NFL Player News

Herbert is expected to shift into a complementary role Monday against the Steelers with the Bears set to reinstate lead back David Montgomery (knee) from injured reserve prior to the contest, Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

When he spoke to the media earlier Monday, head coach Matt Nagy didn't go into detail regarding what Montgomery's workload might look like in his first game back after a one-month absence, but the 24-year-old appears likely to pace the Chicago backfield in snaps and touches against the Steelers following a good week of practice. The Bears could be inclined to ease Montgomery in to some extent rather than having him immediately reclaim the 70-to-80 percent snap shares he routinely handled in 2020 and through the first weeks of the current season, but in any case there likely won't be enough work left over for Herbert to provide meaningful fantasy value. The rookie sixth-round pick at least proved to be a capable replacement over the past four weeks, averaging 4.4 yards per carry on 78 attempts while hauling in nine of 10 targets for 44 yards and scoring a touchdown.

Mattison had four carries for a total of zero yards and one reception on his lone target for three yards in Sunday's 34-31 overtime loss at Baltimore.

Mattison played just nine snaps as he has a limited backup role with Dalvin Cook at full strength. Mattison eclipsed 100 rushing yards in both spot starts when Cook has sat out this season, so he's one of the more valuable backups in the league.

Nwangwu returned a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown and also had a nine-yard carry for a first down on a fake punt in Sunday's overtime loss at Baltimore.

He also had another kickoff return for 23 yards. Nwangwu has been limited to special teams, but his speed there can make an impact for the Vikings.

Emonds underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed a high-ankle sprain, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Edmonds suffered his injury early in Sunday's Week 9 win over the 49ers and is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks while he recovers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It appears likely that the 25-year-old will require a stint on injured reserve, and his absence should create more opportunities for James Conner and even Eno Benjamin.

Wilson (knee) was activated off of the PUP list Sunday, but he did not record a snap in a 31-17 loss to the Cardinals.

It was a bit surprising that Wilson didn't get involved in the offensive game plan given the lack of depth San Francisco has at the running back position. The 25-year-old was a solid fantasy contributor last season, contributing 733 combined yards and 10 combined touchdowns over 12 games (seven starts). Elijah Mitchell has been a revelation for the 49ers this season, so perhaps head coach Kyle Shanahan considers Wilson as the primary backup to the starter, keeping JaMycal Hasty in a third-down role. For now, Wilson only should be considered insurance for Mitchell owners heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Rams next Monday.

Hasty had one carry for two yards and three receptions (four targets) for 11 yards in Sunday's 31-17 loss to Arizona.

The 49ers activated Jeff Wilson (knee) off of the PUP list prior to Sunday's contest, so there was a chance the veteran would usurp Hasty. Head coach Kyle Shanahan decided to keep his top two backs untouched on the depth chart, for this week at least. Neither back will have much value against the Rams next Monday so long as Elijah Mitchell remains healthy enough to start, with Wilson being the likely beneficiary in terms of fantasy for any games Mitchell is forced to miss for the remainder of the season.

Pollard carried the ball four times for 11 yards and caught one of two targets for 32 yards in Sunday's 30-16 loss to the Broncos.

Ezekiel Elliott was in and out of the lineup throughout the game due to a knee contusion, but with the Cowboys offense as a whole generally unable to get anything going, Pollard didn't get much of a chance to take advantage. He's now been held below 10 touches and 50 yards from scrimmage in both of the last two games, but if Elliott's injury proves to be serious, Pollard could see a big jump in his workload Week 10 against the Falcons.

Montgomery (knee) is expected to be activated from IR in time to suit up versus the Steelers on Monday Night Football, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Montgomery hasn't played since Week 4 due to a knee sprain, but he appears to be trending toward a return to the field Week 9. The Bears have not yet made the transaction official, however. Rookie Khalil Herbert has impressed as Chicago's lead back while the Week 1 starter has been sidelined, and it's possible he retains a notable role even once Montgomery returns to action. Additionally, Damien Williams (knee) already has been ruled out.

Edmonds may have suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's win over the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Edmonds was forced out of Sunday's divisional win after injuring his ankle during Arizona's first play. The results of Monday's MRI will confirm the severity of his injury, but if he's indeed suffered a high-ankle sprain the Cardinals likely will place him on injured reserve. Rapoport notes that such injuries generally carry a recovery timetable of 4-to-6 weeks. James Conner will operate as Arizona's lead running back if Edmonds is forced to miss any amount of time, while Eno Benjamin would be a candidate to step into the No. 2 role.

Abdullah rushed once for no yards but caught four of five targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Patriots.

Abdullah worked behind the now-healthy Christian McCaffrey and rookie Chuba Hubbard, but he still managed to make an impact in the passing game. Although his third-string status should restrict his weekly upside, especially as McCaffrey's workload increases, Abdullah's skills in obvious throwing situations could help Carolina here and there. The veteran also returned two kickoffs for 43 total yards.