NFL Player News

Ford is listed as the top kickoff returner on the Browns' unofficial depth chart heading into Week 5 against the Vikings.

Ford is set to take on a larger role Sunday when he's expected to add kick-return duties to his portfolio, replacing DeAndre Carter (knee), who was placed on IR following Week 4's loss to Detroit. Ford's usage as a runner is down in 2025 due to the emergence of rookie back Quinshon Judkins -- just one carry the last two weeks -- but he has served as receiving threat out of the backfield. And now with the quarterback change -- rookie Dillon Gabriel will replace veteran Joe Flacco -- and what is expected to be run-heavy offensive gameplan, Ford might reclaim some of those lost carries.

Williams rushed 14 times for 65 yards and secured eight of 10 targets for 66 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams' 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers on Thursday night. He also lost a fumble.

Williams averaged an impressive 4.6 yards per carry with a long gain of 20 yards, but it was via his work as a receiver that he made the biggest impact by far. His reception, receiving yardage and target totals were all season highs, and he added his second and third receiving touchdowns of the campaign on 14- and eight-yard grabs in the second and fourth quarters, respectively. However, the star running back's night ended on quite the sour note, as he was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 play that ended the game. Williams notably logged 13 more carries than backfield mate Blake Corum in Thursday's loss, a reminder that the former is still the clear leader of the ground attack heading into a Week 6 road matchup against the Ravens on Sunday, Oct. 12.

McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 57 yards and brought in eight of nine targets for 82 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' 26-23 overtime win over the Rams on Thursday night.

McCaffrey was the last man standing among the 49ers' front-line offensive players, so the fact he garnered plenty of attention from the Rams' front seven each time he took a handoff wasn't surprising. However, the versatile star once again made his mark as a receiver, logging his third consecutive tally of over 80 yards through the air. McCaffrey's catch and yardage totals were also both his third highest of the season, and with San Francisco possibly still down multiple key skill-position players in a Week 6 road matchup against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 12, he should be in for a similarly busy day in that contest.

James (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Rams, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.

Thursday marks the fourth consecutive game that James has been a healthy scratch after missing Week 1 due to a finger injury. The 49ers will once again roll with a three-man backfield of Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo for Thursday's NFC West bout. James' next chance to make his NFL regular-season debut is Week 6 against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 12, though he's unlikely to play in that game unless McCaffrey, Robinson or Guerendo were to miss time.

Nwangwu (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Nwangwu has missed the Jets' last three games due to a hamstring injury. He has opened the week with consecutive DNPs, so he is trending towards being inactive for Sunday's game against Dallas unless he can practice in at least a limited capacity Friday.

Sanders (knee/ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Sanders made an early exit from this past Sunday's tie with the Packers due to an ankle injury and so far has been listed as a non-participant on the Cowboys' Week 5 practice report due to knee and ankle issues. On Wednesday, he told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News that he had an MRI on his right ankle, and also that he'll attempt to run by Friday, which will determine his availability for Sunday's game at the Jets. If Sanders is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, rookie fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue could make his pro debut behind workhorse RB Javonte Williams.

Tuten (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.

Per Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, Tuten sported a non-contact jersey during Thursday's session as the running back continues to manage a shoulder issue that he's played through over the last two weeks. Tuten now has two more chances to upgrade his participation level ahead of Monday's game against the Chiefs.

Hubbard (calf) didn't practice Thursday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Hubbard also tended to a calf injury last week, but he at least was able to be limited in practice Thursday and Friday before taking 13 touches for 69 yards from scrimmage on a season-low 51 percent snap share during a Week 4 loss at New England. With no practice reps to speak of so far this week, he'll have just one more chance to mix into drills Friday before the Panthers potentially provide some insight into his odds to play Sunday against the Dolphins. Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne and DeeJay Dallas are the current healthy options in Carolina's backfield.

Goodson (groin) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Goodson suffered the injury last Sunday against the Rams. If he's unable to go against the Raiders in Week 5, Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens will handle backfield duties for the Colts.

The Titans placed Watson (undisclosed) on the practice-squad injured list Thursday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Watson will be required to miss at least the next four games. He appeared in two regular-season contests for the Broncos last season, rushing four times for 10 yards while catching one pass for 13 yards.