NFL Player News

Pierce is averaging fewer yards after contact and per carry than he had as a rookie in 2022.

Thus far in 2023, Pierce's numbers are down across the board. He's averaged 2.21 yards after contact (3.29 in 2022), per Pro Football Focus, and 2.9 yards per carry overall (4.3 in 2022). Pierce's outlook gets bleaker in the red zone, where he's been stopped for no gain or lost yards on eight of 12 carries (0.33 yards per carry). Some of his struggles can be chalked up to injuries along the offensive line, but Pierce's red-zone rushing didn't get any better Week 5 against Atlanta with Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard on the field together for the first time. As a team, the Texans' red-zone offense has scored touchdowns at a 35.3 percent rate, better than just two teams in the league. Pierce remains the lead back, but the coaching staff is examining ways to be better in the red area, which could involve more passing or using No. 2 back Devin Singletary more frequently.

Williams rushed once for five yards in Sunday's 34-20 win over the Cardinals.

Williams handled just one carry for the third straight game Sunday. The veteran running back played just 12 of the Bengals' 82 offensive snaps, well behind starter Joe Mixon who saw the field for 63 snaps. Williams' lack of involvement will keep him far off the fantasy radar barring an injury to Mixon. Next up, the Bengals will host the Seahawks in Week 6.

Harris gained 13 yards on three carries and was not targeted in the passing game in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Jaguars in London.

Harris has seen less snaps than veteran teammate Latavius Murray in all five games this season, while the former's rushing-yards high in 2023 is 33 yards in Week 2. Unless lead runner James Cook suffers an injury, Harris can safely be ignored in most leagues. While he may play an important role for the Bills, he's fallen a long way from his 15-TD season of 2021.

Murray gained six yards on two carries and caught his only target for one yard in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Jaguars in London.

About the only good thing you can say about Murray's lackluster performance was that he continues to see more snaps (10-9 on Sunday) than teammate Damian Harris, something that's been the case in all five games this season. That said, James Cook is the clear top back for Buffalo and quarterback Josh Allen takes on a fair amount of rushing volume too, and he actually led the team in rushing Sunday with 14 yards. Murray does have two rushing touchdowns this season, but he's mostly un-rosterable outside of deep TD-only formats.

Williams (quadriceps) practiced fully at Tuesday's walkthrough, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Williams was considered a true game-time decision due to a quad injury for this past Sunday's contest against the Jets before the team made him inactive. Coach Sean Payton said Tuesday that Williams was "close" to being able to suit up, and if it was the postseason (instead of the regular season) he "could've gone." With Williams out Week 5, Samaje Perine got the start and played 38 of 63 offensive snaps on his way to 10 touches for 95 yards from scrimmage, while Jaleel McLaughlin earned 21 plays and reeled off 89 total yards and a TD catch on 12 touches. Williams' listing on Wednesday's injury report could clear up any questions about his availability for Thursday's contest at Kansas City. But the breakdown of work between Williams (if active), Perine and McLaughlin remains up in the air.

The Packers waived Taylor on Tuesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Taylor appeared in four of the Packers' opening five games as a practice-squad call-up but was officially signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Monday night's loss to the Raiders. He's carried 11 times for 31 yards on limited chances behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Taylor is a candidate to return to Green Bay's practice squad should he clear waivers.

Ekeler (ankle) said Tuesday that he's "99 percent" certain that he'll play Monday against the Cowboys, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

Since sustaining a right high-ankle sprain Week 1, Ekeler has missed three games, but after the Chargers' Week 5 bye, the running back looks as though he might be ready to return. He participated in Tuesday's unofficial practice session, and Thursday's practice report will reveal the extent of his participation to begin Week 6 prep. If he's able to get back to full participation after being listed as limited on all three reports back in Week 4, Ekeler's prediction will be set in motion, barring a setback as the weekend draws closer.

The Cardinals placed Conner (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Conner will miss at least four games due to a knee injury that he suffered this past Sunday against the Bengals. The nature of the issue isn't yet known, but as long as the veteran back is sidelined, the Cardinals' ground game will have to run though undrafted rookie Emari Demercado, Keaontay Ingram (neck), Tony Jones and potentially practice-squad members Corey Clement and Damien Williams. With Ingram still in recovery mode from a neck concern and looking very unimpressive prior to his injury (15 yards on 12 carries this season), Demercado is the favorite to be the team's No. 1 RB.

Ekeler (ankle) was present at Tuesday's unofficial practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Prior to the Chargers' Week 5 bye, Ekeler missed three consecutive contests due to a sprained ankle, which was believed to be of the 'high' variety. During Week 4 prep, he was listed as a limited participant on all three of the team's injury reports, so it'll be interesting to see how he shows up Thursday, when L.A. will post its first report for Week 6.

Miami is signing Funk to the practice squad Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Funk, who was cut by the Colts on Saturday and cleared waivers Monday, now gets a chance to operate as an emergency reserve option for a Dolphins squad that may be without rookie sensation De'Von Achane (knee) for multiple weeks. He scored through the air while handling three total touches Week 1, but contributed exclusively on special teams from Weeks 2 to 4.