NFL Player News

Ekeler (concussion) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Ekeler left midway through the Commanders' Week 3 win at Cincinnati due to a concussion, and he was unable to practice at all last week before he missed this past Sunday's contest at Arizona. Head coach Dan Quinn told John Keim of ESPN.com earlier Wednesday that the "arrows are pointing up" for Ekeler, and his return to practice, even in a capped fashion, has set him on a path to suiting up again. In the end, though, Ekeler must gain clearance from an independent neurologist in order to be able to play Sunday against the Browns.

Warren (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Warren missed this past Sunday's loss to the Colts with the knee injury and doesn't appear to be trending in the right direction for this weekend's game against the Cowboys. He'll still have two more opportunities to increase his practice activity and potentially make himself available for this Sunday's contest, but if Warren remains out, Najee Harris would likely be in store for another hefty role on the ground and as a pass catcher.

Patterson (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

Neither did Jaylen Warren, who missed Sunday's loss to Indianapolis with a knee injury. Patterson took advantage early on with six carries for 43 yards before halftime, only to miss the second half after injuring his ankle. He's now uncertain for Week 5 against Dallas, potentially leaving Aaron Shampklin as the No. 2 running behind Najee Harris, who would then be expected to take on another huge workload after playing 92 percent of snaps post-halftime in Sunday's loss.

Robinson (hamstring) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers.

Robinson was listed as a limited practice participant on Monday's estimated injury report due to a hamstring injury and followed it up with a cap on his reps at Tuesday's walkthrough. However, he was able to end Week 5 prep with a full session Wednesday and thus is ready to play Thursday. Through four games this season, Robinson has racked up 70 touches for 359 yards from scrimmage and one rushing score.

Chubb (knee) returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and was fifth through the line for handoffs among the team's running backs, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Though the Browns have declined to comment on expectations for Chubb's return to games, their decision to open his 21-day practice window Wednesday suggests they expect him back no later than Week 8. Until he's placed on the active roster, Chubb won't be listed with an official gameday status on the team's final practice report of a given week, which means further updates will come from coaches or plugged-in reporters. Chubb's spot at the back of the hand-off line Wednesday might be taken as a hint that Jerome Ford will get at least one more game as the Browns' lead back Sunday at Washington.

Pierce (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pierce was present at practice and wearing a jersey, but he didn't have his helmet and didn't end up participating in drills. With Joe Mixon (ankle) also absent again Wednesday, the Texans had Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale and J.J. Taylor taking backfield snaps, as was the case during Sunday's win over Jacksonville.

Mixon (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Mixon, who has missed the Texans' last two games, thus has two more chances to practice ahead of this weekend's contest against the Bills. Meanwhile, fellow running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice but ultimately went down as a non-participant on the official injury report, per Wilson. Cam Akers will likely lead the Texans' ground attack Week 5 if neither Mixon nor Pierce is cleared to play.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that Singletary will not practice Wednesday due to a groin injury, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The groin injury is a new concern for Singletary, though Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News relays that the running back ran on Monday, and the issue isn't considered a long-term concern. Still, Singletary now has just two more chances to get back on the practice field ahead of Sunday's road matchup in Seattle. Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray would likely lead the New York backfield if Singletary sits out this weekend.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that having Gibson start over Rhamondre Stevenson in Sunday's game against the Dolphins is "under consideration" due to Stevenson's fumbling issues, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Stevenson has started each of the Patriots' first four games, carrying 65 times for 267 yards and two touchdowns but coughing up the ball four times. Given Stevenson's recent ball-security issues, Gibson -- who has logged 29 carries for 155 yards thus far -- is a candidate to see added snaps, possibly in a starting role. In such a scenario, Gibson represents a possible lineup option for those in need of help at running back Week 5.

The Browns designated Hines (knee) for a return to practice Wednesday.

Hines is finally ready to practice again after completing his recovery from an ACL tear, which he suffered in a jet ski accident in the summer of 2023. Considering the extensive time that he's missed, Hines will likely need close to the full 21-day practice evaluation window before the Browns bring him back from the non-football injury list. Hines shouldn't be expected to play this Sunday against the Commanders.