NFL Player News

Johnson's role with the Browns could change as rumors pick up about the team trading Kareem Hunt before next Tuesday's 4:00 pm trade deadline, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The report doesn't get into specific trade partners interested in Hunt, but Cleveland is reportedly seeking a fourth-round draft pick as a starting point for discussions. Both Johnson and Hunt are on expiring contracts, making each of them a possible trade piece. Hunt's role has dwindled the last two weeks -- he has a total of 10 touches Weeks 6 and 7 after averaging more than 11 per game over the first five weeks. If the Browns trade Hunt, Johnson would move up to second on the depth chart. If Johnson is traded, the team trading for him presumably would have a bigger role waiting for him. Per usual, Johnson is listed as third at running back on the Browns' unofficial depth chart and as the primary kickoff returner for Monday night's game against the Bengals.

Jacobs was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Jacobs is one of eight players listed as limited participants on the Raiders' first Week 8 practice report, but so far there's been nothing to suggest that his status for Sunday's game against the Saints is in danger. The lead back is coming off a big game Week 7 in which he ran 20 times for 143 yards and three touchdowns to go with three catches for 12 yards in a 38-20 win over the Texans.

Williams (knee) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Along with Williams, No. 1 running back James Conner (ribs) also returned to practice as a limited participant, indicating the position group is getting close to being back to full strength. An active Conner on Sunday in Minnesota likely would be Arizona's lead runner, but he could yield reps to Williams (if active) and Eno Benjamin. In five appearances this season, Williams averaged 5.9 yards per carry on his 16 rushes while scoring one touchdown.

Conner (ribs) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

The appearance on the field marked Conner's first since injuring his ribs Week 5 against the Eagles. He's missed two games as a result, but the limited showing may be a sign that he's inching toward a return to action. Fellow running back Darrel Williams (knee) also was limited Wednesday, meaning the Cardinals backfield is slowly getting back to full strength. If Conner gets the green light to play Sunday at Minnesota, he likely will reclaim lead-back duties from Eno Benjamin, though the latter (and potentially Williams) also may be in the mix for touches.

Robinson (knee) isn't listed Wednesday on the Jets' initial Week 8 injury report, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

In his final game with the Jaguars this past weekend, Robinson logged only 12 snaps, with the team indicating that the running back was dealing with some "knee soreness." However, Robinson said Wednesday that he's healthy at this stage, likely setting him up to make his Jets debut in Sunday's matchup with the Patriots, according to Cimini. Assuming Robinson is able to get up to speed with his new team's playbook, he'll likely work in a timeshare out of the backfield with Michael Carter after the Jets lost star rookie Breece Hall (knee) to a season-ending injury Week 7.

Edwards (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Tampa Bay, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

The Ravens have eight players listed as questionable, making it tough to get a read on whose availability is actually in doubt. Edwards seems better than a 50-50 bet to play after being listed as a limited practice participant Monday through Wednesday, but there would still be some chance of a workload restriction with his second game back from an ACL tear coming only four days after the first. Edwards drew the start and took 16 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns last Sunday against Cleveland, making the most of his 23 snaps (36 percent) while splitting time with Kenyan Drake and Justice Hill. Those two would see more work Thursday night in the event Edwards is on the inactive list ahead of the 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Akers (personal) won't practice with the Rams this week, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Akers' continued absence from the team all but rules him out for Sunday's game against the 49ers, an outcome Sean McVay hinted at earlier in the week. Darrell Henderson is expected to work as the Rams' lead back, with Malcolm Brown in reserve and Kyren Williams (ankle) nearing a return from injured reserve. Akers, meanwhile, remains a candidate to be traded.

Swift (ankle/shoulder) was a full practice participant Wednesday.

Swift wasn't cleared to play in last Sunday's loss to the Cowboys after putting in three consecutive limited sessions following a bye week, but with a full practice already under his belt, he appears poised to make his first appearance since Week 3 this Sunday against the Dolphins. In three contests this season, he averaged a whopping 8.6 yards per carry on his 27 rushes and also hauled in eight of 12 targets for 77 yards, so he's a must-start player in his return to the lineup.

Elliott, who won't practice Wednesday, is tending to a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee and a thigh bruise that he sustained during this past Sunday's win against the Lions, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott played through most of last season with a torn PCL in his right knee, racking up more than 1,000 yards on the ground for the fourth time in six pro campaigns. This time around, he may not be so lucky, however. Elliott told Jon Machota of The Athletic on Wednesday that he's dealing with stiffness in his right knee and is unsure if he'll be able to suit up this Sunday against the Bears. He noted he doesn't necessarily need to practice to be available on game day, but his status nonetheless bears watching in the coming days to see if he has a chance to play this weekend. No matter if Elliott is active or not, Tony Pollard figures to benefit in the Cowboys backfield.

The Rams designated Williams (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain on his only snap Week 1 and has been sidelined in the meantime. The Rams now has a 21-day window to evaluate the rookie fifth-round pick and determine when (or if) a return to action is possible. If he gets back on the active roster, Williams may be able to mix into the backfield behind Darrell Henderson with Cam Akers' (personal) status with the team up in the air.