NFL Player News

Irving (toe) is participating in Friday's practice, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Irving sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday, so it's encouraging to see him retake the field prior to Week 8 action against the Falcons. Alongside Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, Irving contributed as part of a three-man backfield committee during Monday's loss to the Ravens. If Irving were to miss time, White and Tucker would figure to benefit from increased touches, and with both Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) unavailable versus Atlanta, the Buccaneers could lean heavily on the running game.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Etienne (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the Packers, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Etienne missed Jacksonville's win over the Patriots in Week 7, and it looks like his status for Sunday's contest against the Packers now will come down to the wire. Leading up to Week 8 action, Etienne has been a limited participant at practice, a pattern that seems likely to hold true on Friday's injury report, which also will reveal the starting running back's official game designation. Etienne seems destined to officially garner a questionable label, though, and potentially for final word on his availability not to come until roughly 90 minutes ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Jones rushed 19 times for 58 yards and secured both targets for 37 yards in the Vikings' 30-20 loss to the Rams on Thursday night.

Jones found running room at a premium against a Rams defense that had experienced its share of struggles up this point in the season, but he did finish tied for second in receptions and as the runner-up in receiving yards as well. The veteran back had dealt with a hamstring injury early in the week but went into the contest without a designation, and he equaled his second-highest carry total of the campaign. Jones now has over 35 receiving yards in four of seven games as well, and he'll draw a favorable matchup against the Colts in a Week 9 home clash on Sunday night, Nov. 3.

Williams rushed 23 times for 97 yards and secured five of seven targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 30-20 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.

Williams once again shouldered the bulk of the Rams' ground work, with backup Blake Corum logging only four carries. While he fell just short of his second 100-yard effort of the campaign, Williams set a new season high in receptions and recorded his second receiving touchdown of 2024 on a five-yard catch in the first quarter that opened his team's scoring on the night. The fact Williams recorded a season-high 28 touches despite the returns of both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) was certainly encouraging, and the third-year back should once again be a pivotal figure during the Rams' Week 9 road NFC West clash against the Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Walker (illness) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Walker gutted through an illness this past Sunday in Atlanta, but he still was able to handle a 47 percent snap share and turn 16 touches into 93 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs. Fellow RB Zach Charbonnet actually saw the field more than Walker, earning 55 percent of snaps, but his eight touches went for a measly nine total yards. Walker has followed up Wednesday's absence with some activity one day later, indicating he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Bills.

Gaskin (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Rams.

Gaskin will be a healthy scratch for a second straight game as the Vikings roll with Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler and Cam Akers as the three backfield options for Thursday's game. Gaskin's next chance at suiting up will be Week 9 against the Colts on Nov. 3.

Mason (shoulder) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

For a second session in a row to begin Week 8 prep, Mason is handling a reduced workload due to a lingering shoulder issue, giving him just one more opportunity to get back to full participation Friday ahead of Sunday's contest against the Cowboys. Assuming he's cleared to play this weekend -- either on Friday's injury report or 90 minutes before an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff -- he'll serve as the 49ers' lead runner for an eighth consecutive game in place of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles), who may return following the team's Week 9 bye.

Homer (finger) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Homer's 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, and his ability to practice without restrictions Thursday indicates that the 2019 sixth-round pick could be activated off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders. Homer logged three carries for 16 yards across the first two games of the regular season before undergoing surgery on his finger.

Kamara (hand/rib) was limited at Thursday's practice, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Kamara continues to be plagued by a broken hand and rib fractures, which has resulted in back-to-back capped sessions to begin Week 8 prep. He'll thus have Friday's practice to get back to full participation or otherwise risk heading into the weekend with a designation for Sunday's contest at the Chargers. Assuming he's able to suit up, per usual, Kamara should be good for his usual 20.7 touches per game on the season.

Patterson (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Patterson has been unable to play or practice since suffering an ankle injury during the Steelers' Week 4 contest against the Colts. His return to practice is a sign that the 2013 first-round pick is progressing through the injury, and his practice participation over the next two days will determine whether he'll be able to suit up for Monday night's game against the Giants. Through the first four games of the regular season, Patterson logged 16 carries for 92 yards and five catches (on seven targets) for 34 yards while operating as the No. 3 running back behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.