NFL Player News

Though the Cardinals view Conner (heel) as a game-time decision, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport relays that there is optimism the running back will be able play Sunday against the Cowboys.

Conner is listed as questionable for the contest after returning to a limited practice Friday following a missed session Thursday. If he is made active for Sunday's 4:25 ET contest, Conner would be in line to return to a backfield timeshare with Chase Edmonds.

Akers (Achilles), who is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, will not play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This isn't surprising as head coach Sean McVay said Friday that the running back is unlikely to make his season debut. The Rams intend to take a cautious approach with the 2020 second-round pick as he works his way back from an Achilles tear suffered in mid-July. Akers has been practicing for just over a week now and hasn't experienced any setbacks, but the Rams aren't likely to give him his first snaps of the season until the Jan. 9 regular-season finale versus the 49ers.

Williams (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) is also expected to play, according to Schefter, so the duo looks set to split the workload in the backfield against the Chargers. Both players were limited participants in practice all week.

Gordon (thumb/hip), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Both Gordon and Javonte Williams (knee) are listed as questionable, though neither player looks in danger of missing Sunday's contest. Assuming both are active, the two would be in line to share carries in Week 17.

Mitchell (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Houston, is expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mitchell, who hasn't played since Week 13, returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant. He maintained that level of activity Thursday and Friday, giving the 49ers enough confidence in his health heading into the penultimate game of the regular season. Fantasy managers will still want to confirm Mitchell is good to go when the 49ers release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to the game's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, but if cleared, he'll presumably step back into a lead role out of the San Francisco backfield.

Brown was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Brown was elevated prior to Week 6 but ended up being a healthy scratch. If he gets on the field, it will be his NFL debut.

Gibson (hip) remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles, per Field Yates of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Washington made multiple roster moves Saturday, but Gibson wasn't activated by the team in advance of Week 17 action. Until the running back, who is also dealing with a hip issue, clears the NFL's COVID protocols, Jaret Patterson is poised to serve as Washington's lead option on the ground, with Jonathan Williams also factoring into the team's backfield mix as well as Wendell Smallwood.

With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) ruled out, Williams figures to see added touches in Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Also in mix for increased Week 17 work is fellow RB Derrick Gore, while Jerick McKinnon is now off IR to to provide Kansas City with added backfield depth versus Cincinnati. Though some form a time-share figures to be in play Sunday, Williams has an opportunity log enough touches to merit fantasy lineup consideration in Edwards-Helaire's absence.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

With Edwards-Helaire not in line to travel with the team, look for Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore to head Kansas City's Week 17 backfield, with Jerick McKinnon (hamstring) a candidate to mix in as well after having been activated from IR in advance of Sunday's contest.

McKinnon (hamstring) was activated off injured reserve Saturday.

With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) now out for Sunday's pivotal matchup against the Bengals, McKinnon could provide some valuable depth behind Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore. McKinnon has played just 136 offensive snaps through 11 games and is almost guaranteed to register a career low in carries and receptions.