NFL Player News

Warren (shoulder) was a limited participant at practice Thursday while Rico Dowdle (toe) didn't practice, Alan Saunders of Steelers Now reports.

For a second consecutive day, Warren mustered up some level of practice participation while Dowdle didn't practice at all. Dowdle shed his walking boot Thursday, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, but the veteran running back appears to be fighting an uphill battle to suit up Sunday against the Bengals. If Warren ultimately gets the green light to play and Dowdle doesn't, the former could be in for a busy day. Third-stringer Eli Heidenreich has been practicing without limitations.

Judkins (personal) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

It's unclear what personal matter kept Judkins from practicing without limitations Thursday, but Cleveland's starting running back isn't dealing with an injury. If Judkins can get back to full participation Friday, he'll likely avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers. Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin are the healthy alternatives in Cleveland's backfield since Dylan Sampson (knee) is on IR.

Etienne (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Etienne is operating with restrictions on his practice reps this week due to a hamstring injury and now has just one more chance to get back to full Friday before the Saints potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Fellow RB Kendre Miller didn't practice Thursday because of an illness, so Alvin Kamara and CJ Donaldson currently are the healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Monangai (knee) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's practice estimate.

Monangai dealt with a hamstring issue during Week 2 prep and now is tending to a knee injury as the Bears gear up for Monday's matchup with the Eagles. He'll have two more chances to mix back into drills Friday and Saturday, at which point Chicago could clear the air about his status. Through two games this season, Monangai has accrued 24 touches for 182 yards from scrimmage and one rushing touchdown.

Jones (knee) was present for the open portion of Thursday's practice, Kevin Seifert of ESPN reports.

Jones looks to be trending up after missing practice Wednesday. He took on a significant workload in Jordan Mason's absence in Week 2 with 23 carries, but did not come out unscathed. The veteran isn't a sure thing to play in Week 3 at this stage, though the current trajectory is encouraging. If Jones is ultimately unable to suit up, DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne would be next up for the Vikings.

Spears (ankle) wasn't seen on the field during the open portion of Thursday's practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN reports.

Fellow running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was back on the field Thursday, but Spears looks to be trending toward a second straight missed practice while he contends with a sore ankle. Spears' status for Sunday's game against the Giants will become clearer when Friday's injury report is released.

Barkley (shoulder) is taking part in practice Thursday while sporting a protective device on his shoulder and neck area, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Barkley is wearing a "cowboy collar," which is a molded foam protection device that prevents the head from jerking backward. He missed a chunk of this past Sunday's win over the Titans due to a stinger in his shoulder and neck area, so it's encouraging that Barkley is participating in practice Thursday, though it remains to be seen if he'll be listed as a full or limited participant. The Eagles play on Monday Night Football in Week 3 against the Bears, who face an uncertain quarterback situation.

Pollard (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

After sitting out Wednesday's session due to his ankle issue, Pollard's return is a positive sign for Tennessee's lead running back heading into Week 3 prep. Pollard's availability for Week 3 is particularly important, with Tyjae Spears (ankle) not present for the open portion of Thursday's practice. Friday's practice will tell the tale for Pollard's status going into the Titans' matchup with the Giants.

Head coach Nick Sirianni said Thursday that he had no update on the status of Barkley (shoulder) heading into the Eagles' first practice of the week, Zach Berman of The Athletic reports.

Sirianni noted that the Eagles will release their initial Week 3 injury report following Thursday's practice, when it will be known whether Barkley is operating with any restrictions after he dealt with a stinger during this past Sunday's win over the Titans. The stinger kept him out for most of the first half, but he returned to the field for the start of the third quarter. However, Barkley didn't operate as a three-down player for the rest of that contest, finishing with four carries for nine yards to go with an 11-yard reception on two targets over just 12 total snaps.

Dowdle (toe) was out of his walking boot Thursday but wasn't in uniform at practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Dowdle took a step in the right direction by shedding the boot, but his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals remains murky at best since he has yet to practice this week. Jaylen Warren (shoulder), who was listed as a limited participant Wednesday, was in uniform again Thursday. If Dowdle ultimately sits, Warren would be in line to lead Pittsburgh's backfield, with Eli Heidenreich on hand in a change-of-pace role.