NFL Player News

Rodgers (shoulder) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Lions.

Rodgers popped up on Wednesday's injury report due to a shoulder injury, but he was able to shed an injury tag for Week 9 after logging a full practice Friday. The 2020 sixth-rounder is the only defensive player in the NFL this season who has scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery and an interception, and his 26 tackles through seven regular-season games matches his total across 15 contests with the Eagles in 2024.

With Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, TreVeyon Henderson and Jennings are currently the only healthy running backs on the Patriots' active roster, Evan Lazar of the team's official site reports.

In that context, Henderson, who broke out for a career-high 75 yards on 10 carries in last week's win over the Browns, a game in which Stevenson recorded 14 carries and a catch on two targets, figures to see an uptick in touches Sunday, with Jennings available to mix in. Additionally, D'Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad, but with Stevenson's timetable for a return not yet outlined, Jennings might be worth a speculative add by those in deeper leagues who have the roster flexibility for such a move.

Wyatt (knee) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Wyatt has been working through a knee issue since Week 4 and was limited in practice all week due to the injury, but the 2022 first-rounder has been given the green light to play Sunday. Wyatt has accumulated eight tackles (four solo), including 2.0 sacks, and two pass defenses across five regular-season games.

Willis (ankle) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against Carolina, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

An ankle injury limited Willis' practice participation over the last two days of Week 9 prep, but the fourth-year pro has been cleared to serve as Jordan Love's backup quarterback Sunday. Willis has not played a snap this season after appearing in seven regular-season games (two starts) for the Packers in 2024.

Walker (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Walker popped up on Thursday's practice report as a DNP due to a calf injury, but he was able to log a limited session Friday to earn the questionable tag for Week 9. With Nick Niemann (pectoral) already ruled out, second-year pro Ty'Ron Hopper would be in line for more snaps at linebacker if Walker is not cleared to play against Carolina.

Van Ness (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

The third-year defensive end will miss a third consecutive game due to a foot injury he sustained in Week 6 against the Bengals. He hasn't been able to practice in any capacity since the injury, so he would likely have to do so in at least a limited capacity to have a chance at returning for the Packers' Week 10 clash against the Eagles on Monday, Nov. 10. Kingsley Enagbare and rookie fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell will continue to see extra snaps at defensive end in Van Ness's absence.

Gay (back) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Gay didn't practice last Saturday due to a back injury and then was ruled out ahead of Monday's eventual loss at Kansas City. Matthew Wright filled in for Gay and connected on his only kick (a PAT), but the former reverted to the practice squad Tuesday and was promptly cut, signaling that Gay was set to return to action Week 9. After progressing from no activity Wednesday to limited Thursday and then full Friday, Gay has done just that and will resume placekicking duties for the Commanders on Sunday.

Stewart (foot) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

After a pair of DNPs to start the practice week, Stewart was a full participant Friday, giving him a chance to play Sunday. Stewart has started all eight games this season, logging 27 tackles (12 solo) and three pass breakups, including his first career interception.

Smith is poised for more work Sunday at Buffalo with Isiah Pacheco (knee) ruled out for that contest, Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pacheco wasn't able to practice this week due to the right MCL sprain that he sustained during Monday's win against the Commanders. Kareem Hunt is the obvious player to help fill the void in Pacheco's absence, but Smith also should benefit in what has been mostly a two-pronged Chiefs backfield this season. While Smith hasn't been very productive on the ground through the first eight games of his career (25 carries for 75 yards), the rookie seventh-round pick has hauled in 14 of 18 targets for 122 yards. He's also still in search of his first TD as a pro.

Initial testing on Hunter's knee revealed that the wideout's ACL is intact, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Per John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site, coach Liam Coen announced Friday that Hunter is slated to go on IR, which will cause him to miss at least four games. Beyond that, the rookie first-rounder will need to go through additional testing to determine both the extent of his non-contact knee injury, as well as how long he'll be sidelined, with no answers on that front expected before next week. In Hunter's looming absence, the Jaguars' top three wide receivers likely will be Brian Thomas (shoulder), Dyami Brown and Parker Washington.