NFL Player News

James (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's clash against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

A hamstring issue will keep James sidelined for a fourth consecutive contest despite the Chargers coming off a Week 7 bye. Smith reported early in the week that James suffered a setback with the injury, and the veteran safety didn't end up practicing in any capacity. Tony Jefferson will likely have a major role in the secondary again Sunday, and it's unclear when James will be ready to return to action.

Thompson (quadriceps/hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Thompson didn't play a snap in Week 6 against the Chiefs despite being active for the contest due to a lingering quadriceps injury. He'll be inactive for Sunday's game, so KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Theo Wease and Derius Davis are all candidates for a bump in offensive snaps. Thompson's next chance to play is Week 9 against the Texans on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Kacmarek (hamstring) doesn't have a designation for Sunday battle against the Patriots, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Kacmarek dealt with a hamstring injury this week and logged limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. However, he was able to upgrade to a full session Friday and has thus been cleared to play Sunday. Kacmarek should serve in his usual role as the No. 2 tight end who focuses primarily on blocking.

Wayne (knee) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Wayne was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but his ability to practice in full Friday was enough for him to avoid an injury tag for Sundays' AFC East showdown. Wayne made his Dolphins debut against the Jets in Week 7, when he played 16 snaps (10 on offense, six on special teams) without showing up on the box score otherwise.

Brents (neck/concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports.

Brents logged a full practice Friday, but he'll need to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to be available for Sunday's AFC East tilt. Marcellas Dial and Jaylin Simpson would be the top candidates to start opposite Jason Marshall at outside cornerback if Brents is not cleared to play.

Newton (pectoral) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Newton opened the regular season on injured reserve after undergoing surgery in August to repair a torn pectoral muscle. He was cleared to return to practice Wednesday and was limited in all three Week 8 sessions. Newton would need to be activated from IR on Saturday in order to be available to make his 2026 regular-season debut Sunday.

Davis (neck) is questionable for Sunday's Week 8 contest in Miami.

Davis hasn't played since Week 4 because of a neck injury. It's promising that he logged a trio of full practices this week, but New England isn't yet committing to him returning to action against the Dolphins. Should Davis end up missing the matchup, Charles Woods would likely draw another start.

Elliss (chest) is listed as questionable against the Dolphins on Sunday.

Elliss's practice reps were not restricted during Week 8 prep, yet the veteran linebacker has been tagged as questionable due to a chest injury. Darius Muasau, Erick Hunter and rookie sixth-rounder Namdi Obiazor would all be candidates for defensive snaps at inside linebacker if Elliss is unable to play Sunday.

Smith (concussion) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Commanders.

Smith was a full participant in Friday's practice, and he was cleared from the league's concussion protocol after passing an evaluation by an independent neurologist. His return means less defensive snaps will be available for Jalyx Hunt, Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Downs will perform his usual role Sunday against Jacksonville in spite of the fact that he requested a trade this week, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

It's been a tumultuous week for the Colts, who traded away two stalwarts in left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Downs requested a trade shortly thereafter, but the team has yet to meet that request. Indianapolis has reportedly fielded trade offers for Downs, but despite the lingering uncertainty of his future with the team, there doesn't appear to be a desire to hold him out Sunday or reduce his role. Alec Pierce (heel) is remaining on IR for at least another week, so Downs is set to work as one of QB Daniel Jones' top targets against the Jaguars.