NFL Player News

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).

The Jaguars elevated Funk from the practice squad Saturday, ahead of Sunday's home matchup against the Packers, Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Funk's elevation from the practice squad may indicate that Travis Etienne (hamstring), who is considered a game-time decision, is trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's contest against Green Bay. Even if Etienne can't suit up Week 8, though, Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson will rank clearly ahead of Funk on the backfield depth chart, leaving him with only a path to a reserve role.

The Colts waived Hull on Saturday.

Hull was waived to make room for star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on the 53-man roster. A 2023 fifth-round pick, Hull has spent time this season bouncing between the practice squad and active roster. It won't be surprising if he resurfaces with the Colts in some capacity, assuming Hull clears waivers.

The Cowboys elevated Cook from the practice squad Saturday.

Cook joined the Cowboys' practice squad in late August, but he waited eight weeks to receive his first promotion to the roster ahead of game day. Though the four-time Pro Bowler is clearly on the downside of his career, Cook could have a chance to push for the No. 2 role in the backfield right away behind starter Rico Dowdle. Reserve backs Ezekiel Elliott (3.0 yards per carry) and Deuce Vaughn (2.9 yards per carry) have been woefully inefficient this season, and Vaughn has been a healthy inactive in both of Dallas' previous two games.

Strong is expected to serve as the top backup to starting running back Nick Chubb with Jerome Ford (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday's game against Baltimore.

Strong led Cleveland's backfield in snaps last week, topping out at 42 compared to Chubb's 30 and D'Onta Foreman's 11. That breakdown will likely change Sunday in Chubb's second game back from a knee injury. Strong could benefit as a receiver if the Browns attempt to take advantage of the Ravens' pass defense, which ranks 28th in passing yards allowed per game (250.6).

Mason (shoulder) was a full practice participant Friday and doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Mason was nursing an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder coming into last week's game against the Chiefs, but it didn't stop him from handling a season-high snap share (86 percent) while finishing with 14 carries for 58 yards and two receptions for 11 yards in the 28-18 loss. Despite seemingly coming out of that game with no setbacks, the 49ers have still chose to lighten Mason's practice workload this week, as he was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday before ditching his blue no-contact jersey and logging full reps Friday, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Mason thus looks to be in the clear for another turn as the 49ers' lead back in what could be his final start, as head coach Kyle Shanahan previously said that Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could be ready to return from injured reserve following San Francisco's Week 9 bye.

Ali (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Browns.

Ali has been dealing with injuries this season, appearing in just nine special teams snaps Week 6 against Washington. The 5-foot-11 running back likely won't have much of a role beyond special teams with the team when he is able to return, but his next chance to do so will be Sunday, Nov. 3 at home against Denver.

Evans (hamstring) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks.

The Appalachian State product must still be activated to the Bills' active roster in order to suit up Sunday. Despite back-to-back weeks without practice limitations, Evans is expected to miss his eighth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. However, if he is activated ahead of Sunday's contest, he'll likely serve as the team's fourth-string running back behind Ty Johnson, Ray Davis and James Cook.

Homer (finger) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Commanders.

Homer has now logged back-to-back full sessions to end the Bears' week of practice, suggesting he could return in Week 8. However, the 26-year-old running back must still be activated to Chicago's active roster in order to suit up Sunday. If Homer isn't activated, expect the Bears' RB room to consist of D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert.