NFL Player News

Head coach Sean McVay said Thursday that he doesn't expect Akers (rib) to play in the Rams' Week 4 game against the Giants, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

McVay continues to label Akers as "day-to-day," but there isn't much evidence to suggest the running back is zeroing in on a return to game action after separating some rib cartilage in the Rams' Week 2 win in Philadelphia. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, Akers remained sidelined for Thursday's practice, so unless the rookie is able to take a major step forward with his activity in Friday's session, he could be ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants. The Rams appear set to proceed with Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown as their main options in the backfield in Week 4.

Sanders (glute) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday.

For the second day in a row, the Eagles capped Sanders' practice reps, which likely is a maintenance-related decision. In his two appearances this season, he's racked up a whopping 45 touches en route to 238 yards from scrimmage and one TD. Friday's injury report could clarify Sanders' status in advance of Sunday's game at San Francisco.

Moss (toe) practiced on a limited basis Thursday for the second straight day.

It appears the rookie isn't fully out of the woods yet, while his participation level Friday should be more telling toward his status for Sunday's game in Las Vegas. If Moss suits up, he'll continue to work as the 1B to Devin Singletary.

Hines (shoulder) practiced fully Thursday.

He's thus slated to handle his usual change-of-pace role Sunday against the Bears, but given that both top back Jonathan Taylor and Jordan Wilkins are also in the mix for carries, Hines' weekly fantasy prospects hinge on his involvement in Indy's passing game. The 2018 fourth-rounder has parlayed his 14 targets through three games into 13 catches for 89 yards and a TD. He's also carried 14 times for 49 yards and a rushing score in that span.

Mostert (knee) isn't taking part in Thursday's practice, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Mostert hasn't seen any on-field action since suffering an MCL sprain in the 49ers' Week 2 win over the Jets. Given that the 49ers' practice Friday will be a walk-through session, Mostert looks set to close out the week without taking any meaningful reps. The 49ers will likely wait until Friday to clarify his status for Sunday's game against the Eagles, but Mostert appears poised to miss a second straight contest. Another absence from Mostert would leave Jerick McKinnon and Jeff Wilson in line to share reps out of the backfield.

Conner and the Steelers will not take the field Week 4 against the Titans following additional positive COVID-19 tests within the Tennessee organization, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The initial plan was to move the game from Sunday to either Monday or Tuesday, but with reports of additional positive tests from another Titans player and personnel member surfacing, the league ultimately decided it would be best to postpone the contest. The Steelers were originally in line for a Week 8 bye, but it remains to be seen if that will stay intact with a new Week 4 bye now on the calendar.

Henry and the Titans will not be taking on the Steelers in Week 4 after additional personnel within the organization have tested positive for COVID-19, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

The initial plan was simply to reschedule the Oct. 4 matchup for Monday or Tuesday, but it now appears both teams will receive a Week 4 bye and the game will be rescheduled at a yet-to-be-determined date. Practice facilities will be closed in Tennessee until further notice after an additional player and personnel member returned positive tests, with a re-open unlikely until the outbreak has been contained.

McKinnon (ribs) practiced in full Wednesday, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

McKinnon emerged from the 49ers' Week 3 victory versus the Giants with a rib contusion, but not before turning 17 touches into 77 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. With an uncapped practice under his belt, McKinnon is ready to split the backfield reps with Jeff Wilson (15 touches, 69 total yards, two scores Week 3) this Sunday against the Eagles. Considering Raheem Mostert (knee) likely will sit out this weekend, JaMycal Hasty may be the only other contender for touches out of the San Francisco's backfield.

Sanders was limited at Wednesday's practice with a glute injury.

After sitting out the Eagles' season opener due to a hamstring issue, Sanders has been a workhorse for the team, totaling 45 touches for 238 yards from scrimmage and one score over the last two games. Meanwhile, the reserve running back duo of Boston Scott and Corey Clement has combined for 13 touches during that stretch. With another injury in tow, Sanders nonetheless was able to get in some work Wednesday. He'll look to increase his activity level as the week continues.

Coach Sean McVay said that Akers (ribs) won't practice Wednesday and is considered day-to-day, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Akers has yet to resume practicing since suffering separated rib cartilage Week 2, which paved the way for Darrell Henderson to lead Los Angeles' backfield against the Bills this past weekend and break out with 20 carries for 114 rushing yards, plus a score. McVay's day-to-day label for Akers hints at optimism that the rookie second-round pick could return soon, perhaps even as early as Sunday's game against the Giants. Even if Akers gains clearance for the weekend, he still may have to settle for complementary work behind Henderson and Malcolm Brown.