NFL Player News

The Texans ruled Montgomery (groin) out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London.

After making an early exit from the Texans' Week 5 win over the Titans due to the groin injury, Montgomery was unable to practice in any capacity Wednesday or Thursday. He'll stay behind in Houston while the Texans make the trip overseas and will set his sights on a return to action Week 7 against the Giants. With Montgomery set to miss his first game of the season, Woody Marks should be in store for a sizable workload once again after handling 19 touches and playing 56 of 66 offensive snaps in Week 5.

Barkley (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant on Thursday's injury report.

Barkley's lack of activity so far this week isn't a surprise considering he hasn't been present for either of the Eagles' two practices. He thus has one more opportunity to attempt to mix into drills Friday, at which point the team may make a ruling on his status ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers. If Barkley and fellow RB Will Shipley (foot) are sidelined this weekend, Dameon Pierce is the top candidate to pace Philadelphia's backfield, with Carson Steele also on hand for reps that linger.

Montgomery (groin) didn't practice Thursday.

Since being labeled week-to-week by head coach DeMeco Ryans on Monday, Montgomery has sat out the Texans' ensuing two practices. Unless he's able to take part in Friday's practice in some fashion, Montgomery will likely be officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars in London. Woody Marks looks poised to handle a workhorse role out of the backfield Week 6 with Montgomery expected to be inactive for the first time this season.

Sampson (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Though the Browns officially designated Sampson for return from injured reserve Wednesday, he didn't end up taking any reps in the team's first Week 6 practice session. Sampson was back on the field a day later as a limited participant, but in order to have a shot at being reinstated from IR ahead of Sunday's game against the Ravens, he may need to upgrade to a full practice Friday. Lead back Quinshon Judkins (foot) hasn't been able to practice in any fashion this week and looks to be trending toward sitting out versus Baltimore, so Sampson could be in line for a prominent role if he ends up getting activated this weekend.

Tucker (quadriceps) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Tucker took a step in the right direction Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's practice. He'll likely need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Steelers. Bucky Irving has been the primary backfield option for the Buccaneers, with Tucker and Kenny Gainwell both filling change-of-pace roles when available.

Kamara (back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

With back-to-back capped sessions under his belt this week due to a lingering back injury, Kamara has one more chance to get back to full Friday, at which point the Saints may tag him with a designation ahead of Sunday's game at the Giants. Even if he's able to suit up this weekend, though, he's been in a tight timeshare with Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson the last two games, turning his 17 touches into 64 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs.

Love (ankle) wasn't present at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

With back-to-back absences under his belt this week, Love may be in danger of missing the first game of his career Sunday at the Rams, especially after head coach Mike LaFleur told Mackie on Wednesday that the Cardinals want to "get this ankle right and do it the right way." What exactly that entails remains to be seen, but the team could make a ruling on Love's status for Week 6 as soon as it posts Friday's injury report. If Love is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, Tyler Allgeier is next in line to pace Arizona's backfield, with Bam Knight backing him up.

Henderson (ankle) remained limited at Thursday's practice, Mark Daniels of MassLive reports.

Henderson has been limited in back-to-back practice sessions to kick off Week 6 prep. He'll likely need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's home game against the Jets, in which second place in the AFC East will be on the line. Corey Kiner would be in line for change-of-pace work behind Rhamondre Stevenson if Henderson sits.

Spears (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

Spears is trending in the wrong direction, as he was unable to practice in any capacity Thursday after being listed as limited Wednesday. Meanwhile, lead back Tony Pollard ramped back up to full participation Thursday after receiving a rest day Wednesday. Spears is coming off a nine-catch performance in the Week 5 loss to Houston, but he may not get a chance to capitalize on Sunday's matchup against a Colts defense that's allowing a league-high 52.8 receiving yards per game to running backs.

Dowdle (toe) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Dowdle upgraded to full participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday, putting him on track to return Sunday against the Buccaneers following a three-game absence. Jaylen Warren seized control of Pittsburgh's backfield with 490 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns during the three games Dowdle sat out, so Warren is expected to continue working in the lead role Sunday, with Dowdle on hand in a complementary capacity.