NFL Player News

Mixon (foot/ankle) is not expected to suit up during the 2025 campaign, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Mixon has spent the entire regular season on the reserve/non-football injury list due to an injury suffered during an individual workout in the spring. The lack of information provided by Houston on his expected recovery timetable had already spread doubt about his chances of retaking the field, so it's a minor relief to finally have some added clarity provided. Rookie fourth-rounder Woody Marks and veteran Nick Chubb will continue to lead Houston's backfield down the stretch, but this is likely a unit that will be heavily revamped ahead of the 2026 campaign. Mixon technically remains under contract with the Texans for one more season, but the team has a potential 'out' in his contract this offseason for only $2 million in dead cap, and it's difficult to envision Houston sticking with the 29-year-old running back after a lost year.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that Jacobs (knee) has a chance to participate in practice Thursday, Zach Kruse of USA Today reports.

After not practicing Wednesday, Jacobs looks poised to take a step forward in terms of his activity Thursday, even if it doesn't translate to a change in how the team lists his level of participation. According to LaFleur, Jacobs will go through the team warmup as well as individual work Thursday, and depending on how his knee responds to those activities, the Packers will decide whether he'll mix into drills with his healthy teammates. If Jacobs ultimately gets the green light to take part in drills, it would be an encouraging sign for his odds of playing Sunday against the Vikings.

Herbert (groin) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Herbert missed the Jets' last two games due to a groin injury, but his absence from Wednesday's injury report indicates that he is on track to play against the Ravens on Sunday. His return gives the Jets additional depth in the backfield and another return option on kickoffs.

Irving (shoulder/foot) was limited at Wednesday's walkthrough.

Irving got back on the practice field last week for the first time since Week 4 prep as he nears the end of his recovery from a shoulder subluxation and a sprained left foot, and he was listed as limited Wednesday through Friday. He maintained that activity level to begin Week 12 prep, and coach Todd Bowles told Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site that Irving was "ramping up" his activity level in advance of Sunday's game at the Rams. Irving will have two more chances to practice fully this week, with Friday's injury report revealing if he has a chance to return to action this weekend. Prior to Tampa Bay's Week 11 loss to the Bills, Rachaad White had the upper hand on Sean Tucker for RB reps, but Tucker flipped the script with 140 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns this past Sunday. If Irving is able to return this Sunday, he very well could be in a timeshare with one of White or Tucker if the team opts to ease him back in.

Gray (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Gray has been on the PUP list all season, but he was designated to return Wednesday. That he was immediately able to log a full session is positive, though his status for Sunday's matchup against the Lions remains uncertain.

Homer was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to hamstring and knee injuries.

After handling his first carry of the season in addition to taking on his usual duties on special teams in the Bears' Week 11 win over the Vikings, Homer is nursing a pair of injuries in Week 12. He'll have two more chances to upgrade to full participation at practice before the Bears decide whether he'll take a designation into Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Knight was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Arizona welcomed back Trey Benson to practice for the first time since late September after the team designated him to return from injured reserve Wednesday. Benson has been sidelined in the meantime following surgery on a meniscus injury in his knee, a span in which a combination of Knight, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter have all filled in in the backfield in some capacity. Demercado already has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars due to a high-ankle sprain, and a new health concern for Knight further clouds the Cardinals' potential Week 12 backfield. As such, the situation bears watching as the week continues to see if Benson is activated from IR, and if Knight can avoid a designation going into the weekend. At the moment, Carter is the only healthy RB on the active roster.

Stevenson (toe) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Stevenson last saw game action in Week 8, but the running back's limited participation Wednesday suggests that he could return to the lineup Sunday against the Bengals. He'll have two more opportunities to increase his participation level before the Patriots assign Week 12 injury designations, but if Stevenson is available this weekend, he'd be in line to rejoin a backfield time-share with TreVeyon Henderson, who combined for five total TDs over New England's last two contests.

Hill (toe) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

With Hill back in action, Keaton Mitchell doesn't figure to get much playing time in passing situations this Sunday against the Jets. Both should have roles off the bench behind lead back Derrick Henry.

Pacheco (knee) was a full participant Wednesday in his return to practice.

He thus appears ready to return for Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis after missing the past two games due to a knee sprain. Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports that Pacheco had a large brace over his right leg/knee during Wednesday's practice, but it apparently didn't stop the running back from being a full participant. Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith still figure to have roles, with Pacheco typically limited to fewer than 15 touches even when he's starting and working as the lead runner.