NFL Player News

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that Dobbins' recent left knee scope was a "smashing success," but the running back is still about 3-to-4 weeks away from a return from injured reserve, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Harbaugh acknowledged that there was more scar tissue in Dobbins' knee than expected, so even with the benefit of a bye Week 10, the 23-year-old may need to spend more than the requisite four games on IR. Dobbins is first eligible to return to action Week 13 against the Jaguars, though his availability for that contest will be contingent on his knee responding well to practice, whenever he's deemed ready to resume on-field work. For the time being, Gus Edwards (hamstring) -- who won't practice Thursday -- will continue to headline the Baltimore backfield, with Kenyan Drake and Justice Hill serving as Edwards' top complements.

Akers (personal) participated in Thursday's team walk-through session, Steve Wyche of NFL Network reports.

The Rams will release their second Week 9 practice report later Thursday, and if Akers is listed as full participant or removed from the report entirely, it would be an indication that he's on track to play Sunday in Tampa Bay after a two-game, three-week hiatus from the team. Though the Rams weren't able to find a trade partner for Akers ahead of Tuesday's deadline, both player and team seem to have at least temporarily mended their relationship. Prior to leaving the team, Akers had seen his role reduced in favor of Darrell Henderson, as he played fewer than 40 percent of the Rams' snaps on offense in Weeks 4 and 5. Given that he's averaging just 3.0 yards per carry this season and isn't much of an asset as a pass catcher, Akers may occupy a small role in the Rams' running-back rotation if he's active this Sunday.

Henry (foot) was among the players not spotted during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

We'll circle back to relay the running back's official participation level Thursday, but it's worth noting that after being limited Wednesday, Henry downplayed his current listed injury issue, indicating that his foot is "fine" as Sunday's game against the Chiefs approaches.

Hubbard (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Hubbard emerged from Week 7 with a sprained ankle that kept him off the practice field last week and sidelined him this past Sunday in Atlanta. After two capped sessions to kick off Week 9 prep, he appears to be closing in on a return to action. Ultimately, his listing on Friday's injury report will give a sense of his potential to play Sunday at Cincinnati. If he's able to suit up this weekend, Hubbard may play second fiddle to D'Onta Foreman, who has gone for exactly 118 rushing yards in back-to-back games.

Edwards (hamstring) won't participate in Thursday's practice, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Edwards will sit out the Ravens' first Week 9 session exactly one week after he suffered a mild right hamstring injury in the team's 27-22 win over the Buccaneers. Though head coach John Harbaugh suggested that Edwards is day-to-day and has avoided a major injury, the running back will likely need to get back on the field as at least a limited practice participant Friday and/or Saturday if he hopes to put himself in position to play Monday against the Saints. If available for that contest, Edwards should have a path to double-digit carries for the third week in a row while J.K. Dobbins (knee) is stuck on injured reserve.

Taylor (ankle) wasn't present for Thursday's practice, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Taylor also sat out practice Wednesday, so his status for Sunday's game against the Patriots is firmly in question at the moment. In Taylor's absence from Thursday's session, Deon Jackson and Zack Moss were on the field along with practice-squad members Phillip Lindsay and Jordan Wilkins.

Swift (ankle/shoulder) was spotted during the open portion of practice Thursday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Swift didn't practice Wednesday, so his return to the field Thursday, in any capacity, bodes well for his chances of being available for Sunday's game against the Packers. The Lions' upcoming injury report is slated to reveal the running back's official participation level.

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

Harris also missed Wednesday's session, so what the running back is able to do Friday will be pivotal with regard to his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Colts. If Harris ends up out or limited this weekend, Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line to see added touches Week 9.

Akers (personal) will return to practice Thursday, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Akers remains on the Rams' roster with the trade deadline having passed, and Thursday's return to practice could be a sign that his relationship with the team is beginning to mend. Coach Sean McVay had positive things to say Wednesday about recent dialogues with Akers, though he also mentioned waiving the running back and giving him a fresh start as a possibility. It remains to be seen whether Akers will contribute again for Los Angeles this season, though McVay could offer more information during his scheduled media session Friday.

Gore (thumb) worked out for the Colts on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Gore was waived by the Chiefs prior to the start of the 2022 campaign due to a thumb injury, but he's now healthy and is battling for another opportunity. He was one of four running backs to take part in Wednesday's workout for the Colts.