NFL Player News

Akers is preparing to start Sunday's game against the Vikings, as Joe Mixon (ankle) is listed as doubtful and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has been ruled out, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Akers got seven carries Week 2 against the Bears, as Mixon spent part of the game in the locker room tending to his ankle injury and Pierce didn't play. The former Rams and Vikings running back rushed for 32 yards on those rushes but also lost a fumble by the goal line. Akers should get first crack at the lead role Sunday against one of his former teams barring the unlikely event of Mixon suiting up after all, but if ball security issues arise again, Dare Ogunbowale or British Brooks could get more opportunities at Akers' expense.

Mixon is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Vikings after not practicing this week.

Meanwhile, top backup Dameon Pierce (hamstring) already has been ruled out for the contest. With Mixon trending toward being unavailable Sunday, Cam Akers appears poised to take on an expanded role in Week 3, a context that makes him a potential fill-in option for those who normally would rely on Mixon in fantasy lineups.

Pierce (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Pierce will miss a second consecutive game after failing to practice in any capacity during the week. With Joe Mixon (ankle) listed as doubtful, Cam Akers looks poised to lead Houston's backfield Sunday, with possible increased roles for Dare Ogunbowale and British Brooks.

Homer (finger) recently underwent surgery on his finger and is expected to be placed on injured reserve, Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network reports. He is listed as out Sunday against the Colts.

Once Homer's move to IR is made official, he will miss a minimum of four games. With the Bears on bye Week 7, the earliest Homer could return would be Week 8 against the Commanders, assuming he lands on the list Saturday. Roschon Johnson likely will spell D'Andre Swift in passing situations, with Khalil Herbert maintaining his involvement on early downs.

Hunt won't be elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday night's game against the Falcons, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

With Isiah Pacheco (leg) on IR and slated to miss at least four games, Hunt is destined to claim a role in the Chiefs backfield once he's had more practice time with the team. For now, however, Carson Steele, Samaje Perine and Keaontay Ingram are available to handle the team's RB duties.

Spears (ankle) is slated to be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Spears didn't practice Wednesday but returned to a limited session a day later, and per Turron Davenport of ESPN.com, coach Brian Callahan expects the running back to be available this weekend. If that ends up being the case, Spears would be in line to continue to work alongside Tony Pollard in the Titans' Week 3 backfield.

Strong (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Giants, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Strong pulled his hamstring in the Browns' Week 2 win over the Jaguars and didn't practice all week. With Strong set to miss Sunday's contest, the Browns are expected to ride their backfield tandem of Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman in a favorable spot as home favorites.

The Ravens signed Hill to a two-year, $6 million contract extension Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

A fourth-round pick by Baltimore in 2019, Hill missed all of 2021 with a torn Achilles' tendon but finally got an extended chance to play last season for the Ravens after J.K. Dobbins suffered the same injury in Week 1. Hill set career highs across the board with his 84-387-3 rushing line in 2023, adding 28-206-1 as a receiver. He's taken hold of the pass-catching and two-minute roles in Baltimore's offense behind early-down workhorse Derrick Henry. Through two games, Hill has eight catches for 62 yards and has rushed five times for 25 yards while playing 54 percent of the offensive snaps.

Mixon (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Friday, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.

The same applies to top backup Dameon Pierce (hamstring), which doesn't bode well for the duo's status for Sunday's game against the Vikings. If both players are unavailable this weekend, Cam Akers would be in line to see an expanded role in Week 3.

Coach Mike McDaniel noted Friday that he's not optimistic about the availability of Mostert (chest) for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

When addressing the status of Mostert -- who was inactive in Week 2 -- McDaniel noted, "I'd be pessimistic that he'd play, but I can't rule it out." Added context regarding the running back's chances of playing this weekend will arrive once the Dolphins' injury report is posted Friday. If Mostert is unavailable versus Seattle, De'Von Achane, Jeff Wilson and Jaylen Wright would handle Miami's Week 3 backfield duties.