NFL Player News

Pacheco (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Pacheco managed just one limited practice this week while he was tending to a shoulder injury in addition to being included in concussion protocol, but he cleared the five-step protocol Saturday to erase any lingering concern about his availability for the Week 17 contest. Despite his light activity in practice this week, Pacheco could be tasked with handling a heavy workload Sunday, given the lack of established depth behind him. Passing-down specialist Jerick McKinnon (groin) was placed on injured reserve last week, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is a surprise inactive Sunday, which leaves recent roster additions La'Mical Perine and Keaontay Ingram as the lone reserve backs behind Pacheco.

Walker (shoulder/illness) is listed as active Sunday against the Steelers.

Walker followed the same practice routine this week as he did during Week 16 prep -- back-to-back DNPs followed by a limited session -- before the Seahawks termed him questionable for the upcoming game. However, coach Pete Carroll provided less clarity about Walker's upcoming availability this time around, calling him a game-time decision Friday, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. The tide turned for the better following an ensuing report from Adam Schefter of ESPN that Walker was expected to suit up Sunday, and that has come to fruition. It remains to be seen if Walker will be able to handle his normal workload, but while playing through the shoulder injury last Sunday at Tennessee, he turned 58 percent of snaps into 17 touches for 56 yards from scrimmage, while reserve RB Zach Charbonnet took three touches for minus-4 yards on the other 42 percent of plays.

Evans (coach's decision) is inactive ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The rookie running back out of Ole Miss is a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week, seemingly falling down Los Angeles' depth chart. Royce Freeman and Ronnie Rivers will assume the Rams' reserve RB duties, and Evans' next opportunity to suit up will come in Week 18 against the 49ers.

Hasty (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game at Buffalo.

The Patriots will enter Sunday's matchup against the Bills with just two healthy running backs: Ezekiel Elliott and Kevin Harris. Hasty has played exclusively on special teams over the last two weeks, so New England will have to try to find a way to replace his production in that phase.

Penny is active for just the third time this season for Sunday's Week 17 clash against the Cardinals, Zach Berman of AllPhly.com reports.

Penny will presumably serve as a depth back behind D'Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell and also slot in as the backup kick returner, per Berman. The 2018 first-round pick of the Seahawks has logged just five touches all season, but with the Eagles heavily favored and facing a Cardinals defense allowing an NFL-high 147.0 rushing yards per game, Penny could have a rare opportunity to make an impact.

With Josh Jacobs (quad) inactive, White is in line to continue to lead the Raiders' backfield Sunday against the Colts, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

White has started the team's last two games in the absence of Jacobs, and that context will continue versus Indianapolis on Sunday. Over his last two outings while filling in as the Raiders' top back, White has combined to record 39 carries for 214 yards and a TD to go along with three catches for 16 yards in that span. With a path to rushing volume once again available for the 2022 fourth-rounder, White profiles as a solid fantasy lineup option in Week 17.

Foreman (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Foreman was inactive for last week's win over Arizona due to personal reasons and will be in street clothes again Sunday while Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson split backfield duties. With Herbert and Johnson banged up earlier in the season, Foreman had a strong stretch from Weeks 6-10, totaling 81 rushing attempts for 351 yards and three scores while securing seven catches for 47 yards and an additional score. Barring an injury to Herbert and/or Johnson, it'd be surprising to see Foreman available for Chicago's regular-season finale in Green Bay next week.

Mason (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Commanders.

The 24-year-old was considered questionable due to an illness but has been cleared to suit up for Week 17. Mason should see most of his action on special teams Sunday with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell entering the game healthy.

Miller (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

The rookie's troublesome ankle was expected to keep him out for a seventh straight game, and his inactive status is now confirmed. Miller's absence isn't expected to impact a Saints backfield that will have Alvin Kamara after the latter was able to overcome a late-week illness, as well as veteran No. 2 back Jamaal Williams in his usual complementary role.

Mostert (knee/ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Though he's been a fixture on Miami injury reports throughout the 2023 campaign, Mostert will be missing his first game of the season in Week 17 after his pair of lower-body concerns kept him from practicing Wednesday and Thursday and limited his participation Friday. With the NFL's touchdown leader out Sunday, the Dolphins will turn the backfield over to standout rookie De'Von Achane, who could be primed to handle his largest workload of the season. Jeff Wilson should also see an expanded role as Achane's top backup, while rookie Chris Brooks is on hand to provide depth as Miami's No. 3 back.