NFL Player News

Patterson (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday's game against the Giants, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

Patterson was limited in practice all week, but he still drew the doubtful tag due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 4 against the Colts. The injury is severe enough for Patterson to remain sidelined for a fourth-straight week, and with the Steelers on the bye for Week 9, his next chance at suiting up will be Week 10 against the Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 10. Aaron Shampklin will once again serve as the Steelers' No. 3 running back Monday behind starter Najee Harris and backup Jaylen Warren.

Bigsby is expected to serve as the Jaguars' lead option out of the backfield Sunday against the Packers with Travis Etienne (hamstring) listed as questionable for the contest but considered a longshot to play, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

While serving as a backup to Etienne in the Jaguars' first six games, Bigsby shined in a supporting role, as the second-year back averaged 7.2 yards over his 41 carries during that stretch. He continued to excel while seeing his biggest workload to date in the Jaguars' Week 7 win over the Patriots in London, carrying 26 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns. With Etienne trending toward another absence, Bigsby could be in store for another hefty touch count, though the Jaguars' reluctance to use him on passing downs makes Bigsby somewhat game-script sensitive. If the 2-5 Jaguars were to fall behind early by multiple scores against the 5-2 Packers and make the running game a lesser priority, Bigsby -- who has drawn just two targets all season -- could cede considerable playing time to D'Ernest Johnson.

Etienne (hamstring), who is questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay, is considered a longshot to play, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Etienne continues to nurse a hamstring issue that first popped up against the Bears in Week 6. He played just 11 offensive snaps in that contest, then missed Week 7 against New England. Official word on his status won't arrive until the Jaguars post their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but assuming Etienne misses a second consecutive contest, Tank Bigsby will likely get another opportunity to start after going off for 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns last Sunday versus the Patriots.

Irving (toe), who is questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta, is expected to suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Irving sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday before turning in a limited practice Friday, which appears to be enough for him to take the field against the Falcons. The rookie running back is officially questionable for the contest, though head coach Todd Bowles has expressed optimism this week that Irving will be able to suit up. If he does indeed play, Irving is expected to be part of a three-man committee in Tampa Bay's backfield along with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker.

The Saints cut Mims from the active roster on Saturday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Mims handled a depth role for New Orleans during the team's first six regular-season games, but he'll now have to search for a new role. The decision to cut Mims seems like a vote of confidence in Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller as rotational options behind top running back Alvin Kamara.

Spears (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Lions, John Glennon of NashvillePost.com reports.

Spears managed to practice in limited fashion all week, but it wasn't enough to clear him ahead of a difficult matchup against the Lions. Expect Tony Pollard to once again see a healthy workload one week after racking up 18 total touches in the absence of Spears.

The Titans elevated Kelley from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, John Glennon of NashvillePost.com reports.

Kelly will get a chance to make his debut in a Tennessee uniform during Sunday's game against the Lions. With Tyjae Spears (hamstring) ruled out for Week 8, Kelly is set to work in the No. 3 role behind Tony Pollard and Julius Chestnut.

Patterson (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Monday's game against the Giants, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Patterson logged a trio of limited practice sessions this week, but he's nonetheless trending in the wrong direction for Monday's home game against New York. If he can't suit up versus the Giants, Patterson will get the benefit of a bye to rest up before working to return Week 10 at Washington.

The Bears activated Homer (finger) from injured reserve Saturday, ahead of Sunday's road matchup against the Commanders, Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports.

Homer remains questionable to suit up Week 8, but he's logged back-to-back full practices and appears to be trending in the right direction. If cleared to suit up versus Washington, Homer will figure to handle a depth role in a backfield that already includes D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert.

Brooks (knee) was downgraded to out Saturday and will not be activated ahead of the Week 8 contest against the Broncos.

Brooks has practiced in limited fashion over the majority of the past two weeks, but the Panthers are being ultra cautious with the rookie second-round pick. Chuba Hubbard will once again get the majority of the work out of the backfield again, but the offense may struggle with Bryce Young back under center due to the injury to Andy Dalton (thumb).