NFL Player News

Walker (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

The 2025 first-round pick from Georgia missed Atlanta's last two games due to a groin injury, but following a week of limited practice sessions, he's got a chance to return Sunday. Walker has tallied 14 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, through his first five NFL games. If he's active in Week 9, he'll likely operate as one of the Falcons' top edge rushers.

Neal (ankle) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game at the Rams, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Meanwhile, No. 1 RB Alvin Kamara is listed as questionable due to his own ankle injury, but coach Kellen Moore told Jeff Nowak of WWL New Orleans that the ninth-year pro is trending in the right direction entering the weekend. Considering Neal practiced fully Friday while Kamara remained limited, the former could be poised for a bump in snaps Sunday if the Saints opt to take it easy on the veteran back. Neal, a rookie sixth-round pick, has three carries for 10 yards and three catches (on three targets) for 11 yards in four appearances this season.

Bates (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Bates was a limited practice participant all week after sustaining a knee injury in the Falcons' Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He's yet to miss a game this season, recording 45 total tackles through Atlanta's first seven games. However, if Bates is sidelined in Week 9, expect Jordan Fuller to start alongside Xavier Watts in the Falcons' secondary.

Harrison (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

The Ohio State product downgraded from a limited practice Thursday to a DNP on Friday and is now in line to miss his second consecutive game due to a knee injury. While Harrison remains out in Week 9, expect Brandon Dorlus to start opposite David Onyemata on the Falcons' defensive line.

Okonkwo (foot) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Okonkwo was able to log a full practice Friday. Splitting snaps with Gunnar Helm at tight end, Okonkwo has produced just a 27-271-0 receiving line through eight games this season. He's not a recommended fantasy target.

Van Ginkel (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday that he expects Van Ginkel to play against Detroit. The veteran edge rusher hasn't played since Week 3. His potential return to the lineup will be a boost to Minnesota's pass rush and run defense off the edge.

Washington (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

The 24-year-old downgraded from limited practice Thursday to a DNP on Friday, so it's no surprise that he'll be sidelined Sunday. Washington has played a depth role in the Falcons' wide-receiver corps this season, catching six of 14 targets for 94 yards over five appearances. Jamal Agnew could play a larger offensive role with Washington out in Week 9.

Hunt is expected to experience a bump in snaps and touches Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) unavailable for the contest, ESPN.com reports.

Pacheco was diagnosed with an MCL sprain after he took a hit to the side of his right knee in the fourth quarter of Monday's 28-7 win against the Commanders. He'll miss at least one contest as a result of the injury, and Hunt is the next player up in the Chiefs backfield. Having said that, Hunt has maxed out at 13 carries in a given game this season, while his snap share has topped out at 44 percent. Rookie seventh-round pick Brashard Smith and possibly Elijah Mitchell are candidates to mix in if Kansas City continues to limit Hunt's workload.

Oliver (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Oliver sustained a sprained foot in last Thursday night's loss to the Chargers and will miss his first game of the season. The blocking specialist has recorded five catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Ben Yurosek and Ben Sims will be candidates to see increased reps behind T.J. Hockenson.

Metellus (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Metellus is dealing with foot soreness, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. He's started all seven games this season, producing 41 tackles (25 solo) and four pass breakups, including a pair of interceptions.