NFL Player News

McClellan (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

The rookie sixth-round pick out of Alabama's NFL regular-season debut will have to wait, after he was a healthy scratch for Week 1. The Falcons will have three active running backs versus Pittsburgh, with Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams operating as backups to Bijan Robinson.

Akers (coach's decision) is inactive Week 1 against the Colts.

Akers was given steady carries throughout the preseason, but looking back, that likely wasn't a great sign for his playing time prospects. The Texans will move forward in Week 1 with Joe Mixon as the presumed starter, and Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale available in a backup capacity. Even undrafted rookie free agent British Brooks made it to the active roster, although that's most likely due to work on special teams.

Johnson (coach's decision) is listed as inactive Sunday versus the Titans.

The Bears placed a cap on Johnson's practice reps Wednesday and Thursday due to a toe injury, but after Friday's full session, he didn't carry a designation into the weekend. No matter, he won't be available to the Bears offense Week 1, leaving Khalil Herbert and Travis Homer as the reserve running backs behind D'Andre Swift. Johnson will turn his focus to making his season debut next Sunday at Houston.

Gibson (hip), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, plans to play, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Gibson was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday, but the Patriots apparently saw enough from the running back to be convinced that he'll be ready to go. Assuming he avoids the inactive list -- which will be released 90 minutes before the 1 p.m. ET kickoff -- Gibson will likely work in a complementary role behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Most of Gibson's usage is expected to come on passing downs.

Merriweather reverted to the Packers' practice squad Saturday following Friday's 34-29 loss to the Eagles, per the NFL's transaction log.

Merriweather was active for Friday's game due to MarShawn Lloyd being ruled out with a hamstring injury, though the former didn't end up playing a snap. Merriweather could be elevated from the practice squad again for Week 2 against the Colts if Lloyd is unable to suit up for that contest.

Guerendo (groin) practiced in full Saturday and doesn't have an injury designation for Monday's Week 1 contest against the Jets.

Guerendo was a limited participant in each of San Francisco's first two practices of the week after missing all of last week due to a groin injury. He is in line to make his NFL debut Monday, though, after returning to a full practice session Saturday. Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) is listed as questionable for the opener against the Jets but has stated that he's definitely suiting up, so Guerendo will likely see limited work in the running game behind the star tailback and backup Jordan Mason.

McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Jets, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

McCaffrey said Friday that he will be available for the season opener, and while the expectation remains that he'll be cleared ahead of Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, his questionable designation could hint that the 49ers plan to manage his workload. Regardless of McCaffrey's availability and touch count in Week 1, Jordan Mason should be primed for some work as the primary backup to the star running back.

The Panthers elevated Boone to the active roster Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

With Jonathon Brooks (knee) set to miss at least the first four games of the regular season while on the NFI list, Boone will serve as the fourth running back on the Panthers' depth chart for Sunday's game against the Saints behind Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear. Boone appeared in nine regular-season games for the Texans in 2023, finishing with five carries for 23 yards and seven catches (on nine targets) for 40 yards.

Gaskin was elevated to the Vikings' active roster Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This had been widely assumed after Gaskin failed to make the initial 53-man roster, leaving the Vikings with just two active running backs ahead of Week 1. At minimum, the 2019 draft pick figures to be a potential return specialist, and he could see some playing in the passing game spelling both Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler.

Wilson had four carries for 46 yards and two receptions for two yards in Friday's 34-29 loss to the Eagles.

A hip injury left Wilson's status for Week 1 uncertain, but he suited up and filled the backup spot behind starter Josh Jacobs and ripped off several quality runs. Rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) could be back for Week 2, but he has not gotten in much work since the start of training camp, so Wilson could continue working in the No. 2 role.