NFL Player News

Montgomery said Wednesday that he's cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will return to action Sunday against the Packers, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports.

The Bears didn't get much going on the ground while Montgomery was sidelined for their Week 10 loss to the Vikings, so the return of Chicago's clear-cut top back will be a welcome one. In nine games to date, the 2019 third-round pick has logged 131 carries for 472 yards and a touchdown to go with 30 catches for 212 yards and another score. While Montgomery hasn't been a source of big plays, his volume has been steady enough to ensure a decent fantasy floor on a weekly basis.

Barner reverted to the Buccaneers' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's official transaction report.

Barner was the primary return man for the Buccaneers on Monday, returning three punts for 19 yards and one kickoff for 24 yards. He now heads back down to the practice squad but could be called up for Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs if Jaydon Mickens remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list another week.

Laird caught his only target for eight yards during Sunday's loss to the Broncos.

The 25-year-old played 17 offensive snaps during the contest but wasn't much of a factor in the gameplan. Matt Breida returned from injury and played only seven snaps while Salvon Ahmed dominated the backfield work.

The Broncos activated Bellamy (knee) from injured reserve Tuesday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Bellamy suffered a knee injury in Week 4 against the Jets and was subsequently placed on IR. The undrafted rookie out of Western Michigan has practiced for nearly three weeks now and is ready to return to action. Prior to the injury, Bellamy played exclusively on special teams and likely will maintain that role moving forward.

McCaffrey (shoulder) is expected to practice in some capacity Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

This is encouraging news for McCaffrey, who is dealing with an AC joint injury and logged a trio of DNPs leading up to Week 11. However, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Monday that McCaffrey is "unlikely to play" in this Sunday's game against the Vikings, and McCaffrey's potential return to the practice field won't necessarily impact that notion. Mike Davis will be ready to lead the backfield for a second straight game if McCaffrey is ultimately inactive in Week 12.

Armah failed to catch his lone target during Sunday's win over the Lions.

The 26-year-old continues to see a handful of snaps per contest, and he averaged less than one touch per game. Armah has five carries for six yards and three catches for nine yards in 11 games this season.

Williams played zero offensive snaps during Sunday's 20-9 loss to Washington.

The 23-year-old received the first carries of his career last week against the Steelers (five rushes for 22 yards), but it was only a small burst of playing time in a blowout. Williams could step into a bigger offensive role with Samaje Perine while href="https://www.rotowire.com/football/player.php?id=11707">Joe Mixon (foot) is on injured reserve and Giovani Bernard recovers from a concussion..

Hill is expected to serve as the top backup to Gus Edwards in Thursday's game against the Steelers after fellow running backs J.K. Dobbins and Mark Ingram were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Hill, a 2019 fourth-round pick, has dressed for only six of the Ravens' 10 games this season, playing 108 of his 125 total snaps on special teams. This week's game will mark the first time this season the Ravens won't have two of their top three backs available, so Hill should be thrust into an offensive role out of necessity. Edwards and quarterback Lamar Jackson will most likely dominate the carries out of the backfield, but Edwards' limitations as a pass catcher could clear the way for Hill to step in as the Ravens' primary third-down back.

Thompson played zero offensive snaps during Sunday's win over Las Vegas.

The 23-year-old has exclusively played special teams over the past two contests with the rest of the backfield operating with no issues. Thompson has 13 carries for 52 yards this season and is unlikely to have much of a role while Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le'Veon Bell remain healthy.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that Homer (knee) is still "really sore" and also has "a little something going on in his wrist," Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Carroll didn't make any mention of Homer's thumb, which had also been one of the injuries that sidelined the running back in last week's win over the Cardinals. That said, Carroll hinted that Homer might need some time to overcome the knee and wrist concerns, which seemingly isn't a positive sign with regards to his chances of playing Monday in Philadelphia. Fortunately for Seattle, lead back Chris Carson (foot) looks on track to return from a four-game absence this week, providing some much-needed aid to a banged-up backfield.