NFL Player News

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday that Akers isn't expected to suit up Sunday against the Chargers, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Given that he was dealt from L.A. to Minnesota on Wednesday and passed a physical Thursday, Akers didn't have much time to get up to speed with his new squad, despite his previous experience working with O'Connell on the Rams in 2020 and 2021. Akers thus will set his sights on making his Vikings debut Sunday, Oct. 1 at Carolina. In the meantime, Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler will lead Minnesota's backfield.

Swift got the first practice rep Friday when the Eagles were working on handoffs, followed by Kenneth Gainwell (ribs), Rashaad Penny and then Boston Scott (concussion), Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It doesn't necessarily mean much, especially relative to Swift rumbling for 175 yards and a touchdown in the 34-28 win over Minnesota last Thursday. Gainwell missed that game, and Scott left it early, allowing Swift to dominate the backfield work after recording only two touches on 19 snaps the week before. Swift now is the favorite to lead Philadelphia's backfield Monday in Tampa Bay, though probably not to the same extent as last week with Gainwell looking on track to return and Scott closing in on making his way out of the concussion protocol.

Henry (toe) returned to practice Friday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Henry was limited in Wednesday's practice before taking the day off Thursday. His return to practice Friday puts Henry on track to play Sunday against the Browns. The 29-year-old has rushed 40 times for 143 yards and one touchdown through two games while adding five catches for 71 yards on seven targets.

Ekeler (ankle) isn't expected to practice Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Ekeler, who was inactive Week 2, also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, and the running back's expected absence Friday clouds his status for Sunday's game against the Vikings. If Ekeler remains out this weekend, Joshua Kelley would be in line to lead the Chargers' Week 3 backfield, with Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller in reserve.

Scott cleared concussion protocol and returned to practice Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Scott is thus set to play Monday in Tampa Bay, getting some help from the extra rest period after Philly's win over Minnesota last Thursday night. Scott left that game early with a concussion, while D'Andre Swift dominated backfield work en route to 175 rushing yards and Rashaad Penny mixed in only occasionally. The big question this week is whether Week 1 lead back Kenneth Gainwell can return from the rib injury that held him out Week 2. If so, Scott likely will be marginalized and Swift's workload will be much tougher to project.

Patterson (thigh) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Detroit.

Patterson wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday but then missed practice Thursday and was limited Friday. He was removed from the report last week before being inactive for a win over Green Bay, with his absence from the lineup possibly having more to do with the Falcons not needing him than his health. Whatever the case, Patterson apparently is bothered by his thigh again and now appears uncertain to play Week 3 for multiple reasons.

Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Friday that Hunt will play in Sunday's Week 3 game against the Titans, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Hunt was just re-signed Wednesday and spent all offseason away from NFL camps, but the Browns evidently like the kind of shape he's in and plan to give him some snaps behind Jerome Ford. Reportedly playing 10 pounds lighter than he did in 2022, Hunt will start out competing with Pierre Strong as Ford's change of pace in the wake of Nick Chubb's season-ending knee injury suffered in Week 2. Hunt is worth a speculative add in fantasy leagues.

Sanders (pectoral) isn't listed on the final injury report for Sunday's game in Seattle, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Sanders upgraded to full practice participation Friday after limited showings the previous two days. He'll continue to lead the Carolina backfield, though Chuba Hubbard also has been heavily involved with 18 touches for 119 yards from scrimmage through two games.

Hill (foot) wasn't present for practice Friday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

The Ravens officially list Hill as having a foot injury, but Hensley previously suggested that the running back is dealing with a toe issue. Friday's injury report will clarify whether Hill has a chance to play Sunday against the Colts, but if he's limited or out this weekend, Gus Edwards would likely start the contest, with practice-squad members Melvin Gordon and/or Kenyan Drake candidates to handle complementary backfield work.

The Jets cut Valladay from their practice squad Friday.

After going undrafted out of Arizona State back in April, Valladay has spent time with three teams, including the Texans, Steelers and Jets. He rushed 12 times for 30 scoreless yards (2.5 yards per carry) during the preseason.