NFL Player News

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.

Taylor (ankle) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Taylor, who hasn't practiced or played since sustaining a right high-ankle sprain during Week 4 action, now has one more chance to log practice reps ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins. If Taylor remains sidelined this weekend, Trey Sermon -- who returned to practice Thursday -- and Tyler Goodson would be in line to lead the Colts' Week 7 backfield, provided Sermon is available.

Foreman (groin) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

In this past weekend's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, Foreman logged 20 snaps en route to recording 31 yards on 10 carries and 16 yards on two catches. While fellow RB Jerome Ford -- who was limited to four snaps Week 6 after sustaining a hamstring injury -- didn't practice Wednesday, the Browns backfield for Sunday's contest against the Bengals is expected to be bolstered by the anticipated return of Nick Chubb (knee). In that context, Foreman, assuming his availability, would likely work in a timeshare that also would include Pierre Strong this weekend, regardless of Ford's status.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Wednesday that there is no exact number of snaps or touches the team has set for Chubb (knee) in Sunday's game against the Bengals, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Chubb is set to play his first game since Week 2 of 2023 after sustaining multiple knee injuries and a lengthy rehab process. Despite what the coach's comments might suggest, it stands to reason that Chubb wouldn't be in line for, say, 20-to-25 opportunities in his first game back after a lengthy absence. Stefanski was more concerned about the entire offense, which has yet to reach 20 points or 300 yards in a game. Chubb can give the offense a jolt and ignite a dormant rushing attack. Moving the chains and extending drives would be a start. Cleveland owns the worst third-down offense in the NFL at a conversion rate of 19.2 percent.