NFL Player News

Williams, who was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report as not-injury related, was added to the report because he was deemed to be a close contact of AJ Dillon (illness), Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Dillon tested positive for COVID-19 and was promptly placed on the reserve list for those with the illness Monday, one day removed from serving as Williams' backup in the continued absence of Aaron Jones (calf). The NFL is attempting to determine if Williams is a "high-risk close contact," and if that's the case, he won't be eligible to suit up Thursday at San Francisco, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. If not, Williams could rejoin his teammates as early as Tuesday. With Jones listed as limited Monday, the Packers still may have their top two running backs for Thursday's key NFC matchup, but much hinges on the league's evaluation of Williams and the team's assessment of Jones' health.

Mattison rushed three times for eight yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game in Sunday's 28-22 win over Green Bay.

Mattison was a non-factor as Dalvin Cook (groin) returned from injury and rumbled for 229 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns. Cook should handle a workhorse role as long as he's healthy, relegating Mattison to change-of-pace duties against the Lions in Week 9 and beyond.

Jones (calf) is listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimate.

Jones missed a second straight game in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, as the Packers have been taking a precautionary approach to his return. Although the team didn't hold practice, Monday's practice estimate signals that Jones will return to the field Tuesday, affording him a chance to play Thursday against the 49ers. His presence is even more important now that rookie AJ Dillon is on the reserve/COVID-19 list, as Jamaal Williams is the only remaining healthy running back on the active roster.

Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that he's hopeful McCaffrey (ankle) will be activated from IR for this Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Myles Simmons of the Panthers' official site reports.

The 24-year-old running back has already missed six games after initially being handed a 4-to-6 week timeline. There has been growing optimism that McCaffrey would return Week 9, but this is the second time in four days that Rhule has said he's "hopeful" for McCaffrey's return and that trainers will have the final verdict. While the language is far from certain, the star back will practice this week, which bodes well for his chances to play. McCaffrey will obviously be the clear No. 1 back once he's fully healthy, but Rhule reiterated Monday that Mike Davis has earned a role in the offense moving forward. According to David Newton of ESPN, that doesn't necessarily mean McCaffrey won't be an every-snap player, as Davis could line up at wide receiver while McCaffrey is on the field.

McKinnon logged 35 offensive snaps (50 percent) en route to a final line of three carries for a loss of one yard and one touchdown and four receptions for 40 yards in Sunday's 37-27 loss to Seattle.

Tevin Coleman returned to the field after a lengthy layoff before promptly departing with a knee injury, leaving McKinnon as the most-experienced back yet again. Despite leading all backs in snap share, it was undrafted rookie JaMycal Hasty (12 carries for 29 yards and a touchdown) who took over the early-down work. McKinnon even had a receiving touchdown called back upon review, only to see his first-year counterpart finish the job and get credit for the score. With a quick turnaround heading into Thursday's tilt with Green Bay, Coleman may not be able to suit up after aggravating his knee issue. That leaves the combination of Hasty (early-down back) and McKinnon (third-down back) to share the workload, with the former being the more desirable fantasy target if the recent distribution of carries sticks.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Chubb (knee) is progressing and is considered day-to-day heading into the Week 9 bye, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Chubb continues to hit every checkpoint and is expected to return for the Week 10 matchup against the Texans. The third-year running back averaged 17.3 touches per game prior to the injury, and he should return to his typical tandem with Kareem Hunt once he's fully healthy.

Snell didn't see any snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Ravens.

Snell was active for Sunday's game and wasn't dealing with any sort of injury leading up to the Week 8 matchup, but he wasn't a factor in the offense as the Steelers leaned heavily on the passing game. The 2019 fourth-rounder had seen some goal-line work over the past several weeks, but he wasn't involved in the game script against Baltimore.

McFarland recorded one carry for one yard in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Ravens.

The Steelers relied heavily on the passing game Sunday, but McFarland had a carry on his only offensive play. The 2020 fourth-rounder has recorded just 21 yards from scrimmage on nine touches over the past four weeks.

Homer (knee) rushed once for four yards in Sunday's 37-27 win over the 49ers.

Homer was contained to one limited practice last week as he dealt with a bruised knee, but he suited up Sunday as an emergency backup of sorts. He played just seven offensive snaps, as rookie DeeJay Dallas handled the bulk of the workload. According to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, coach Pete Carroll is optimistic that Homer should be able to play more Week 9 against the Bills. The second-year running back's role is to be determined, however, as Chris Carson (foot) and Carlos Hyde (hamstring) could both return this week.

Coach Frank Reich said Monday that Taylor has "a bit of an ankle injury" following Sunday's win over the Lions, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Perhaps this helps explain Sunday's lackluster performance, as the rookie second-round pick averaged just 2.0 yards per carry and finished with 31 total yards on 13 touches. Still, Reich explained that he learned about Taylor's injury after the game, so it appears that the decision to give Jordan Wilkins more touches (21) than Taylor was based on performance, as Wilkins was more productive with 4.5 yards per carry and a touchdown. It's worth monitoring Taylor's practice status throughout the week as the Colts prepare for a home matchup against Baltimore this Sunday.