NFL Player News

Johnston's role in the passing game will shrink slightly in Week 8 against the Rams given that both Ladd McConkey (concussion) and Tre' Harris (hamstring) have been cleared to play, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Both Johnston and McConkey were sidelined for Week 5, but the latter entered the league's concussion protocol during the Chargers' Week 6 loss to the Chiefs. Johnston logged 17 targets through his first three games of the regular season, although he's seen only five passes from Justin Herbert over his last two outings, which Johnston turned into two catches for 101 yards. The Chargers are averaging only 168.2 passing yards per game this season -- which ranks 28th in the NFL -- and they face a Rams defense that boasts the fourth-best pass defense in the league (186.3 passing yards allowed per game).

Rashee Rice (knee/hamstring) has no injury designation for Sunday's game against the Broncos, so Worthy will move back into his WR2 role for Week 8.

Rice injured his hamstring and knee against the Raiders in Week 4 and missed both of the Chiefs' two games following the Week 5 bye. During that two-game absence, Worthy turned 13 targets into 10 catches for 84 yards, but the return of Rice may give the former more space to operate in the passing game, seeing as the Broncos defense also will have to account for the returning Rice and veteran tight end Travis Kelce.

Dobbins and Jonah Coleman will lead the Broncos' backfield against the Chiefs on Sunday due to the absence of RJ Harvey (knee), Eric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Harvey popped up on Thursday's injury report due to a knee injury and was unable to practice Friday, which resulted in him being ruled out for Sunday's AFC West tilt. Dobbins found the end zone in Week 7 against the Cardinals but was less efficient with his carries than Coleman, although the duo could have a fairly even split in backfield duties in Harvey's absence. Through seven regular-season games. Dobbins has turned 87 carries into 293 yards (3.4 YPC) and three touchdowns while adding eight catches on nine targets for 27 yards.

Harvey (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, but his injury isn't considered severe or long term, Sam Jane of The Denver Post reports.

Harvey was a mid-week addition to the injury report, listed as limited Thursday and absent Friday. It sounds like he may only miss a game or two, but that could impact his role down the stretch if rookie Jonah Coleman takes advantage of the opportunity ahead. Coleman took half of the snaps and half of the backfield opportunities last week in his first game back from injured reserve, while Harvey was limited to a 25 percent snap share and five touches, relying on a 52-yard TD reception to salvage his fantasy day. Harvey's absence could free up a few more snaps and touches for Coleman or J.K. Dobbins.

Lemon will be the Eagles' top wide receiver for a second consecutive game due to the absences of both DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle).

Smith and Wicks have both been held out of practice for the last two weeks while tending to their respective injuries, and they'll both observe Sunday night's NFC East tilt from the sidelines. The Eagles' offense has struggled with Tanner McKee under center in place of Jalen Hurts (calf, IR), although Lemon still put together his best game of the season against the Cowboys on Monday, when he caught seven of eight targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Lemon, Darius Cooper and Hollywood Brown will be the Eagles' top wide receivers against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th in the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed (15) and 28th in passing yards allowed per game (254.0)

Huntley will be the backup quarterback against the Bills on Sunday after Lamar Jackson (ankle) was cleared to return from a three-game absence, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

Jackson was a full participant in all three practices during Week 8 prep, which was enough for the two-time MVP to be cleared to return for Sunday's road tilt. Huntley started in each of the Ravens' last three games, during which he has completed 68.0 percent of his passes for 664 yards, four touchdowns and one interception while adding 14 carries for 60 yards and a score. Huntley will be on standby in case Jackson aggravates his ankle issue in Week 8.

Coleman said Friday that he'll be ready for a larger role if that's what the team needs in the absence of RJ Harvey, who has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Kansas City due to a knee injury, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Coleman already appeared to make his move last week during a 30-16 win over Arizona, playing 50 percent of snaps on offense while leading the Broncos in carries (nine) and rushing yards (54). Meanwhile, Harvey (25 percent snap share, five touches) and J.K. Dobbins (21 percent snap share, six touches) both scored touchdowns despite losing a lot of playing time to Coleman in the rookie's first game back from injured reserve. There's no assurance Coleman's role will continue to grow, but Harvey's upcoming absence -- be it for one game or longer -- does give Coleman a better chance to consolidate rushing and receiving work in Denver's backfield.

Bailey (groin) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Bailey was unable to practice all week due to a groin injury, which he sustained against Miami in Week 7. The Jets haven't shut the door on the rookie second-overall pick playing Sunday, but if he's eventually ruled out, then Nate Lynn and Will McDonald would both take on larger roles on the defensive line against Las Vegas.

Sweat (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Sweat is considered week-to-week due to a knee injury that he sustained against the Dolphins in Week 7. He was unable to practice during Week 8 prep, so in his absence, the Jets will turn to Jowon Briggs and Darrell Jackson to step into more prominent roles on the interior defensive line. Sweat's next chance to play is Week 9 against the Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Ossai (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Las Vegas.

Ossai will end up missing a third consecutive game while recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained against the Browns in Week 5. He's been unable to practice since picking up the injury, so he would need to return to the practice field to have a realistic chance of returning for Week 9 against the Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 8. Will McDonald and Nate Lynn will continue to operate in elevated roles defensively while Ossai is on the mend.