NFL Player News

Henderson and Royce Freeman are expected to get "the majority of the workload" out of the backfield in Sunday's game against the Steelers, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.

With lead back Kyren Williams (ankle) and top backup Ronnie Rivers (knee) both landing on injured reserve in recent days, the Rams backfield has taken on new form heading into Week 7. Rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans is the lone healthy back who was active for last week's win over the Cardinals, but he looks like he'll have to settle for the No. 3 role Sunday after the Rams signed Freeman and Myles Gaskin to the 53-man roster and elevated Henderson from the practice squad. Gaskin is expected to be inactive Sunday but could have a role beginning in Week 8 once he gets a chance to pick up the offense, while Henderson won't have much of a learning curve after having previously played 50 games for the Rams under head coach Sean McVay over the last four seasons. Schefter reports that Freeman is the Rams' likely starter Sunday, but how the Steelers line up could change the team's plans. Additionally, McVay could take a hot-hand approach to the backfield, so if Henderson is able to capitalize on his early opportunities, he could end up outpacing both Freeman and Evans in snaps and touches. While the uncertainty of how the reps will break down Sunday makes Henderson a risky lineup option for Week 7 even in deeper leagues, he may be worthy of a speculative pickup in the event he establishes himself as the Rams' top back heading into Week 8.

Freeman is the Rams' likely starting running back for Sunday's game against the Steelers, and he and Darrell Henderson are expected to take on "the majority of the workload" out of the backfield, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Both Freeman and Henderson are set to go from the practice squad to the top two positions on the depth chart in less than a week, as the former was signed to the 53-man roster Tuesday while the latter was elevated Saturday. The two backs received the promotions after the Rams' top two options, Kyren Williams (ankle) and Ronnie Rivers (knee) both recently landed on injured reserve, keeping them out for at least the next four games. Schefter suggests that though Freeman is projected to be the Rams' likely starter, how he and Henderson are deployed could be determined by how the Steelers line up, as well as how both players fare in their initial opportunities. The Rams are also expected to keep rookie Zach Evans active as a third option, but the uncertainty of how the workload may break down among the position group makes Freeman a risky streaming option for Week 7. However, with both Williams and Rivers sidelined for multiple games, Freeman could at least make for an intriguing speculative stash if he's able to outperform Henderson against the Steelers and establish himself as the Rams' No. 1 option heading into the team's subsequent contests.

McCaffrey (oblique) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Vikings, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

McCaffrey practiced in limited fashion Saturday, his first participation in practice of any kind this week. The limited workout suggests the 49ers have a bit of optimism the two-time Pro Bowler could suit Monday, but fantasy managers may have to sweat out his official status up until the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Expect Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason to still get some work in regardless of McCaffrey's status this week as San Francisco tries to maintain the health of its star tailback against the 2-4 Vikings.

Thompson was elevated to Seattle's active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

The rookie from Texas Tech has a chance to make his NFL debut Sunday after getting elevated Saturday. Throughout his five-year collegiate career, Thompson recorded 3,184 yards from scrimmage and 41 total touchdowns.

Ozigbo was elevated to the Lions' active roster ahead of Sunday's game against Baltimore.

With running backs Craig Reynolds (hamstring) and David Montgomery (ribs) both having injury designations this Sunday, Ozigbo has been elevated to the team's active roster for the second consecutive week. The Nebraska product recorded five yards on three carries during Detroit's Week 6 win over the Buccaneers.

Ibrahim was elevated to the Lions' active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Ravens.

The 25-year-old rookie running back out of Minnesota has a chance to make his NFL debut this Sunday. Ibrahim went undrafted this offseason after recording 4,668 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns throughout his five-year collegiate career.

Williams was elevated to the team's active roster Saturday.

This comes as zero surprise after the veteran produced 44 scrimmage yards on 13 offensive snaps in last week's loss. Expect Keaontay Ingram to still see the majority of the rushing opportunities over Williams, with Emari Demercado operating as the team's main option in passing situations.

McCaffrey (oblique) was spotted participating in Saturday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

It's unclear what official designation the 49ers will give McCaffrey on the team's final injury report, but it's certainly good news to see the running back active in practice after missing two consecutive practices earlier this week. Expect the team to have an official injury designation announced in short order.

The Rams elevated Henderson from their practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Henderson's elevation becomes all the more vital for fantasy managers after Kyren Williams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Since Henderson rejoined the Rams on Tuesday after previously spending parts of the past four seasons with the franchise, head coach Sean McVay has given the running back plenty of praise. In light of injuries to Williams and Ronnie Rivers (knee), Henderson's familiarity with McVay's system could allow him to earn playing time in a crowded group of backs that includes unproven rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans along with veterans Royce Freeman and Myles Gaskin. At the very least, Henderson's elevation from the practice squad signals that he'll likely have a role Sunday.

Williams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Head coach Sean McVay didn't seem optimistic Williams would return in relatively quick fashion following an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, but the initial reports didn't seem to indicate the second-year back would need a stint on injured reserve. As a result, Williams won't be eligible to return until Week 12 -- all the way at the end of November. It's unclear who will step up and assume the larger share of what figures to be a significant backfield-by-committee, as the likes of Zach Evans, Royce Freeman, Myles Gaskin and likely practice-squad elevation Darrell Henderson all could see some work in the ensuing weeks.