NFL Player News

The Vikings placed Cook (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to a positive test for the virus, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Cook thus will embark on a 10-day quarantine as an unvaccinated player and won't be available for Sunday's pivotal matchup with the Rams and potentially even a Jan. 2 divisional game at Green Bay. As long as Cook is sidelined, Alexander Mattison will be the Vikings' lead running back, which translated to 89 touches for 448 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs in three prior spot starts this season.

Gordon (thumb/hip) returned to a limited practice Thursday, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Gordon sat out Wednesday's practice, but his return to a limited session suggests that his initial absence was maintenance-related. Meanwhile, fellow running back Javonte Williams (knee) has logged back-to-back LPs, and though there's nothing to suggest that one or both players are in any danger of missing Sunday's game against the Raiders, it will presumably take a full practice Friday on the part of either one to avoid a Week 16 injury designation.

Jacobs (illness) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Jacobs sat out Wednesday's session, but the running back's full participation listing Thursday sets the stage for him to continue to head the Raiders backfield Sunday against the Broncos. In the team's 16-14 win over the Browns this past Monday, Jacobs logged 45 of a possible 69 snaps on offense en route to carrying 15 times for 52 yards and catching three of his four targets for 42 yards. As his team's clear-cut top RB option, Jacobs maintains reliable enough volume to profile as a solid fantasy option Week 16.

Sanders (quadriceps) was a non-participant at Thursday's walkthrough.

Because the Eagles played Tuesday against Washington, the team is easing into Week 16 prep, not holding a session at all Wednesday before getting in some on-field work Thursday. Even so, Sanders wouldn't have practiced either day, placing his availability for Sunday's game versus the Giants in question. Sanders has taken on a massive workload the past two contests -- 47 touches for 288 yards from scrimmage -- so Philadelphia may be managing his health with game day in mind. Still, his status should continue to be watched to get a sense of his availability this weekend. Jordan Howard (knee) likely would be in line for a significant workload if Sanders is unable to go Sunday.

Swift (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis Thursday.

Swift wasn't able to increase his activity from Wednesday, but the fact that he was on the practice field in some capacity for the second day in a row is a positive sign following three weeks of no participation at all. Because of Swift's long layoff, the Lions may want to see him turn in a full practice before clearing him for game action, leaving his availability for Sunday's game in Atlanta up in the air at the moment. Whenever he's deemed ready to play, Swift could take on a lighter workload than he previously enjoyed as the 2-11-1 Lions look to preserve him with little on the line over the final three games of the season.

Conner (heel) is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest against the Colts, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Conner didn't practice at all this week due to a heel injury that has him trending toward being a game-time decision for Saturday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, coach Kliff Kingsbury told Urban earlier Thursday. If Conner is able to suit up, he may yield a majority share of the backfield to Chase Edmonds, especially with his long-term health in mind.

Jones (knee) doesn't have a designation for Saturday's game versus the Browns, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

The Packers managed Jones' preexisting knee issue this week, listing him as limited on all three practice reports. Still, the issue won't stop the fifth-year back from taking the field Saturday against a Cleveland defense that has allowed 114 yards from scrimmage per game and 13 touchdowns to running backs in 14 contests this season. Of course, Jones will yield reps to backup AJ Dillon, potentially capping the value of both players.

Pollard (foot) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Pollard maintained his activity level from Wednesday's session as he continues to work his way through a torn plantar fascia in his left foot. He was able to play through the injury this past Sunday against the Giants on his way to 15 touches for 87 yards from scrimmage. Friday's practice report could provide some clarity on Pollard's availability heading into the weekend.

The Rams designated Akers (Achilles) for return from the reserve/non-football injury list Thursday.

Akers sustained a torn Achilles while training just before the start of training camp in mid-July. The Rams initially placed him on the active/NFI list before moving him to the reserve version after the preseason, seemingly with the hope that the running back would be healthy for a potential return in the postseason. Thursday's move indicates there's a chance Akers will be well enough to play at some point in January. Whether that happens Week 17 and/or 18 or during the playoffs remains to be seen, but the procedural move has happened for L.A. to get him back on the active roster in the near future. In the meantime, coach Sean McVay will continue to lean on Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson out of the backfield.

Barkley (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Barkley continues to manage an ankle issue that sidelined him Weeks 6 through 9. Upon his return to the lineup following the team's Week 10 bye, he's earned a snap share ranging between 56 and 86 percent while averaging 16.8 touches for 70.4 yards from scrimmage per game. Barkley only scored one touchdown during that five-game stretch, so assuming he's available Sunday in Philadelphia he'll look to get back in the end zone against an Eagles defense that has allowed the 16th-most TDs (12) to running backs this season.