NFL Player News

Johnson (concussion) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Johnson was forced out of last Thursday's loss to the Lions due to the concussion, and he didn't make enough progress through the five-step protocol to resume on-field work as the Bears kicked off Week 14 prep. With D'Andre Swift (quadricep) also sitting out practice Wednesday, special-teams ace Travis Homer took on extra reps out of the backfield during the session, and he could handle a key role on offense during Sunday's game against the 49ers if neither Swift nor Johnson are available. Darrynton Evans will also be a candidate for elevation from the practice squad to burnish the Bears' depth in the backfield.

Swift did not practice Wednesday due to a quadricep injury.

Swift was one of three key skill-position starters for Chicago who sat out practice Wednesday, with wideouts DJ Moore (quadriceps) and Keenan Allen (ankle) also listed as non-participants. The Bears are at least benefiting from an extended period of rest, coming off a 23-20 loss to the Lions on Thursday in Week 13, but Swift's status will need to be closely monitored as Sunday's road game against the 49ers approaches. With Roschon Johnson (concussion) also a non-participant Wednesday, special-teams ace Travis Homer may have a path to increased offensive reps Week 14.

Johnson rushed five times for 28 yards and secured his lone target for nine yards in Sunday's 35-10 win over the 49ers.

Johnson saw five opportunities on the ground for the second-straight game, but the veteran was unable to make much happen with his limited attempts. The 27-year-old played just 16 of the Bills' 58 offensive snaps, behind starter James Cook (26) and rookie Ray Davis (19). Barring injuries, Johnson should continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes as the Bills square off against the Rams in Week 14.

Herbert rushed once for 14 yards in Sunday's 44-38 loss to the Steelers.

Herbert's one carry Sunday was his first since joining the Bengals at the trade deadline. The 26-year-old running back played just six offensive snaps against the Steelers after playing a total of six offensive snaps across his first two appearances. With such limited usage behind lead back Chase Brown, Herbert remains nothing more than an insurance policy for fantasy purposes. As the season progresses, it's possible the fourth-year back could continue to see his snap percentage gradually increase if the Bengals decide to lighten Brown's workload down the stretch. Herbert will look to get more involved when the Bengals visit the Cowboys in Week 14.

Chandler had two carries for two yards in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Chander played five snaps on offense as he got some extra time when Aaron Jones was given some rest after losing two fumbles. Chandler is still clearly the third running back, so he may not get many more snaps unless Jones or Cam Akers is injured.

Akers had four carries for 22 yards in Sunday's win over Arizona.

Akers played 16 of the offense's 53 snaps while Ty Chandler played only five snaps. Starting running back Aaron Jones saw 28 snaps but fumbled on twice on eight touches and sat for a long stretch at the end of the first half. Akers could take on a larger workload if Jones can't solve his ball security issues.

Ekeler said Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms and neck pain, and he remains in the league's concussion protocol, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Ekeler said he doesn't remember walking off the field Nov. 24 against the Cowboys, or indeed anything until he got in the ambulance to go to the hospital. The veteran running back also states he had memory loss following his Week 3 concussion earlier in the season. All of these symptoms led to Ekeler's placement on injured reserve ahead of Week 13, sidelining him until at least Week 18. Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez are set to handle backfield duties while Ekeler is out.

The Saints cut Kibodi from the practice squad Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Since failing to make the Saints' 53-man roster at the end of training camp, Kibodi has been on New Orleans' practice squad for two separate stints. He could be invited back on the practice squad for the tail end of the 2024 regular season, but the 26-year-old running back has the opportunity to explore other opportunities.

The Panthers signed Bailey to their practice squad Tuesday.

Bailey was last with the Chiefs' practice squad but was cut Nov. 6. He signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent out of TCU earlier this year.

The Panthers placed Johnson (undisclosed) on the practice-squad/injured list Tuesday.

Johnson will be sidelined for a minimum of four games. The 23-year-old went undrafted out of Mississippi State earlier this year and spent parts of the offseason with the Titans and Panthers. He's been on Carolina's practice squad all season but has yet to appear in a regular-season contest.