NFL Player News

Croskey-Merritt carried the ball nine times for a season-low 15 yards and caught two of four targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Colts.

The Commanders' running game struggled to get anything going against an Indy front seven led by DeForest Buckner, especially once Marcus Mariota (knee) was replaced under center by seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis, but Croskey-Merritt was able to salvage his production to some extent with a 35-yard catch and run on a screen pass in the first quarter that helped set up a field goal. His 11 touches led the Washington backfield, while Austin Ekeler saw five in his season debut and rookie Kaytron Allen got three, but that division of labor came with Rachaad White (shoulder) on the shelf. Croskey-Merritt's ability to improve on his numbers could depend on whether Jayden Daniels (elbow) can return at quarterback for Washington in a Week 5 home game against the Giants.

James (coach's decision) is inactive against Denver on Sunday.

The second-year pro will observe Sunday's game from the sidelines while the 49ers roll with two active running backs in Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black. James' next chance to play is Week 5 against the Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 11.

Barkley (hamstring) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Rams, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Barkley tweaked his hamstring on a six-yard run in the first quarter, and the injury is severe enough for the star running back to be sidelined for the rest of Sunday's game. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley will handle backfield duties the rest of the way in Barkley's absence.

Taylor carried the ball 20 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Commanders. He also caught one of four targets for two yards.

Both scores came from five yards out in the second and third quarters, as the Colts went with a ground-heavy offense once Marcus Mariota (knee) was knocked out of the game in London, forcing the Commanders to turn to third-string QB Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie. Taylor has six rushing TDs through four games along with 422 scrimmage yards, and he figures to see a hefty workload again on the road in Week 5 against the Steelers.

Brooks is questionable to return to Sunday's Week 4 matchup against Tampa Bay due to an ankle injury, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Brooks began the game in solid form, rushing four times for 30 yards and catching his lone target for five yards before limping to the sideline near the end of the first quarter. He'll be evaluated by team trainers before a determination is made about whether Brooks will be able to return. In the meantime, MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson are Green Bay's two healthy running backs.

Gilliam (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills.

Gilliam injured his ankle during the first quarter, and the injury was severe enough for him to be taken to the locker room, where he'll undergo further tests to determine whether he can return. The Patriots don't have another fullback on the roster, so they could turn to tight ends Cameron Latu and Eli Raridon to serve as blockers out of the backfield while Gilliam is out of the game.

Barkley suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday's game against the Rams, Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Barkley walked slowly to the sideline after a six-yard run in the first quarter and visited the medical tent before making his way to the locker room. During Barkley's absence, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley are the candidates for reps out of the Eagles backfield.

Barkley (lower body) made his way to the sideline slowly and then entered the medical tent during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams, Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

After a six-yard run on the Eagles' second possession, the aforementioned situation befell Barkley. For as long as Barkley is sidelined, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley will man Philadelphia's backfield.

Mixon (foot) is set to visit with the Seahawks during the upcoming week, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports.

After missing the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury and then being released by Houston in March, Mixon looked like he might have been headed for retirement. However, the 30-year-old Mixon seems to have made enough progress in his recovery over the last few months to entertain a return to the NFL, and the running back-needy Seahawks will bring him in for a look. Even if he ends up signing with Seattle, Mixon could need some time to get back up to full speed after having not played or practiced with a team since 2024.

Gilliam (knee) is active against the Bills on Sunday.

The veteran fullback has been working through a knee injury, but he's been cleared by medical staff to play after going through pregame warmups. Gilliam spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Bills before signing a three-year contract with the Patriots in March.