NFL Player News

Grimes (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Raiders, ESPN's Sarah Barshop reports.

The same applies to fellow RB Alfred Blue, which sets the stage for Akeem Hunt and Tyler Ervin (to a lesser degree) to see complementary touches behind starter Lamar Miller in the Texans' Week 11 offense.

When asked Friday, head coach Mike McCarthy would not commit to Michael making his Packers debut Sunday against the Redskins, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

McCarthy noted that Michael was able to get some work in at Thursday's practice and even saw a few first-team reps, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to soak up enough of his new playbook in order to be an asset during Sunday's game. The Packers figure to give Michael ample chances to run the ball, but whether that is in Week 11 or after has yet to be determined. Given the uncertainty whether he will even suit up, even if Michael is able to play against the Redskins, it seems unlikely he will play a major role.

Hightower gained 69 yards on 12 carries and hauled in eight of nine targets for 57 yards in Thursday's 23-20 loss to the Panthers.

Hightower took on the clear lead back role Thursday after Mark Ingram left the game in the third quarter with a concussion. He was also highly impressive in the passing game, tallying a season-high eight receptions. Hightower could be in line for a considerable workload against the Rams in Week 12 if Ingram is sidelined, particularly given his proficiency through the air in addition to his solid work on the ground.

Murray (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

With the Raiders coming off their bye week, Murray's limitations Thursday are worth noting, but so far there is nothing to suggest that the running back's status for Monday night's game against the Texans is in danger.

Grimes (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Grimes continues to be sidelined by an undisclosed illness which caused him to Week 10's win over the Jaguars. The Texans are battling all sorts of injuries in their backfield, with Alfred Blue (calf) and Lamar Miller (ankle) also on the injury report. Look for more updates to come heading into the weekend, with Monday's game against the Raiders looming.

University of Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville relayed that Pead lost part of his left leg in a car accident this past Saturday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

"It's devastating, because he lost part of his left leg," Tuberville said Wednesday of Pead, while speaking on his weekly radio show. "He'll never play again, obviously. It's just devastating." Pead -- who played his college football at Cincinnati before being drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft -- played in three games with the Dolphins this season prior to being released by the team.

Taliaferro (thigh) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Thankfully this isn't the same injury that sidelined Taliaferro for the first six games of the season, but it's notable nonetheless. His level of participation Thursday and Friday will likely provide more insight regarding his status for this week's game against the Cowboys.

Rawls (fibula) practiced in full Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

The Seahawks' coaching staff will be evaluating Rawls with a watchful eye this week, but a return is nonetheless expected of the second-year running back Sunday against the Eagles. If the preceding comes to fruition, his workload is perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding the offense in Week 11. When asked if he'll start, head coach Pete Carroll told Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com, "We've got to get him back first. Let's get him back, get him going, make sure he's ready to roll and all that, and we'll figure that out. If he makes it through the week, he's going to play considerably because he's in great shape and he's ready to do that. But we're not going to overplay him or try to take it too far too soon." His upcoming workload appears to wide-ranging, but after C.J. Prosise torched the Patriots for 153 yards from scrimmage Sunday and Christine Michael was placed on waivers this week, Rawls may be held to a handful of reps, assuming he's active for the first time since Week 2.

The Packers claimed Michael off waivers Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Michael steamrolled through the first six games of the season, averaging 19.2 touches per outing and scoring five total touchdowns. However, C.J. Prosise worked his way into the backfield rotation recently and appeared to take over the No. 1 spot outright with 155 yards from scrimmage Sunday in New England. In conjunction with Thomas Rawls (fibula) approaching a return, Michael was shown the door Tuesday, only to land in one of the most RB-needy situations in the NFL. The Packers have James Starks back in the saddle, but the veteran may be best served as a change-of-pace option at this point in his career. Starks aside, Michael may only face viable competition from wideout-turned-running back Ty Montgomery, making him an interesting prospect to watch in his new climes.

Rodgers (foot) was unable to practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Last week, there were signs of progress with Rodgers' sprained foot, as he didn't wear a walking boot Wednesday. However, he required it again by week's end, at which point he was ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Bears. Although he hasn't returned to practice, the running back has officially ditched the boot, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com. Two practices remain to make his presence felt this week, but an ever healthier Doug Martin will likely relegate Rodgers to a change-of-pace role, once the latter is cleared for game action.