NFL Player News

With James White (hip) expected to miss the rest of the season, Taylor is a candidate to see added work in the Patriots offense, Matt Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

It's worth noting that Week 3, at least, it was Brandon Bolden -- normally a core special teamer -- who handled the bulk of the team's change-of-pace duties in the immediate aftermath of White's injury. That said, we suspect Bolden's experience and ability in pass protection gave him the edge as an in-game fill-in option. In the coming weeks, though, we expect both Taylor and power back Rhamondre Stevenson to have an opportunity to log extra snaps as well, especially if one or both can prove capable of handling blocking assignments. In that context, the 5-foot-6, 185-pound Taylor could see enough touches to emerge as an option in deeper PPR formats behind top back Damien Harris.

With James White (hip) expected to miss the rest of the season, Bolden is a candidate to see added work in the Patriots offense, Matt Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

When White suffered his injury Week 3, it was Bolden who absorbed the bulk of the Patriots' change-of-pace snaps, with his experience and ability in pass-protection giving him the edge as a short-term fill-in. However, in the coming weeks we'd expect both J.J. Taylor and Rhamondre Stevenson to have an opportunity to log extra snaps as well, especially if one or both can prove capable of handling blocking assignments. With that in mind, while Bolden is worth a look in deeper PPR formats, he shouldn't be counted on to replicate White's production.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Freeman will serve as the top backup to starting running back Chuba Hubbard in Sunday's game in Dallas, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

With Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) expected to miss several weeks, Hubbard and Freeman will both temporarily bump up a spot on the depth chart. Following McCaffrey's early exit in the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Texans, Hubbard finished the night with a 39-10 edge over Freeman in terms of snaps, with the latter carrying five times for 17 yards and catching one ball for eight yards. Though Hubbard may not to take on the 90-plus-percent snap shares that a healthy McCaffrey has typically handled in competitive contests, the rookie has demonstrated the sort of three-down skill set that could make him the clear No. 1 back over Freeman rather than Option 1A in a timeshare. If that's the case, Freeman may struggle to see enough volume to have fantasy relevance even while McCaffrey is sidelined.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday that Hubbard will serve as the team's starting running back Sunday in Dallas, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Though top back Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss some time after injuring his hamstring in the Sept. 23 win over the Texans, the Panthers are apparently optimistic that he'll be sidelined for less than three games, as Rhule said McCaffrey won't be placed on injured reserve. In any case, Hubbard should be in store for an expanded opportunity for at least the next two contests, starting with Sunday's showdown in Dallas. Though Royce Freeman is on hand as an experienced backup option behind Hubbard, the rookie out of Oklahoma State has exhibited a three-down skill set over his 64 offensive snaps through Carolina's first three games. In addition to carrying 19 times for 62 yards, Hubbard has run routes on 34 of the 38 pass plays in which he's been on the field, recording eight receptions for 31 yards on eight targets. He's also won in both of his pass-blocking opportunities, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Penny (calf) is unlikely to be available for Sunday's game at San Francisco, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports. "I don't expect him to be back this week," head coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday. "I don't think he'll make it."

Carroll added that Penny's left calf is close to 100 percent. Penny could probably suit up in his current state, but the team is exercising caution with the running back, likely due to his shaky medical record. On Wednesday, Penny didn't practice, but he'll have a few more chances to do so before the weekend. If Penny sits out a third game in a row Sunday, Travis Homer and Alex Collins will split the reps that don't go to starting running back Chris Carson.

Boone (quadriceps) was designated by the Broncos to return from injured reserve.

Boone will now be eligible to start practicing with Denver again for the first time since mid-August. If the Broncos don't activate the running back to the active roster within the next three weeks, he will end up on the injured reserve for the rest of the season.

Gordon was limited at practice Wednesday due to a rib injury, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

At this stage, there's nothing to suggest that Gordon's availability for Sunday's game against the Ravens is in any peril. Assuming he's cleared to play this weekend, Gordon will continue to head a backfield timeshare with rookie Javonte Williams.

Jones was limited by an ankle injury at Wednesday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Matt LaFleur told Jason Wilde of The Athletic that the Packers would be holding a jog-through session Wednesday, but Jones still had a cap on his reps. As such, Jones' status bears watching as the week goes on to ensure he points himself in the right direction to suit up Sunday against the Steelers.

Cook (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Cook's return for the first practice of the week, even in a limited capacity, suggests he has a shot to avoid a second straight absence. He was treated as a game-time decision last week, though he revealed Wednesday that he knew he wouldn't be able to play when he woke up the morning of Sunday's eventual win over Seattle. Cook looks to be feeling much better with a few added days of rest, as he also said he's hopeful to suit up against the Browns this weekend. If not, Alexander Mattison will fill in again as Minnesota's lead back.

Taylor was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a knee injury.

The ability to practice in any capacity suggests Taylor has a good chance to play Sunday against the Dolphins, though he may have gotten banged up in the Week 3 loss to Tennessee. With Marlon Mack reportedly requesting a trade, the Colts will continue to split backfield work between Taylor and Nyheim Hines, who has 16 carries and 16 targets through three games. Taylor has 42 carries and 11 targets but still hasn't scored a touchdown.