NFL Player News

Wright (knee) isn't likely to play Sunday against the Patriots, Travis Wingfield of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Wright returned to a limited practice Thursday, but coach Mike McDaniel indicated Friday that the running back isn't likely to suit up this weekend. That said, McDaniel didn't completely rule out that possibility, so added clarity on Wright's Week 2 status will have to wait until Friday's final injury report. If he remains out versus New England, Ollie Gordon will continue to back up De'Von Achane, with Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty candidates to be elevated from Miami's practice squad.

Sanders could be part of the active roster for Week 2 against the Ravens due to the unsettled status of Quinshon Judkins, who is still on the Commissioner's Exempt List.

Sanders, who was active in the 17-16 loss to the Bengals in Week 1, played only three snaps, but one of those was a one-yard touchdown plunge. He finished the game with three carries (two in the red zone) for three yards. Judkins missed all of the preseason and didn't sign a contract until the day prior to the season opener. He got on the practice field Thursday for the first time since mandatory minicamp in June and may not be up to speed for Sunday's game at Baltimore. The Browns were granted a two-week roster exemption for Judkins, so he won't count toward the roster if he remains held out Week 2.

Ekeler is set to undergo an MRI on Friday, but the Commanders believe that he suffered a torn Achilles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Ekeler suffered a non-contact right Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss to the Packers. If Friday's tests confirm the team's fears, Ekeler will be sidelined for the rest of the season. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt likely will see an increased workload, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez vying for depth roles.

Croskey-Merritt rushed four times for 17 yards and failed to bring in his only target in the Commanders' 27-18 loss to the Packers on Thursday night.

After an eye-catching NFL debut Week 1 against the Giants, Croskey-Merritt came into Thursday night's matchup with some enhanced expectations. However, game script conspired against the Commanders' ground attack, as Green Bay already owned a 14-3 lead at halftime. Croskey-Merritt ultimately saw four fewer carries than Austin Ekeler, who exited late in the third quarter with an Achilles injury, and three less than Jayden Daniels as well. With Ekeler's injury of the non-contact variety, it's certainly possible a tear may be the ultimate diagnosis, a development that would brighten Croskey-Merritt's long-term outlook even further. Under any circumstance, the rookie seventh-round pick should be in line for more opportunities during a Week 3 home matchup against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Jacobs rushed 23 times for 84 yards and a touchdown and wasn't targeted during the Packers' 27-18 win over the Commanders on Thursday night.

The workhorse back was the only Packers running back to log a carry, and Jacobs worked hard for his yards all night considering he had a game-long run of just 10 yards. Jacobs also went in for his second touchdown in as many games on a two-yard run just before the midway point of the second quarter, rounding out his fantasy performance in solid fashion. After logging 43 touches in the first five days of the new season, the veteran back now will get some extra time to ramp up for a Week 3 road matchup against the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Ekeler will not return to Thursday's game against the Packers due to an Achilles injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Ekeler suffered the injury late in the third quarter on a non-contact play. He was ruled out quickly after being spotted on a cart headed to the locker room. The severity of the injury is not immediately clear, but Ekeler is likely to miss additional time.

Ekeler suffered a lower-body injury in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Packers, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Ekeler suffered a non-contact injury late in the fourth quarter and seemed to be favoring his right ankle or foot. He was carted to the locker room shortly after being assisted off the field. The exact nature of the injury is unclear, though Ekeler presumably will undergo tests with details emerging late Thursday or Friday.

James (finger) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

The rookie fifth-rounder was not cleared to play against Seattle in Week 1 due to a broken finger that he suffered in early August. He has opened the week with back-to-back limited practices, but 49ers' general manager John Lynch relayed Thursday that James will be "ready to go" against the Saints on Sunday, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports. If he is cleared to make his NFL regular-season debut, James would likely struggle to see backfield snaps as the 49ers' RB4 behind Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo.

Scott (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Scott missed Week 1 and was estimated as a full participant Wednesday, but with the Vikings back on the practice field Thursday, the running back's reps were limited. If healthy, Scott would be in line for RB3 duties this week after Ty Chandler (knee) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day Thursday.

Rodriguez (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Packers.

Rodriguez will be a healthy scratch for a second straight week while the Commanders roll with a three-man backfield of Austin Ekeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Rodriguez's next opportunity to play is Week 3 against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 21, though he likely won't play in that contest unless Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt or McNichols are unavailable.