NFL Player News

Etienne rushed four times for 22 yards and caught his only target for seven yards in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Dolphins.

With Chuba Hubbard (calf) sidelined Sunday, the rookie running back from Georgia logged a career-high 12 offensive snaps. However, this increase in playing time didn't translate to production, as Etienne recorded just five touches. He was overshadowed by Rico Dowdle, who tallied 232 total yards on 26 touches while making his first start as a Panther. Even if Hubbard remains out in the Week 6 matchup against the Cowboys, Etienne is expected to continue playing a depth role in Carolina's backfield.

Hampton, who was spotted in a walking boot after Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Commanders, is slated to undergo testing on his ankle Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Hampton's status thus is worth monitoring carefully ahead of the Chargers' Oct. 12 game against the Dolphins, but if he's forced to miss time, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal (who has been elevated from the practice squad the last two weeks) would be next in line for Los Angeles' backfield touches.

Blue carried the ball four times for seven yards and returned one kickoff for 32 yards in Sunday's win over the Jets.

With Miles Sanders (ankle) and KaVontae Turpin (foot) both sidelined, Blue drew into the game-day lineup for the first time but didn't see much usage. It would likely take an injury to Cowboys lead back Javonte Williams for Blue to get onto the fantasy radar.

Brooks had two rushes for 15 yards in Sunday's 44-10 win over Baltimore in Week 5.

Brooks was one of five running backs for the game and played 11 snaps. Houston won its second consecutive game while running the ball more than passing it, which may explain why so many backs were active. Brooks had been a healthy scratch Weeks 1 and 3 before suiting up the last two games.

Pierce had seven carries for 21 yards in Sunday's 44-10 win over the Ravens in Week 5.

Active for the first time since Week 1, Pierce played a season-high 16 snaps, and all his carries came in the fourth quarter after Houston built a 41-10 lead. Nick Chubb and Woody Marks are clearly at the top of the depth chart, and it's unclear why head coach DeMeco Ryans would make Pierce active following three consecutive healthy scratches.

Sampson had one carry for minus-4 yards and caught one of two targets for six yards in Sunday's 21-17 loss to Minnesota in Week 5.

Not much changed for Sampson with the switch from quarterback Joe Flacco to Dillon Gabriel. Sampson's seven snaps Sunday was the third consecutive game with fewer than 10 for the rookie, whose role has diminished since Quinshon Judkins entered the picture Week 2.

Ford had five carries for 18 yards and caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the Vikings. He also returned three kickoffs for 78 yards.

Ford's seven touches on offense, 38 yards from scrimmage and 116 combined yards were his most since Week 2, when he was still a factor before Quinshon Judkins became the lead running back. Cleveland's switch to rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel was the reason for Ford's increased touches. To make life easier on Gabriel, the Browns deployed a run-heavy offense and had a 50/50 split between rushes and pass attempts. They also got right tackle Jack Conklin (elbow) back, which helped Cleveland amass a season-high 140 yards on the ground. Barring a Judkins injury, Ford's days as the lead back are over, but Sunday's game plan showed how the Browns offense can be competitive.

Spears rushed the ball four times for 14 yards in Sunday's 22-21 win over the Cardinals.

Spears was activated from injured reserve and able to suit up for the first time in 2025 after recovering from an ankle injury. He unsurprisingly worked as the clear backup to Tony Pollard, managing a pair of five-yard gains on his four carries. Spears could see his role expand as the season progresses.

Demercado rushed the ball three times for 81 yards in Sunday's 22-21 loss to the Titans.

Demercado was expected to see an expanded role in the absence of Trey Benson (knee), but Michael Carter dominated opportunities out of the backfield. Demercado's lack of involvement as a pass catcher was particularly surprising, as he was not targeted. He looked to have made the case for a more expanded role with a long 72-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, but he fumbled on a premature celebration before crossing the goal line for a touchback. The Cardinals still gave him one additional touch before the end of the game, but the key error isn't likely to help his role heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Colts.

Brown rushed the ball eight times for 27 yards in Sunday's 37-24 loss to the Lions. He added seven receptions on eight targets for 21 yards.

The Bengals were scripted out of the run game early on, as they were down by multiple scores for three quarters of the game. Brown had another uninspiring game as a rusher as a result, though he did earn his most involvement as a pass catcher this season. The end result won't provide any reassurance for fantasy managers moving forward, but Brown did deliver a serviceable performance in PPR formats.