NFL Player News

Head coach Dan Quinn said that Ekeler sustained a concussion as well as a laceration to his ear during Monday's 38-33 win over the Bengals, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official site reports.

The team had already confirmed that Ekeler entered the NFL's concussion protocol after a blow to the head during the third quarter Monday, resulting in his early exit from the contest. The ear laceration hadn't been reported, but clearing the five-step protocol will be Ekeler's chief concern as he aims to be available for the Commanders' Week 4 game Sunday in Arizona. If he is ruled out for Week 4, the Commanders would likely lean more heavily on lead back Brian Robinson in the passing game, while No. 3 back Jeremy McNichols could also carve out a more substantial change-of-pace role.

The Giants released Johnson on Tuesday, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson has been and up down between the Giants' active roster and practice squad since the end of training camp, and it's possible that the 29-year-old running back could stick around with Big Blue. Johnson has played 36 snaps (31 on special teams, five on offense) across two games with the Giants this season and has not accrued a carry or tackle over that span.

McNichols played eight snaps in Monday's 38-33 win at Cincinnati, taking one carry for one yard after replacing Austin Ekeler (concussion).

Brian Robinson unsurprisingly dominated backfield touches after Ekeler's exit in the third quarter, but McNichols delivered a perfect blitz pickup that helped QB Jayden Daniels connect with Terry McLaurin for a game-clinching, 27-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. While unlikely to take a lot of touches, McNichols should get playing time on passing downs if Ekeler doesn't clear the concussion protocol before a Week 4 contest at Arizona.

Gainwell did not carry the ball in Week 3 against the Saints, though he did catch two passes on three targets for 12 yards.

Gainwell averaged between 3.1 and 5.3 carries per game over his first three seasons as an Eagle, but there's been no room for him in the gameplan since the arrival of Saquon Barkley. While Barkley sits second in the league with 63 carries, Gainwell has rushed just three times all year.

Kansas City signed Hunt off its practice squad Tuesday.

The team waived Keaontay Ingram to open up a spot on the roster for Hunt, who joins Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as options at running back while Isiah Pacheco (fibula) resides on injured reserve. In Kansas City's first game without Pacheco on Sunday, Steele led the way with 46 snaps on offense and 18 touches (17 carries for 72 yards, one reception for two yards), while Perine played 26 snaps and logged nine touches (six carries for 25 yards, three receptions for 15 yards). Given those performances, Hunt may not immediately jump ahead of either player in the backfield pecking order Sunday against the Chargers, but he'll at least represent a more viable threat for playing time than Ingram.

The Seahawks placed Holani on the practice squad injured list Tuesday with an ankle injury, John Boyle of the team's official site reports.

Elevated from the practice squad for the Seahawks' Week 2 win over the Patriots, Holani played six snaps -- all on special teams -- in what was his NFL debut. However, Holani sustained an ankle injury in that contest, which was likely why he wasn't elevated ahead of the Week 3 win over the Dolphins, even though top back Kenneth Walker (oblique) missed a second straight contest. As a result of landing on the practice squad/injured list, Holani won't be eligible to play in any of the Seahawks' next four games.

Davis carried seven times for 22 yards and a touchdown and caught his only target for one yard in Monday's 47-10 win over Jacksonville.

The fourth-round rookie scored his first NFL touchdown in the lopsided win. Davis continues to share backup duties behind star running back James Cook with veteran Ty Johnson, but either could have the opportunity to solidify himself in the No. 2 role as the season progresses. The job would offer huge upside if Cook were to be sidelined at any point, and Davis looks to be the more appealing back to stash in fantasy leagues over Johnson due to his short-yardage usage. Davis scored on a nice three-yard effort to cap the scoring Monday and has a bowling ball of a frame at 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Harris' apparent right arm injury isn't a concern, and the running back is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Colts, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports. "Naj will be ready to rock and roll," Tomlin said.

Harris showed no obvious sign of being limited by an injury in Sunday's 20-10 win over the Chargers, as he took on a normal offensive snap share (58 percent) and handled heavy volume (18 carries, five targets). However, Harris' health suddenly came into question Monday, when he was spotted in the Pittsburgh locker room sporting a sling on his right arm. Based on Tomlin's comments, Harris might have been wearing the sling strictly as a precaution, and the coach didn't suggest that the running back's practice participation this week would be affected as a result. Assuming Harris is confirmed to be a full participant during Wednesday's session, he should be in the clear to handle another big workload in Indianapolis, especially with the availability of top backup Jaylen Warren (knee) looking much murkier.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Tuesday that Warren's (knee) status for Sunday's game against the Colts is in question, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Tomlin didn't disclose the findings from the MRI that Warren underwent Monday, one day after the running back exited the Steelers' win over the Chargers due to a knee injury. At the very least, the coach's decision not to immediately rule Warren out for Week 4 suggests that the knee injury isn't believed to be too significant. Per Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com, Tomlin said that Warren will begin Week 4 prep Wednesday as a limited practice participant. The Steelers will likely wait and see how Warren looks during practices Wednesday through Friday before determining whether he takes an injury designation into Sunday.

Wright rushed twice for 17 yards during Sunday's 24-3 loss to the Seahawks.

Wright was productive with his two touches, but the rookie fourth-round pick had his opportunities stymied due to a poor overall offensive performance with Skylar Thompson (ribs) and Tim Boyle under center instead of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). The Dolphins offense will work to get back on track versus the Titans on Monday Night Football in Week 4, though if Raheem Mostert (chest) is able to retake the field, he and De'Von Achane would dominate backfield opportunities.