NFL Player News

McCaffrey (Achilles) is on track to participate in a "bonus" practice that the 49ers have scheduled during their Week 9 bye, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Though the extent of his practice activity won't be known until the 49ers release their next injury report Wednesday, Nov. 6, McCaffrey's expected involvement in on-field drills during the bye week bodes well for his chances of making his season debut during the 49ers' Week 10 game Nov. 10 at Tampa Bay. McCaffrey sat out the entire preseason with a calf strain before being diagnosed with bilateral Achilles tendinitis in September. He made a visit to Germany just over a month ago to meet with a specialist regarding the injury, and McCaffrey has seemingly made good progress in his recovery ever since. If McCaffrey is in fact cleared to play coming out of the Week 9 bye, he could be eased back in with a lighter snap count Week 10 against the Buccaneers rather than immediately reclaiming a three-down workhorse role.

Wilson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Wilson will be a healthy scratch for a third straight game as the Dolphins go with a three-man backfield comprising De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright. Wilson last appeared in Week 4 against the Titans, but he played just two offensive snaps in that game and didn't record a stat.

Bigsby is poised to start Sunday against the Packers with Travis Etienne (hamstring) inactive for a second straight game.

It will be the second straight start for Bigsby after serving as the No. 2 tailback in Jacksonville's first six games of 2024. The 23-year-old excelled in that role prior to Etienne's injury and has 53 carries for 333 yards and four touchdowns across the past four games. He'll likely cede some snaps to D'Ernest Johnson in passing situations, so the game script could dictate how big a workload Bigsby receives given he has just two targets all season.

McClellan (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

After making his NFL regular-season debut in Atlanta's blowout loss to the Seahawks last week, McClellan finds himself back in street clothes. The rookie remains behind Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams on the Falcons' running back depth chart.

Etienne (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Etienne worked as a limited participant at practice this week but will end up logging a second straight absence due to the hamstring issue. Tank Bigsby is poised to start versus Green Bay after he ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns last week against New England.

Irving (toe) is listed as active Sunday against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

The rookie fourth-round pick thus will be available as part of a three-pronged backfield along with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. Through seven contests this season, Irving is averaging 67.9 yards from scrimmage per game and has scored three rushing touchdowns.

Patterson (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday's game against the Giants, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

Patterson was limited in practice all week, but he still drew the doubtful tag due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 4 against the Colts. The injury is severe enough for Patterson to remain sidelined for a fourth-straight week, and with the Steelers on the bye for Week 9, his next chance at suiting up will be Week 10 against the Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 10. Aaron Shampklin will once again serve as the Steelers' No. 3 running back Monday behind starter Najee Harris and backup Jaylen Warren.

Bigsby is expected to serve as the Jaguars' lead option out of the backfield Sunday against the Packers with Travis Etienne (hamstring) listed as questionable for the contest but considered a longshot to play, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

While serving as a backup to Etienne in the Jaguars' first six games, Bigsby shined in a supporting role, as the second-year back averaged 7.2 yards over his 41 carries during that stretch. He continued to excel while seeing his biggest workload to date in the Jaguars' Week 7 win over the Patriots in London, carrying 26 times for 118 yards and two touchdowns. With Etienne trending toward another absence, Bigsby could be in store for another hefty touch count, though the Jaguars' reluctance to use him on passing downs makes Bigsby somewhat game-script sensitive. If the 2-5 Jaguars were to fall behind early by multiple scores against the 5-2 Packers and make the running game a lesser priority, Bigsby -- who has drawn just two targets all season -- could cede considerable playing time to D'Ernest Johnson.

Etienne (hamstring), who is questionable for Sunday's game against Green Bay, is considered a longshot to play, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Etienne continues to nurse a hamstring issue that first popped up against the Bears in Week 6. He played just 11 offensive snaps in that contest, then missed Week 7 against New England. Official word on his status won't arrive until the Jaguars post their inactive list 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, but assuming Etienne misses a second consecutive contest, Tank Bigsby will likely get another opportunity to start after going off for 118 rushing yards and two touchdowns last Sunday versus the Patriots.

Irving (toe), who is questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta, is expected to suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Irving sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday before turning in a limited practice Friday, which appears to be enough for him to take the field against the Falcons. The rookie running back is officially questionable for the contest, though head coach Todd Bowles has expressed optimism this week that Irving will be able to suit up. If he does indeed play, Irving is expected to be part of a three-man committee in Tampa Bay's backfield along with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker.