NFL Player News

Sermon was only on the field for two offensive snaps (three percent) Sunday, finishing with one carry for seven yards in a 17-10 loss to Arizona.

Elijah Mitchell (shoulder) returned from injury and reclaimed his starting role (44 snaps). The playing time distribution between the rookie backs was a bit surprising considering that Sermon had been performing well in Mitchell's stead, and also given head coach Kyle Shanahan's propensity to utilize two backs in his system. It is clear that the coaching staff believes that Mitchell has more to offer despite where the club selected the backs in this year's draft. It is probably safe to explore other options when it comes to Sermon, especially with the 49ers' bye week on tap.

Harris (ribs) checked out fine after exiting Sunday's win over the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Harris dealt with chest and rib injuries in Sunday's contest, but he's considered day-to-day as the Patriots prepare to face the Cowboys on Sunday. If the 24-year-old is unable to play against Dallas, Brandon Bolden and Rhamondre Stevenson should handle the Patriots' backfield duties Week 6.

Williams is likely in line for a starting role after Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday's loss to the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Williams entered Sunday's game after Edwards-Helaire went down, and he recorded five carries for 27 yards while hauling in three of five targets for 18 yards. While Edwards-Helaire's injury isn't as serious as the team initially feared, he's still slated to miss time. As a result, Williams should be the lead back with Jerick McKinnon also on hand as the Chiefs prepare for a favorable matchup against Washington in Week 6.

Edwards-Helaire suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday's loss to the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Edwards-Helaire was carried off the field after he suffered his injury Monday but was able to walk gingerly to the locker room under his own power. The 22-year-old is expected to miss a few weeks due to his injury, while Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon should handle increased work in his absence.

Perine was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday.

Perine racked up 73 yards from scrimmage and reached the end zone in Sunday's overtime loss to the Packers, but he'll have to spend some time away from the team after being placed on the COVID-19 list. It's not yet clear whether he's tested positive for the virus or whether he's considered a close contact, and the Bengals haven't revealed when the 26-year-old will be able to return.

Singletary had just six carries for 25 yards and caught one of two targets for minus-2 yards during Sunday night's win over the Chiefs.

Singletary started the year hot but is starting to take a backseat to Zack Moss, who's heating up and out-snapped Singletary, 42-15, on Sunday. With so many weapons in the Buffalo offense and Singletary at best sharing work with Moss in a pass-heavy offense, he's tough to put in a starting lineup until something changes.

Bolden was on the field for 24 of a possible 64 snaps on offense in Sunday's 25-22 win over the Texans, en route to carrying twice for 25 yards and catching all four of his targets for six yards, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

When lead back Damien Harris was forced out of the contest with chest and rib issues, it was rookie Rhamondre Stevenson (22 snaps, 11 carries for 23 yards), who handled the bulk of the team's early-down work. Aside from a 24-yard run, Bolden didn't do much with his Week 5 touches, but it does appear as though he's settled into a steady change-of-pace role with James White (hip) on IR. That context puts him on the fantasy radar in deeper PPR formats.

Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that he's hopeful that McCaffrey (hamstring) will be able to return for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

McCaffrey missed a second straight game in Sunday's loss to the Eagles despite practicing in a limited capacity last week. Rhule said that he'll have a better idea of the 25-year-old's status based on his participation in Wednesday's practice, but it seems as though the running back has a good chance to return to game action against Minnesota.

Armah logged 16 offensive snaps but did not touch the ball during Sunday's 33-22 win over Washington.

Armah more than doubled his previous season high in snaps but did not touch the ball. The fullback has two carries for seven yards through five games.

Ozigbo logged seven snaps on offense during Sunday's 33-22 win over Washington.

With Tony Jones (ankle) on injured reserve, Ozigbo outpaced Dwayne Washington by five offensive snaps while fullback Alex Armah more than doubled his previous season high with 16. However, no one but Alvin Kamara, who saw the vast majority of the playing time, touched the ball. It seems likely that none of these guys will approach the modest fantasy value Jones offered before getting injured.