NFL Player News

White (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of FoxSports.com reports.

After missing Week 4 with a shoulder injury, White is trending in the right direction. He wasn't a full-go Wednesday but was able to practice in a limited fashion. His status becomes all the more important now that Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was limited to begin the week.

Croskey-Merritt (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice session,Ralph Vacchiano of FoxSports.com

The Commanders have a lengthy injury report Wednesday, including their starting running back. Croskey-Merritt is dealing with a groin injury as the Commanders prepare to host the Giants, but he was at least able to get some work in. Fellow running back Rachaad White (shoulder) also logged a limited session.

Dowdle (toe) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Earlier Wednesday, head coach Mike McCarthy told Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Dowdle would be part of the rehab group to begin Week 5 prep, but the running back was apparently able to fit in enough work behind the scenes to log his first practice activity since dislocating a toe in the Steelers' Week 2 loss to New England. Given that he's missed the Steelers' past two games, Dowdle may need to upgrade to full practice participation by the end of the week in order to get cleared to play Sunday versus the Colts. If Dowdle is available this weekend, McCarthy has previously indicated that he would likely reclaim his spot in a backfield timeshare with Jaylen Warren, who has thrived while handling an every-down role over the past two games.

Monangai (toe/thumb) did not practice Wednesday.

The thumb injury was known coming out of Sunday's win, but the toe issue is a new revelation. Monangai peeled off 146 yards over 30 carries before coach Ben Johnson announced that the second-year back was dealing with a thumb issue. The Bears kept him out of practice Wednesday, so Monangai's status is now on the radar for the rest of the week. Of note, D'Andre Swift (hip/knee) also did not practice Wednesday. Chicago's run game has been key to keeping things on track in Caleb Williams' absence.

Swift didn't practice Thursday due to hip and knee injuries.

Both Swift and fellow RB Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe) were non-participants to begin Week 5 prep, leaving question marks in the Bears backfield ahead of Sunday's contest at Green Bay. While Swift ceded 30 carries to Monangai in a Week 4 win against the Jets, the former notched 15 rushes and two catches en route to 74 yards from scrimmage. The overall situation will continue to be monitored to get a sense of who among the duo will be Chicago's lead runner this weekend.

Patterson signed with the Browns' practice squad Wednesday.

The 27-year-old running back will join his fourth different NFL organization, after stints with the Commanders, Chargers and Vikings. He saw action in six games with the Chargers in 2025, carrying 41 times for 159 yards and one touchdown to go with three catches for eight yards on four targets.

Barkley (hamstring) wasn't spotted at Wednesday's practice, Brooks Kubena of The Athletic reports.

With Barkley already considered week-to-week coming out of Sunday's loss to the Rams, his absence from Wednesday's session is no surprise. Barkley should be considered closer to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London. Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce are currently in line to handle backfield duties after Tank Bigsby (abdomen) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday.

Brooks (ankle) will not practice Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Brooks was forced from last Sunday's win over the Bucs with the ankle injury, but the nature of his injury is still unknown. If Brooks is unable to play in Week 5 against the Bears, MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson would absorb his share of the snaps in what has been a three-man backfield to this point in the season.

Head coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday that Monangai's thumb injury is not an issue, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

While Johnson downplayed Monangai's thumb, he did say the running back is feeling the effects of his 30-carry workload from last Sunday's win over the Jets. The Bears could limit Monangai's snaps in practice this week, and it's fair to wonder if D'Andre Swift will step back into the clear lead role for Sunday's divisional matchup with the Packers.

Stevenson (undisclosed) is not expected to practice Wednesday, Taylor Kyles of CLNSMedia.com reports.

Stevenson appeared to injure his leg or knee toward the end of last Sunday's win over the Bills, but it's unclear if his absence Wednesday is related to that issue. Head coach Mike Vrabel expressed some optimism that Stevenson can still play Sunday against the Raiders. If not, TreVeyon Henderson would be set up for a potential breakout week as the clear lead back for New England, though Corey Kiner and Lan Larison could also see work out of the backfield.