NFL Player News

Chubb (calf) is expected to return to game action during Sunday's matchup against the Steelers, Josina Anderson of USA Today reports.

Chubb returned to practice Monday after missing the last two games due to a calf injury, but coach Kevin Stefanski has remained optimistic that the running back will be back on the field against Pittsburgh. The 2018 second-rounder is expected to suit up Sunday as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks in practice this week, and his presence would provide a significant boost to the team's rushing attack with Kareem Hunt (calf) sidelined.

Dillon had three carries for six yards and one reception for two yards in Sunday's 24-10 victory over Washington. He also lost his first fumble of the season late in the contest.

Dillon was coming off a three-game stretch over which he averaged 13 touches and 78.3 yards from scrimmage per contest, but he played a reduced role Week 6 and made only a minor mark in the box score. At the least, Dillon's limited workload should leave him fresh for the Packers' Week 7 matchup with the Cardinals on Thursday, but he will have a tough time getting back on track against an Arizona defense that has allowed opposing running backs to find the end zone just once -- and once only -- all season.

Brightwell didn't play an offensive snap in Sunday's 25-3 win over the Panthers.

All 18 of Brightwell's snaps came on special teams. With Saquon Barkley (ankle) out, New York used fullback Elijhaa Penny (nine carries for 24 yards) to spell primary option Devontae Booker (14 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown). Despite Penny's lackluster performance, the Giants seem to trust him more than Brightwell, whom the team selected in the sixth round of the 2021 draft.

Chubb (calf) is participating in Monday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Chubb has missed back-to-back contests due to a calf injury, but it looks like he's now progressing toward a return. Coach Kevin Stefanski also recently expressed optimism that Chubb could retake the field Week 8 against the Steelers, which would provide the team with a significant boost on offense. Though D'Ernest Johnson impressed with 146 rushing yards and a score versus the Broncos, the impact of Chubb's involvement in the ground attack can't be overstated for Cleveland, and getting consisted production between the tackles will be key if Baker Mayfield (shoulder) is again unavailable.

Ahmed had seven carries for 26 yards during Sunday's 30-28 loss to Atlanta. He also caught both of his targets for 26 yards.

Ahmed managed a season-high 56 scrimmage yards against Atlanta's vulnerable defense, though it was Myles Gaskin -- who had 67 rushing yards and a score -- who was once again the more productive backfield option. Part of the context for Ahmed's involvement was the fact that Malcolm Brown (hamstring) was forced out of Sunday's contest, but even before that, the second-year pro appeared to be operating as Miami's No. 2 running back. Of course, Ahmed is only on the fantasy radar in deep formats.

McNichols recorded one reception on one target for 10 yards in Sunday's 27-3 win over Kansas City.

McNichols has worked primarily as a pass catcher out of the backfield, so the game script didn't fit into his typical role. He also lost some work to Darrynton Evans (knee), who returned from injured reserve to make his first appearance of the season. Through six weeks, it was clear that McNichols was the primary backup to Derrick Henry, though his role on the team is now less defined.

Evans carried the ball twice for seven yards in Sunday's 27-3 win over Kansas City. He added two receptions for 11 yards.

Evans was activated off injured reserve Saturday and played six offensive snaps. As expected, he worked as a backup to Derrick Henry, though he split second-string duties with Jeremy McNichols. So long as he is healthy, Henry will clearly maintain a heavy workload out of the backfield, though it's unclear whether Evans or McNichols will now serve as his primary backup.

Freeman rushed three times for 18 yards and caught one of two targets for one yard in Sunday's 25-3 loss to the Giants.

Freeman played five fewer offensive snaps than starting tailback Chuba Hubbard, but his mere four touches paled in comparison to the rookie's 16. Freeman has yet to garner more than six touches in a game this season, so although star Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) will still be sidelined in Week 8 versus the Falcons, Freeman remains without much fantasy value.

Mitchell rushed 18 times for 107 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-18 loss to the Colts.

It was a tale of two running backs Sunday, as Mitchell posted an identical rushing line to the Colts' Jonathan Taylor. While the latter's team got the victory, the rookie tailback continued to establish himself as the top dog in San Francisco and as a reliable fantasy option for managers. Mitchell gets a favorable matchup next Sunday against the Bears, who have given up 122.1 rushing yards per game to opponents this season.

Taylor rushed 18 times for 107 yards and a touchdown while catching all three targets for three yards in Sunday's 30-18 win over San Francisco.

Taylor did lose his first fumble through seven games this year, but all players were dealing with slippery conditions in Santa Clara on Sunday evening (seven total fumbles, four lost). The 22-year-old extended his touchdown streak to four games, and he has now accounted for six scores and 551 total yards from scrimmage over the last four weeks. While Taylor is undoubtedly trending in the right direction, his streak of soft matchups comes to a close in Week 8 when the Colts take on the Titans, who limited the back to 72 total yards and no scores back in Week 3.