NFL Player News

Ehlinger (coach's decision) is inactive and serving as Denver's emergency third quarterback Sunday versus Tennessee.

Ehlinger is behind both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham on the Broncos' QB depth chart, so he may be the team's emergency QB often this season. He can enter Sunday's game only if both Nix and Stidham are forced to exit due to an injury, illness or ejection.

James (finger) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

James broke his finger in early August, which limited his practice participation this past week. He won't play in Sunday's regular-season opener, but the good news for the 49ers is that Christian McCaffrey (calf) has been cleared to play, with Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo serving in rotation. James' next chance to make his 2025 regular-season debut is Week 2 against the Saints on Sunday, Sept. 14 in New Orleans.

McLaughlin (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Titans, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The Broncos will go with a three-man backfield of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie, which means McLaughlin will observe Sunday's regular-season opener in street clothes. McLaughlin's next opportunity to play is Week 2 against the Colts on Sunday, Sept. 14, though he's unlikely to see any playing time -- if any -- unless there's an injury in the Broncos' backfield.

Duck (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 1 game against Indianapolis, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Duck was injured during the first half and was replaced at cornerback by Rasul Douglas, who would likely slide into a starting role if Duck needs to miss additional time. Duck recorded two tackles (one solo) and a defensed pass prior to his exit.

McCaffrey (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

McCaffrey's status heading into Week 1 was cloudy after he was limited in Thursday's practice due to the calf issue before sitting out Friday's session entirely. However, after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that McCaffrey was a "big participant' in Saturday's team walk-through, the 49ers were apparently satisfied enough with the star tailback's condition to clear him for the season opener. Though McCaffrey looks poised to handle his usual lead role out of the backfield, the 49ers could still aim to ease him with a lighter workload than initially planned if the team still has any lingering concern about the health of his calf.

Patrick (calf) has been ruled out from returning to Sunday's Week 1 contest against Cleveland.

Patrick was initially deemed doubtful after he injured his calf early in the second quarter, and he's now been ruled out. Dalton Risner took over at right guard and will likely remain there while Patrick is sidelined. Patrick's practice participation (or lack thereof) next week should provide clarity about his chances of suiting up in Week 2.

Jones is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Dolphins due to a hamstring injury, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.

Jones appeared to suffer the injury during punt coverage in the second quarter. The 2023 seventh-rounder missed extended time in training camp due to a hamstring injury, though it's unclear whether Sunday's hamstring issue is directly related. Mekhi Blackmon would be in line to see a slight uptick in rotational snaps on defense if Jones is unable to return.

Duck exited Sunday's Week 1 game against the Colts due to an ankle injury, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Duck exited the field after getting hurt in the first half and subsequently took a cart to the locker room. Rasul Douglas has replaced him at cornerback.

Elliott is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Jets due to a knee injury, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

Elliott appeared to injure his left knee in the second quarter and left for the locker room after being evaluated by trainers on the sidelines. Chuck Clark has stepped in at safety and should see a prominent role in the second half given that Elliott is unlikely to return to Sunday's regular-season opener.

Conklin is questionable to return to Sunday's battle against the Bengals due to an eye issue.

Conklin headed to the locker room in the first half and was subsequently deemed questionable to return. He's been replaced at right tackle by Cornelius Lucas.