NFL Player News

Ekeler (hamstring/knee) has progressed to straight-line running, per the running back's personal Instagram.

Ekeler has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain and hyperextended knee in his left leg Week 4. Expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks, the latter end of that timetable coincides with this Sunday, but the Chargers have yet to open his 21-day window to be activated from IR. Still, because Ekeler noted "the time draws near" in his social media post, he appears to be closing in on his return to action.

Homer (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

With Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (hamstring) still missing practice, Homer is the most experienced 'healthy' member of the backfield. Still, Homer's practice reps were capped Thursday after a full session one day earlier. Considering the situation, Friday's injury report could add clarity to the breakdown of the Seahawks' Week 10 backfield, which may again be paced by DeeJay Dallas if Carson and Hyde are sidelined and Homer is inhibited by his health concern.

McFarland (illness) was a non-participant during the Steelers' practice session Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

This development is damaging news to the prospects of McFarland suiting up Sunday against Cincinnati, as Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com notes that coach Mike Tomlin has a tendency to sit rookies who miss practice throughout the week. McFarland fielded five offensive touches for a total of 22 scrimmage yards last Sunday at Dallas, but a sudden appearance on the injury report places the 21-year-old's status in question for Week 10.

Harris (chest/ankle) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Back-to-back limited sessions suggest that Harris has a good shot to play Sunday night against the Ravens, but there's a decent chance he's one of a slew of players that the Patriots will officially list as questionable for the contest.

Breida (hamstring) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Breida's back-to-back limited sessions are certainly emblematic of recovery progress, given that he couldn't practice in any capacity last week. He can't yet be considered a lock to suit up against the Chargers on Sunday, though it does seem like Breida could be trending in the right direction. Health permitting, Breida will work to rejoin a backfield that was led by Jordan Howard and Salvon Ahmed last week.

Drake (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Drake maintained his activity level from Wednesday's session as he seeks to get past a slight tear of a ligament in his ankle and return to action. There's no telling if he's doing enough to appease the Cardinals' medical staff, but Friday's injury report could hint at whether an appearance is possible Sunday against the Bills. Chase Edmonds is in line for an expanded role if Drake is unable to go this weekend.

Montgomery (concussion) is not participating in Thursday's practice.

Montgomery suffered a concussion during Sunday's loss to the Titans, and he'll thus need to fully clear the league's five-step protocol for head injuries before being cleared to retake the field. That the Bears' next matchup will come in the form of a Monday night tilt against Minnesota will provide Montgomery an extra day for recovery, but he'll almost certainly need to resume practicing in some capacity Friday or Saturday for any chance of playing Week 10.

Sanders (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Sanders appears to have made the most of Philadelphia's bye week, as he now looks on track to retake the field during Sunday's divisional matchup against the Giants. A knee injury had sidelined the second-year running back since Week 6. Sanders normally serves as a three-down weapon in the Eagles' offense, but it's possible that the team could opt to ease him back into action by utilizing Boston Scott in a slightly expanded rotational role.

Chubb is practicing without a brace on his right knee Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Chubb has by all accounts looked good since returning to practice Monday, and that he's now managed to shed his knee brace is another positive sign. The Browns are expected to decide whether to activate Chubb from injured reserve in time to play Week 10 on Friday, per Jake Trotter of ESPN.com. An MCL sprain in his right knee has kept the Pro Bowl running back off the field since Week 4.

Mixon (foot) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Tyler Dragon of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Despite having just had a bye week to get extra rest, Mixon still hasn't been deemed fit to resume handling even limited practice reps. A right foot injury has kept Mixon from playing since Week 6, and unless he's able to take a significant step forward Friday, it looks like Giovani Bernard could be in line to draw another start against Pittsburgh on Sunday.