NFL Player News

Cook (toe) practiced fully Thursday.

After being listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough, Cook worked fully a day later, which sets the stage for him to reclaim his lead role in the Bills backfield Sunday against the Titans. In Cook's absence in this past Monday's 23-20 win over the Jets, Ray Davis -- who was limited by a calf injury Thursday -- carried 20 times for 97 yards and caught all three of his targets for 55 yards. If Davis is available this weekend, he'll be in line to move back to a complementary role behind Cook in an RB room that also includes Ty Johnson.

Harris (ribs) was a full practice participant Thursday.

The immediate return to full participation suggests Harris' absence Wednesday was largely a matter of caution. He'll fill his usual lead role in Pittsburgh's backfield this Sunday against the Jets, with Jaylen Warren in reserve and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) still unable to practice.

Jones (hamstring/hip) returned to practice Thursday, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It's unclear how much he's doing, but we at least know Jones is participating during the media-access portion of practice. The Vikings reported it as a hip injury after his early exit Week 5 against the Jets, but he's now listed with a hamstring injury after a bye week as the Vikings prepare to host the Lions on Sunday. Ty Chandler will take over as the lead back if Jones can't play, with Myles Gaskin and recent trade acquisition Cam Akers the other main candidates to get RB snaps.

Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Tucker, Bucky Irving and Rachaad White (foot) will all get playing time in a "hot hand" backfield, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Tucker had been the low man on the totem pole, with only nine snaps on offense and three touches all season before his 192-yard, two-TD explosion in Sunday's 51-27 win over the Saints. In the first half, Bucky Irving took 74 percent of snaps and seven of the 10 RB opportunities, but it was Tucker who had superior production with his three touches being a a 36-yard receiving TD, a 15-yard reception and an 11-yard carry. Tucker then got 13 carries and another target in the second half, including six carries for 64 yards and a TD on the final drive in garbage time. His role grew throughout the game even if the final drive is ignored, and he seemingly did enough to keep a role moving forward. Tucker's Week 7 value, along with Irving's, partially depends on whether White is ready for Monday's game against Baltimore.

Brooks (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Carolina opened Brooks' 21-day practice window Wednesday, and he eventually went down as a limited participant in his first official on-field work of the season. He's nearing the end of his recovery from the torn ACL that he suffered in his right knee last November, but it's perhaps not a surprise that the Panthers aren't pushing their luck with their second-round investment. The rookie running back thus doesn't seem to be a candidate for his NFL debut Sunday at Washington, something that may be confirmed as soon as the Panthers post their final Week 7 injury report Friday.

Harris (ribs) was present for practice Thursday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Harris was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's session due to a rib issue, but his return to the field Thursday has him on track to be available Sunday night against the Jets. The Steelers' upcoming injury report will confirm whether or not Harris worked fully in his return to practice.

Ford (hamstring) is not present at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Ford has been deemed week-to-week since being forced out of Cleveland's loss to the Eagles in Week 6 due to a hamstring injury, and he hasn't practiced in any capacity since. With Ford trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game against the Bengals, the Browns have expressed optimism that Nick Chubb (knee) will be able to come off the PUP list and make his season debut. Both D'Onta Foreman (groin) and Pierre Strong also remain available to contribute out of the backfield.

Stevenson (foot) is not present at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Stevenson is missing a fifth straight practice session as the Patriots prepare to travel to London for Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars. With Friday representing Stevenson's last chance to log any practice activity before Week 7 action, it sounds like Antonio Gibson is trending toward drawing another start, with JaMycal Hasty available behind him. Practice-squad members Terrell Jennings and Kevin Harris will also be candidates for elevation if Stevenson can't go.

Coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Irving, Sean Tucker and Rachaad White (foot) will all get playing time once White is healthy, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

White's Week 6 absence opened the door for Irving's first career start, and while the rookie responded with 105 total yards and a touchdown on 64 percent snap share, it was ultimately Tucker who stole the show with 192 yards and two scores on 38 percent of snaps. White is probably still the best option on passing downs, which mean he's unlikely to be phased out entirely once he recovers from his foot injury. Bowles used the term "hot hand" to describe his coaching staff's plan for the backfield, making it difficult to set fantasy expectations for any of the players involved. A Week 7 matchup with Baltimore's stout run defense further complicates things, although it may only be a two-man backfield come Monday, depending on how White progresses the next few days.

Sermon (knee) returned to practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Sermon missed Wednesday's session, but his return to the field one day later bodes well for his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Dolphins. With Jonathan Taylor (ankle) still sidelined Thursday, Sermon appears to be in a position to continue to see an expanded workload this weekend, provided his knee issue doesn't affect his Week 7 availability.