NFL Player News

Homer (knee) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

According to Boyle, coach Pete Carroll said earlier Wednesday that Homer will be ready to play Sunday against the Bills, and the running back's absence from practice doesn't necessarily contradict that statement. Homer didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday last week while recovering from a knee contusion, but he was active -- albeit in a limited role -- during the Seahawks' win over the 49ers. His health seems to be trending in the right direction this week, so Homer should be able to handle more reps Sunday. If Chris Carson (foot) is ready to go, however, Homer's usage would be limited to clear passing situations.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Homer (knee) "will be able to go this week," Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Homer managed to play through his bruised knee in Sunday's win over the 49ers, but he only handled seven offensive snaps while taking a back seat to rookie fourth-round pick DeeJay Dallas. Assuming Homer is closer to full health for a Week 9 matchup with the Bills, he could have the chance to handle increased touches. Carroll has already ruled Carlos Hyde (hamstring) out for the contest, while the status of top back Chris Carson (foot) is murky.

Wilkins was limited at practice Wednesday due to a groin injury.

Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was also limited, but neither running back appears likely to sit out this weekend's game against the Ravens. Wilkins came out of nowhere in Sunday's win over the Lions, carrying 20 times for 89 yards and a touchdown while Taylor ran the ball 11 times for 22 yards. Meanwhile, Nyheim Hines handled the bulk of the reps on passing downs, hauling in three of his five targets for 54 yards and two scores. While Taylor continues to carry the highest long-term fantasy value of the three, Wilkins' strong effort versus Detroit could earn him a bigger share of the team's carries Week 9.

Ozigbo (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.

Ozigbo finally returned from a hamstring injury in Week 7, only to re-injure the same hamstring again. Jacksonville's Week 8 bye didn't provide enough time for the backup running back to heal, as the team will likely take a cautious approach with Ozigbo moving forward to avoid another re-injury.

Taylor (ankle) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Fellow running back Jordan Wilkins (groin) was also limited, but at this stage, neither back looks in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Ravens. Perhaps the more pressing issue with regard to Taylor's Week 9 fantasy upside is that Wilkins logged 20 carries (for 89 yards and a score) in the Colts' Week 8 win over the Lions, while the rookie ran the ball 11 times for 22 yards. Additionally, Nyheim Hines handled the bulk of the team's chance-of-pace touches, hauling in three of his five targets for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Ultimately, Taylor carries the highest long-term value, but Wilkins' effort versus Detroit could result in Taylor's workload being affected this weekend.

Jones (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game at San Francisco, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Jones' practice reps were capped this week as he works his way back from a strained calf. Both coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett expect Jones to be "a game-time deal," per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, so the running back's availability (or lack thereof) Thursday likely will come down to a pregame workout. The Packers could use his services, as AJ Dillon tested positive for COVID-19 this week and Jamaal Williams is unavailable because he was considered to be a high-risk close contact of Dillon's. Aside from Jones, the team has two available backs (Tyler Ervin and practice-squad member Dexter Williams) to handle work.

Laird (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Laird left last weekend's win over the Rams with the injury. The fact that he was able to open Week 9 as a limited participation puts him ahead of the curve compared to Matt Breida (hamstring), who sat out the session. If Breida is unable to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Laird could be in store for his biggest workload of the season with top back Myles Gaskin (knee) already having been moved to injured reserve.

Kamara was absent from Wednesday's practice, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Kamara has a bone bruise in his foot that isn't deemed to be serious.

Kamara has been a force this season, accruing at least 100 yards from scrimmage in six consecutive games. That said, he hasn't reached the end zone in three straight, and now he's tending to a foot issue. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football noted Kamara is merely getting some rest at the moment, but his situation will need to be monitored as the week goes on to ensure he's available Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Elliott was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Elliott appears to have picked up the injury during Sunday's loss to the Eagles, during which he carried the ball 19 times for 63 yards and hauled in one pass for 10 yards. The 25-year-old will have two more chances to upgrade to full practice participation, so there's not yet real cause for concern about his Week 9 availability. He's now failed to eclipse 4.0 yards per carry in back-to-back games, and Elliott may struggle to right the ship against a tough Pittsburgh defense. He'll also have to make do with either Cooper Rush or Garrett Gilbert under center Sunday, as Andy Dalton (concussion) was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week.

Breida didn't practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Assuming he's able to move past his hamstring injury before Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Breida could be positioned to headline the Miami backfield with top option Myles Gaskin (knee) expected to land on injured reserve. Meanwhile, position mate Patrick Laird (ankle) was limited Wednesday, while trade-deadline pickup DeAndre Washington hasn't yet passed requisite COVID-19 protocols to suit up. With that in mind, Jordan Howard, Lynn Bowden and Salvon Ahmed are left as Miami's only fully healthy running backs to begin the week.