NFL Player News

Pierce had to learn a new scheme this season, which may be a contributing factor to the decrease in production during his second NFL campaign, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pierce was barely visible in the Week 15 win over the Titans, getting on the field for just four snaps, while Devin Singletary carried the load for the Texans' rushing attack. As a rookie in 2022, Pierce gained 939 yards in 13 games behind a power-gap running scheme. It's a tactic the team felt suited the back from his college days at Florida. The adjustment this season to a zone outside running scheme, in which the back is required to read the defense before deciding on a path, has not been a smooth one. Pierce has averaged just 2.9 yards per carry and managed more than 50 rushing yards in two of 11 games. If it's working with Singletary as the lead back, the Texans are expected to continue that pattern.

Homer (hamstring) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

The 25-year-old running back was able to log a limited practice session Thursday after recording a DNP on Wednesday. Homer has played almost strictly on special teams for Chicago this season (203 of 209 total snaps), and he'll likely carry an injury designation into the weekend unless he's able to practice in full Friday.

The Rams activated Rivers (knee) from injured reserve ahead of Thursday's game against the Saints.

Rivers was designated for return from IR on Tuesday and was a full participant in two walk-through sessions this week, and though the Rams appear to be comfortable enough with his health to add him back to the 53-man roster, he may be in store for only a minor role Thursday. Before landing on IR on Oct. 18 with a PCL sprain, Rivers had emerged as the top understudy to starting running back Kyren Williams and averaged a respectable 4.4 yards on 13 carries to go with four catches for 18 yards over his six appearances for the Rams. However, given Rivers' lengthy layoff along with the fact that Royce Freeman has been similarly efficient in a reserve role, Rivers could find himself as the No. 3 option on the depth chart moving forward.

Stevenson (ankle) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Stevenson has now missed both of the Patriots' first two Week 16 practices, so he'll likely need to take part in Friday's session in some capacity to have a chance at playing Sunday against the Broncos. If Stevenson ends up missing a third straight game this weekend, Ezekiel Elliott would once again serve as New England's lead back.

Robinson (hamstring) was seen working out on the side at Thursday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

It's unclear if Robinson has a chance to mix into drills Thursday, but if he goes down as a non-participant for a second consecutive day, he'll have only one more chance this week to do so before the Commanders potentially make a ruling on his status for Sunday's game at the Jets. In the event Robinson misses a second straight contest, Chris Rodriguez would be in line for more carries while Antonio Gibson serves in his customary pass-catching role.

McKinnon won't practice Thursday due to a groin injury, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

McKinnon had previously missed games in Weeks 12 and 13 due to a groin issue, but his absence Thursday could be a case of load management rather than the result of a setback coming out of Sunday's 27-17 win over the Patriots. In any case, with Isiah Pacheco (shoulder) trending toward a return to action Monday against the Raiders, McKinnon may be headed for a lesser role in Kansas City's backfield.

Achane (toe) was on the field for practice Thursday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Achane's presence at practice Thursday perhaps suggests that the running back's absence Wednesday may have been maintenance-related. The extent of Achane's participation in Thursday's session will be known when Miami releases its second Week 16 injury report later in the day.

Miller (ankle) remains listed as questionable but is likely to be available for Thursday's game against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Miller was gauged as a limited participant for walk-through practices Tuesday and Wednesday, but the Saints evidently came away encouraged enough with the health of the rookie's ankle. Official confirmation on Miller's status for the Week 16 contest won't arrive until New Orleans releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the game's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, but the running back looks poised to be available for the first time since Week 9. However, Miller will likely be in store for only a bit role Thursday with Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams both healthy.

Cook (illness) was back on the field for practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.

Cook sat out Wednesday's session, but the running back's return to the field a day later seemingly has him on a path to being available Saturday against the Chargers. Later Thursday, the Bills will post their final Week 16 injury report, which will reveal whether Cook carries a questionable tag into Saturday's contest or if he avoids a designation entirely.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott expects Cook (illness) to practice Thursday and play in Saturday's game against the Chargers, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Cook didn't practice Wednesday, but his anticipated return to the field Thursday has him trending in the right direction for the Week 16 contest. The Bills will release their final injury report of the week later Thursday, when the extent of Cook's practice participation will be known.