NFL Player News

McLaughlin rushed four times for 35 yards in Thursday's 33-10 win over the Saints.

McLaughlin played just 22 percent of the Broncos' offensive snaps Thursday, a season low for the second-year running back. Meanwhile, starter Javonte Williams played 63 percent of snaps and handled 14 carries in the contest on his way to 88 yards and two touchdowns for his best fantasy performance of the season. Though McLaughlin was the clear No. 2 option out of the backfield, his usage left much to be desired. The 24-year-old failed to see a single target in the contest for just the second time this season. Additionally, McLaughlin was not used in scoring position, as he didn't handle any rushing attempts in the red zone. Through seven weeks, he's recorded at least one red-zone rushing attempt in just three games. With Williams gaining some steam and rookie Audric Estime making his return to lineup, McLaughlin should be viewed as nothing more than an insurance policy and change-of-pace back in Denver's inconsistent offense. The Broncos host the Panthers in Week 8.

Brooks (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at Washington, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Brooks was never likely to play this week, having just returned to practice Wednesday after rehabbing from the ACL tear he suffered last November at Texas. He was a limited participant Wednesday and Friday, sandwiched around a rest day Thursday. The next chance to play will be Week 8 in Denver on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Coach Brian Daboll expects Singletary (groin) to return for Sunday's game against Philadelphia but said Tyrone Tracy will get significant playing time, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Daboll said Tracy "earned it" with his impressive performances in Singletary's absence the past two weeks. Daboll also suggested third-stringer Eric Gray will play some, noting that the Giants want to ease Singletary back into action. It remains to be seen if the team lists Singletary with a game designation on the final injury report.

Ford (hamstring) remained sidelined at Friday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Ford has yet to practice this week, clouding his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals. If he ends up ruled out for the contest, the Browns' Week 7 backfield could be comprised of Nick Chubb (knee) -- who's expected to come off the reserve/PUP list this weekend -- D'Onta Foreman (groin, limited Wednesday and Thursday) and Pierre Strong.

Coach Dan Quinn said Friday that Robinson (knee) is "trending in the right direction" for Sunday's game against Carolina, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Robinson is on track for a questionable designation, with Quinn saying no decision has been made on the running back's status for Sunday. Robinson returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and remained limited for Thursday's session. He missed the Week 6 loss at Baltimore, after playing through his knee injury in a Week 5 win over Cleveland.

Taylor (ankle) wasn't spotted at Friday's practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Taylor didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, either, and his apparent absence from Friday's session has him trending in the wrong direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. The Colts' upcoming injury report is set to provide the Week 7 game statuses of both Taylor and top backup Trey Sermon (knee), who was limited at practice Thursday.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he's "optimistic" that Achane (concussion) will fully clear the NFL's concussion protocol after Friday's practice, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com reports.

Achane still needs to gain clearance from an independent neurologist, but he's otherwise practiced in full this week and seems to be trending in the right direction coming out of a Week 6 bye. Assuming he indeed gains full clearance in time for Sunday's road matchup in Indianapolis, he'll figure to lead Miami's speedy backfield, in which Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright also are pushing for touches.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Davis (calf) will be limited in practice but that Buffalo is uncertain about his availability for Sunday's game against the Titans, Maddy Glab of the team's official site reports.

Davis sounds like a possible game-time decision for Sunday's home game, while James Cook resumed practicing as a full participant Thursday and appears set to reclaim his lead role versus Tennessee. Coming off a performance against the Jets in which he posted 152 yards from scrimmage, Davis could have the momentum to push for a larger backfield role, his health pending. He seems destined to carry a questionable designation into the weekend, but final clarity on his status likely will arrive about 90 minutes ahead of Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Etienne (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.

Etienne was deemed week-to-week Monday morning and has since turned in back-to-back limited practices. It wouldn't be surprising if Etienne officially is listed as limited again Friday and ultimately carries a questionable designation into the weekend, as official confirmation on his status may not arrive until roughly 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 9:30 a.m ET kickoff. Tank Bigsby will be the favorite to start versus New England if Etienne is unable to go, while D'Ernest Johnson will figure to handle the majority of pass-catching work.

Stevenson (foot) is back on the practice field Friday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Stevenson was held out of New England's previous five practices, as well as the team's Week 6 loss to Houston, but he made the trip to London and is getting at least limited reps in Friday. Head coach Jerod Mayo called Stevenson a "game-time decision," so it looks like his status could come down to the wire. Official confirmation of Stevenson's availability, or lack thereof, will arrive about 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 9:30 a.m ET kickoff. Antonio Gibson will be in line for another start if Stevenson doesn't play.