NFL Player News

Ford (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

After logging no reps in Wednesday's session, Ford took a step forward in his recovery from the knee issue by increasing his practice activity. He'll likely still need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid taking a designation into Sunday's game in Las Vegas, but at this stage of the week, Ford appears to be trending toward suiting up.

Johnson could be in store for an expanded role in Sunday's game against the Rams after accounting for 62 yards from scrimmage on 12 touches in the Bears' Week 3 loss to the Colts, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

While head coach Matt Eberflus hasn't said outright that Johnson has earned more opportunities, the second-year back made a compelling case to pick up extra snaps and touches on the heels of his Week 3 performance. He was a rare bright spot in a Chicago rushing attack that has struggled mightily on the whole through the first three games. Starter D'Andre Swift has been limited to just 1.8 yards per carry on 37 totes, while Khalil Herbert (eight carries for 16 yards) hasn't fared much better in a more limited sample. Johnson, meanwhile, was a healthy inactive Week 1 and was limited to a special-teams role Week 2 before he capitalized on his first offensive snaps of the season in Indianapolis. Heading into the Week 4 game, the Bears probably won't offer much clarity on how the backfield snaps will be distributed, but Johnson at least makes for an appealing speculative add in leagues where he's available on the waiver wire.

Bigsby (shoulder) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

Bigsby managed to play through his lingering shoulder injury during Jacksonville's 47-10 loss to the Bills on Monday, but he's since logged back-to-back limited practice sessions. If the No. 2 running back can gain clearance to suit up for Sunday's pivotal divisional matchup against the Texans, Bigsby will once gain be positioned to act as the primary backup to starting running back Travis Etienne.

Johnson was elevated by the Giants from their practice squad for Thursday's game against the Cowboys, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson has already suited up twice for the team this season in Week 2 and Week 3, seeing a combined five snaps on offense and not accumulating any counting stats. He'll likely primarily be limited to special teams against Dallas on TNF.

Mostert (chest) was limited in practice Thursday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Mostert, who hasn't played since Week 1, remains limited in practice, as he was before being ruled out to suit up against the Seahawks in Week 3. The veteran running back will have two more opportunities to upgrade his participation level ahead of Miami's home matchup against the Titans on Monday. If Mostert can gain full clearance to retake the field Week 4, he'll stand to rejoin De'Von Achane atop the Dolphins' backfield.

Kamara (hip/ribs) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Kamara didn't take part in Wednesday's session due to a hip pointer and a rib injury, but the absence may have been maintenance-related after he handled 29 touches during the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Eagles. He thus will have one more chance to get back to full participation Friday before the team potentially marks him with a designation for Sunday's contest in Atlanta.

Harris, who was rested Wednesday, returned to a full practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Harris was spotted wearing a sling around his right arm/elbow in the Steelers' locker room Monday, but after getting a maintenance day Wednesday and then practicing fully Thursday, the running back evidently doesn't carry any injury concerns ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. The same can't been said for Jaylen Warren (knee), who missed his second straight session, and thus looks iffy for Week 4 at this stage. If Warren is unavailable this weekend, Cordarrelle Patterson would be in line to pick up added complementary snaps behind Harris, with Jonathan Ward and Aaron Shampklin candidates to be elevated from Pittsburgh's practice squad.

Robinson was limited at Thursday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Robinson wasn't included on Atlanta's first Week 4 practice report Wednesday, so his status in the midst of preparations for Sunday's game against the Saints has become clouded. Friday's session likely will be key for the second-year pro to enter the weekend without a designation. Through three contests this season, Robinson has averaged 4.1 yards on his 48 carries, hauled in 11 of 12 targets for 89 yards and scored one rushing touchdown.

Strong (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Strong still hasn't stepped on the field since suffering the injury in Week 2. He'll likely need to return to practice Friday to have any chance of suiting up Sunday against the Raiders, but even then he may be leaning closer to doubtful for the matchup.

Ford (knee) is participating at practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.

Ford didn't practice Wednesday, but he's participating in at least a limited capacity Thursday. He played a season-high 83 percent of offensive snaps during Cleveland's loss to the Giants in Week 3, rushing 10 times for 37 yards and securing three of four targets for 33 yards, and it was at no point reported that Ford had to leave the game due to injury. That could be an indication that Ford's absence Wednesday was only due to a minor issue or for rest purposes. Assuming he's good to go, Ford will be in position to again lead the Browns' backfield versus the Raiders on Sunday.