsequent addition of Wayne Gallman will present some competition for Patterson once Gallman is fully up to speed with the new playbook.

Williams (head) wasn't listed on Kansas City's Week 1 injury report released Wednesday.

Williams missed Kansas City's preseason finale after being evaluated for a possible concussion during the team's Aug. 20 tilt versus the Cardinals. However, the 5-foot-11, 219-pound back has since gained clearance to play. Heading into Sunday's game against the Browns, Williams is poised to see complementary work behind top rushing option Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Penny was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a calf injury, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Penny tended to a thigh issue in training camp, only to make two appearances during the preseason slate, combining for 12 carries for 32 yards and two receptions (on three targets) for 11 yards. The production wasn't anything to write home about, and he's now dealing with another soft-tissue injury. With Chris Carson at the head of Seattle's backfield, Penny would vie with Alex Collins and perhaps Travis Homer for change-of-pace touches Week 1 at Indianapolis, assuming he's able to suit up.

Ekeler was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

While an absence from practice with a new injury isn't an optimal way for the Chargers' top back to start the week, he still has two more chances to return to field in advance of Sunday's game versus Washington. If Ekeler is out or limited this weekend, more work would be available for Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree.