NFL Player News

Vaughn (chest) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Vaughn was forced out of last Thursday's loss to the Bears due to a chest injury, but he already looks to be back to full health. However, both Leonard Fournette (ankle) and LeSean McCoy (ankle) resumed practicing in a limited capacity Wednesday, so Vaughn could end up back in a depth role Week 6 in spite of his full availability.

McNichols was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report due to a rib injury, John Glennon of The Athletic reports.

McNichols didn't show any signs of injury during Tuesday's win over the Bills; in fact, he saw ample use during Tennessee's final drive, carrying four times for eight yards. If McNichols is able to shake off this injury before Sunday's game against the Texans arrives, he could handle the change-of-pace role behind starter Derrick Henry. The Titans' normal No. 2 back, Darrynton Evans, (hamstring) was also listed as a non-participant Wednesday and may have a tough time gaining clearance for the Week 6 game.

Evans (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, John Glennon of The Athletic reports.

Evans injured his hamstring in the first half of Tuesday's win over the Bills and was unable to return, so it's not surprising that he would be sidelined if the Titans held a practice Wednesday. Jeremy McNichols, who stepped into the change-of-pace role following Evans' departure, was also listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's report with a rib injury. If Evans is forced to miss this Sunday's matchup against the Texans, McNichols -- if healthy -- will operate as the No. 2 back behind Derrick Henry. D'Onta Foreman is also on the practice squad and could be elevated to add depth if neither Evans nor McNichols is fit to play.

Coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that McCaffrey (ankle) "won't be activated as of right now," Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.

McCaffrey has spent the requisite amount of time on injured reserve under the 2020 rules, but the Panthers aren't yet ready to let him get back on the field, which would open his 21-day window to be activated. With McCaffrey still tending to a high right ankle sprain and Mike Davis performing so well in his stead, the Panthers can stand to wait for the All-Pro running back to be as close to 100 percent as possible before he returns to action.

Wilkins (calf) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Wilkins was limited to one carry last week with the Colts playing from behind after three consecutive games with nine carries, but his workload projects to swing back up Sunday against the Bengals. The backup running back's new injury is a cause for concern, but those concerns can be alleviated if Wilkins is able to upgrade to a full practice as the week progresses.

Coach Vic Fangio said that he hopes to make a decision about Gordon's (personal) availability for Sunday's game against the Patriots "by [Thursday] or the next day," Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fangio also said that he requested Gordon, who was cited late Tuesday on DUI and speeding charges, not to attend Wednesday's practice. According to Mike Klis of 9News Denver, Fangio said that the Broncos are in touch with the NFL regarding a potential suspension for Gordon, and the team may also consider instituting its own disciplinary measures if the league doesn't immediately levy punishment. Phillip Lindsay would stand to lead Denver's backfield if Gordon ends up sitting out Sunday, with Royce Freeman operating as his top backup.

Cook (groin) isn't taking part in Wednesday's practice, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Cook's absence from the first practice of Week 6 was fully expected after he was diagnosed with an adductor strain following his early departure from Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. The Vikings will likely prepare Alexander Mattison for the starting job this week against Atlanta, but there's a chance Cook avoids any additional missed time beyond Week 6, with a well-timed Week 7 bye working in his favor.

Gibson (toe) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Gibson is a new addition to the injury report, after handling his typical workload (16 touches, 56 percent snap share) in Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Rams. His ability to practice -- even on a limited basis -- suggests he's expected to be available for this weekend's game against the Giants. The rookie has taken nine or more carries in every game, and he now has back-to-back weeks with five targets.

McCaffrey (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

A report earlier this week suggested McCaffrey would undergo tests to determine if he could return from injured reserve for the Panthers' Week 6 game against the Bears. While the team hasn't provided any formal update, McCaffrey's absence from practice hints at another week out of the lineup. Mike Davis has taken full advantage of a three-down role in McCaffrey's stead, piling up 351 total yards and three touchdowns over the past three games.

Coach Adam Gase said Wednesday that Perine will play a larger role moving forward following the release of starting running back Le'Veon Bell, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports. "Perine's definitely going to get bigger role," Gase said. "Frank [Gore', you're not going to lean on him, because where he's at in his career. Getting Perine involved is going to be critical."

While Bell was sidelined with a hamstring injury in Weeks 2 through 4, Perine only logged 15 carries to Gore's 49, but Gase surely realizes that continuing to feed a 37-year-old running back over a fourth-round rookie is a surefire way to lose one's job when coaching an 0-5 team. While Perine's 3.7 yards per carry and two catches for minus-1 yards on the season aren't anything to write home about, he has a golden opportunity to seize the Jets' lead-back role and build his value.