Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Green Bay Packers running back Pierre Strong was elevated from the practice squad earlier this week following an ankle injury to Chris Brooks that ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Strong will join MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson in a backfield rotation as the Packers prepare to face their divisional rivals.
The San Francisco 49ers announced the release of veteran defensive lineman Ogbo Okoronkwo on Friday. Okoronkwo played four games this season with one start, registering two tackles and a sack. Over his eight-year career spanning stints with the Rams, Texans, Browns, and Eagles, the 31-year-old has totaled 134 tackles and 18 sacks.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been officially ruled out for Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Although Branch returned to practice Wednesday following a 10-month recovery from an Achilles injury and looked great, coaches feel playing this week is too early. The team is targeting a more realistic return for their Week 7 matchup against the Packers following their upcoming bye week.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is questionable for Sunday's game against New England after being downgraded to limited with a new foot injury and missing Friday's practice alongside an ongoing ankle issue. Coach Klint Kubiak noted Jeanty is slated to travel and will do his best to go. If sidelined, rookie Mike Washington Jr. will be positioned for a start and a large workload. Jeanty has rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is set to feature prominently in the team's passing attack for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Downs will join Keenan Allen and Laquon Treadwell as part of the Colts' top three wide receiver options, with teammate Ashton Dulin unavailable due to a hamstring injury.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is positioned to serve among the team's top three wide receivers for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Treadwell will step into prominent offensive duties alongside Keenan Allen and Josh Downs, with fellow wideout Ashton Dulin ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen (groin, rest) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Allen managed a full practice participant on Friday and is fully expected to play. He will anchor the Colts' receiving corps alongside Josh Downs and Laquon Treadwell while Ashton Dulin sits out.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hamstring injury. With Dulin sidelined, the Colts' receiving corps will rely on Keenan Allen, Josh Downs, and Laquon Treadwell as their top three wide receivers for the contest in Pittsburgh.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Kamara logged limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, putting him on track to play. However, his back issue adds risk against a tough Minnesota defense ranked second against opposing running backs.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is expected to lead the team's backfield workload in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Fellow running back Rico Dowdle is listed as questionable due to a toe injury after being limited in practice all week, though running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung indicated Dowdle is expected to be available to play.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints due to a hamstring injury. Addison was held out of Wednesday's practice before returning as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. His status, along with fellow receiver Justin Jefferson, will receive final confirmation approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins admitted he is in a dark spot after gaining just 161 rushing yards on 46 attempts through four games, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. Despite dealing with a soft-tissue injury in training camp, Dobbins insists he is healthy and must play to his standard. He played 21 snaps compared to RJ Harvey's 29 in Week 4 against the 49ers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without top cornerback Jamel Dean, who has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts due to an ankle injury. His absence thrusts newly-signed players Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith directly into action after spending less than a week with the team. Meanwhile, teammate Jalen Ramsey is questionable with a wrist injury.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley will make the start in Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons after Lamar Jackson was officially ruled out with an ankle sprain. Huntley handled all first-team reps in practice this week following a relief appearance last week where he completed 8-of-9 passes for 63 yards and added 16 rushing yards in relief.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been officially ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle sprain suffered in a Week 4 win over the Titans. After missing all practices and leaving the facility in a walking boot, Tyler Huntley will handle first-team reps and start under center. Coach Minter suggests Jackson could potentially return by Week 6.
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip, knee) is a full participant and carries no injury designation into Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. With backfield teammate Kyle Monangai ruled out with a turf toe injury, Swift is in line for a massive workload and significant boost in snaps and touches alongside Roschon Johnson, ranking as a strong RB1 option.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has officially named Tyson Bagent the starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Bagent takes the helm while teammate Caleb Williams works his way back from a hamstring injury, though Williams has returned to limited practices and is listed as questionable for the weekend contest.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is positioned for a large workload and a potential start if lead running back Ashton Jeanty is ultimately sidelined. Jeanty is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup against the New England Patriots due to ankle and foot issues that kept him out of practice on Friday, opening the door for Washington to spark a Raiders ground game ranked last in the NFL.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough practiced fully Friday and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Shough opened the week with a limited walkthrough Wednesday due to a left-hand injury, but endured no restrictions thereafter. He currently ranks third in the NFL with 300.8 passing yards per game, supported by a 9:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio through four contests.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey spoke to the media about a disconnect between the coaching staff and players regarding integration of new secondary members like Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith. Ramsey emphasized that successful teams are player-led and need to be on the same page regarding on-field flow rather than strictly relying on playbook memorization, as the Steelers defense looks to bounce back.
