NFL Player News

Henderson wasn't on the field for Thursday's practice due to an ankle injury, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Though the Patriots left him off their initial Week 8 injury report released Wednesday, Henderson may be dealing with an aggravation of the ankle he previously sprained in a Week 5 win over the Raiders. Since then, Henderson has been able to suit up in both of the team's last two contests, but he's played limited snaps behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. In an effort to get the ball in Henderson's hands more frequently, head coach Mike Vrabel told Kyed on Tuesday that the second-year back could get more involved on kickoff returns, though that plan could be put on hold while Henderson is nursing an injury.

Barkley (hamstring/back) wasn't spotted warming up at Thursday's practice, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's walkthrough as a non-participant, Barkley now appears absent again at the start of Thursday's session. His official participation level will be confirmed by Philadelphia's injury report later Thursday, but Barkley seems to be trending in the wrong direction after sustaining what he described as a compensatory back injury during Monday's 38-21 loss to the Cowboys, which marked his return from a two-game absence. Jaydon Blue is the top healthy alternative behind Barkley heading into Sunday night's game against the Commanders.

Gibbs (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

Gibbs didn't practice Wednesday, but his return Thursday comes as no surprise, as the Lions gave numerous veteran players a day off Wednesday. If Gibbs ultimately practices without limitations Thursday, that would eliminate any lingering doubts regarding the star running back's availability for Sunday's pivotal showdown against the NFC North rival Vikings.

Spears (knee) isn't practicing Thursday, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

Spears is sitting out a second consecutive practice, which doesn't bode well for his availability Sunday against the Bengals considering he was unable to suit up for the Week 7 loss to Cleveland. He'll likely need to practice in some capacity Friday to avoid being ruled out on Friday's injury report.

Gainwell (hip) returned to practice Thursday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gainwell's participation level remains to be seen, but he has taken a step in the right direction after sitting out Wednesday's practice. The change-of-pace running back is coming off his heaviest workload of the season, as Gainwell handled 14 touches in the run-heavy Week 7 win over the Panthers after touching the ball no more than seven times in any of his first six games with the Buccaneers. Even if healthy, Gainwell is expected to cede the majority of backfield opportunities to Bucky Irving against the Falcons on Sunday, and Sean Tucker is also a candidate for usage.

The Ravens opened Randall's (neck) 21-day practice window Wednesday.

Randall was a full participant in his return to practice. The Ravens placed the running back on IR in late August with an undisclosed injury, which has now been revealed to be a neck issue. Randall's instant jump to full participation means the fifth-round rookie could be ready to suit up as soon as Sunday's game against the Bills.

The Texans claimed Demercado off waivers Wednesday.

The Texans claimed Demercado after the Cowboys waived the running back on Tuesday. The 27-year-old will not stay around to be signed by the Cowboys a third time, now moving on to bolster the Texans' depth at running back. With David Montgomery (groin) injured and wide receiver Jaylin Noel (toe) moving to season-ending IR, the team had a roster spot available for Demercado.

Nwangwu was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Nwangwu remained inactive for the Jets' Week 7 loss to the Dolphins despite logging a full practice Friday. The running back has returned to form for Week 8 prep and should be all set to suit up for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Allgeier (toe) didn't practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Allgeier wasn't present for the media-access portion of Wednesday's session, and a toe injury was the reason for his absence. Fellow RB Jeremiyah Love (ankle) returned to drills Wednesday as a limited participant, so question marks abound in the Cardinals backfield as the team kicks off Week 8 prep.

Mitchell reverted to the Eagles' practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Mitchell is a prime candidate for promotion or elevation to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Commanders. The running back played 14 offensive snaps in the Eagles' Week 7 loss to the Cowboys, logging three carries for 11 yards in the contest. With Saquon Barkley (hamstring) banged up and Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) moved to IR, Mitchell could be the team's No. 2 rusher for Week 8 behind Jaydon Blue.