NFL Player News

Carey totaled 48 yards on 10 carries and hauled in his only reception for nine yards in Thursday's 26-10 loss to the Packers.

Carey surprisingly received three more carries than rookie Jordan Howard, who'd been stellar during two of the last three weeks. However, it was the third-year back who found much easier sledding on the ground Thursday, while Jordan was held to just over three yards per tote. With the Bears now 1-6 and searching for answers, head coach John Fox may opt to go with the hot hand, and with 98 yards on 19 carries the last two weeks, that designation could rightfully be bestowed upon Carey for the time being.

Carey (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game in Green Bay, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.

With Jeremy Langford (ankle) again sidelined, Jordan Howard will receive most of the backfield reps in Week 7. Even if Carey is afforded some touches, though, he may not have much room to operate against the Packers' No. 2 ranked run defense.

Murray (turf toe) practiced again Thursday, Scott Bair of CSN California reports.

Per Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group, things went well in Murray's return to practice Wednesday, and the Raiders are hopeful that the running back will be able to return to action Sunday against the Jaguars. More on Murray's status no later than Friday, upon the release of the Raiders' final Week 7 injury report.

Draughn could see his receiving back role resurface if Carlos Hyde (shoulder) is held out of Sunday's game.

Hyde is considered a long shot to play Sunday against Tampa Bay, which would open up a potential running back by committee situation. Mike Davis is better suited for early-down work, but Draughn could get re-involved as a pass-catching back with no true three-down back outside of Hyde on the roster. Draughn could be a sneaky play in deeper PPR formats.

Murray (turf toe) performed well in practice Wednesday with what he was expected to do and remains day-to-day, Adam Caplan of ESPN reports.

Murray's limited participation Wednesday still leaves questions regarding his status for Week 7, but the fact that he did what he was asked to do bodes well. The back's activity during the Thursday and Friday practice sessions should tell more about his availability against the Jaguars on Sunday.

Harris, currently on the 49ers' practice squad, will likely be promoted to the active roster in the wake of teammate Carlos Hyde's shoulder injury, Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Hyde's injury likely won't sideline him long, but the 49ers still need some reinforcements, as only Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn currently round out the rest of the team's running back corps.

Grant (toe) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Grant was questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Bears before ultimately being ruled inactive. The toe injury does not appear to be too serious at this point, given his full participation at practice Wednesday.

Murray (turf toe) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Murray was seen practicing earlier in the day, but it wasn't clear if he was being held out of some drills and not others. Had he been listed as a full participant, the majority of qualms regarding his readiness for Sunday's contest would have been put to rest. However, Murray was evidently restrained in some capacity, and thus his game status remains in question.

Davis is the only healthy running back on the Packers' 53-man roster in advance of Thursday's game against the Bears.

Tuesday dawned with news of Davis' trade to the Packers, who seemingly required a running back to round out the backfield with Eddie Lacy dealing with a sore ankle and James Starks (knee) out for four weeks. The Packers have proceeded to rule Lacy out for Week 7, leaving Davis as the presumptive favorite to lead the rushing attack Thursday. Davis may not handle the entire workload, though, as wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb have been utilized as ball carriers in the past, fullback Aaron Ripkowski could get in on the act, and RB Don Jackson may be promoted from the practice squad.

Washington (ankle) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

Despite logging one limited practice last week, the Lions exercised caution with their rookie running back and placed him in the inactive list Sunday for the second week in a row. With another capped showing under his belt Wednesday, he appears to be on a path to active status this Sunday versus the Redskins, which could become more clear by the end of the week. If he's able to suit up, he could work in tandem with Zach Zenner out of the backfield, especially if Theo Riddick (ankle) misses his second consecutive contest.