NFL Player News

Running backs coach Duce Staley said that he expects Jefferson to have a larger role in the Lions' game plan Sunday against the Cardinals than the rookie had in last week's loss to Denver, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

In Week 15, Detroit is once again expected to be without both of its top two backs in D'Andre Swift (shoulder), who has already missed two games, and Jamaal Williams, who sat out in Denver after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to the contest. Williams remains in quarantine and doesn't appear on track to gain clearance ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, leaving Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jefferson as the healthy running backs on the roster. Though Jefferson was active for the game against Denver, he played just six total snaps since he had battled an ankle injury along with a case of the flu heading into the contest. Now healthier as Sunday's contest approaches, Jefferson should have a more prominent role on the ground, though Reynolds may still serve as the Lions' lead ballcarrier after gaining 65 yards on 10 totes in Week 14. Igwebuike, meanwhile, profiles as the Lions' top pass-catching back.

Stevenson is expected to serve as New England's lead back Saturday in Indianapolis with Damien Harris (hamstring) ruled out ahead of the contest, Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal reports.

When Harris was previously sidelined Week 10 against Cleveland, Stevenson enjoyed a nice coming-out party in New England's 45-7 win, carrying 20 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns while adding four receptions for 14 yards on five targets. The rookie has continued to thrive in a complementary role behind Harris in the Patriots' subsequent three games, averaging 4.3 yards on 15 carries per contest. Stevenson is likely to again flirt with another 20-carry workload if the game flow allows for it, and while he'll likely have a larger role on passing downs than Harris typically does, Brandon Bolden (knee) -- who is listed as questionable -- will remain a factor in those situations if he's active for the contest. Even though he can't be counted on to replicate his big performance versus the Browns, Stevenson still looks like a stellar option for Week 15 fantasy lineups.

Harris (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Saturday night's game against the Colts.

With Harris unavailable, look for Rhamondre Stevenson to log plenty of carries versus Indianapolis, while Brandon Bolden (knee) is a candidate to see his share of change-of-pace touches, assuming he's active. Harris will target a possible return for the Patriots' Week 16 game against the Bills on Dec. 26.

Coach Nick Sirianni said both Sanders (ankle) and Jordan Howard (knee) will play in Sunday's game against Washington, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

It remains to be seen if the two backs are both removed from the final injury report, but either way, Sirianni made it clear they're ready to play. Sanders is the favorite to start and lead the team in carries against a Washington defense that's been hit hard by injuries and illness, but Howard and Boston Scott also could get their chances, and even rookie Kenneth Gainwell may steal a few touches if he's active.

Jones (knee/illness) returned to practice Friday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Jones was a limited participant Wednesday due to the knee injury, before missing Thursday's practice with a non-COVID illness. His return Friday suggests he'll be fine for Sunday's game in Baltimore.

Conner (ankle) returned to practice Friday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

It gives him a shot to play in Sunday's game at Detroit, following missed practices Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, Chase Edmonds (knee) is looking ready to return from IR, potentially dropping Conner back to smaller role even if the ankle injury doesn't prevent him from playing or limit his effectiveness.

Edmonds (ankle) is running routes at Friday's practice and looks healthy, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com.

Edmonds is closing in on a return after four consecutive missed games, while James Conner is now dealing with an ankle injury of his own, though the 230-pounder did return to practice Friday. Unlike his teammate, Edmonds won't be listed on the practice/injury report this week, as he's technically still on IR (with a designation to return). The Cardinals need to move Edmonds to the active roster by Saturday afternoon to have him available for Sunday's game in Detroit.

Carter (ankle) is expected to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, and coach Robert Saleh said the rookie will have "a significant role," Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Carter was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, and it appears the Jets will waste little time returning their talented rookie to the feature role in the backfield. Tevin Coleman (concussion) is also expected to return this week, so New York's backfield should be at full strength in Miami.

Ahmed (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and is available to practice Friday, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Ahmed, Myles Gaskin and Phillip Lindsay all tested positive for the virus during Miami's bye week, but the team is getting Ahmed and Gaskin back Friday. Ahmed figures to fill a depth role with Gaskin likely to lead the backfield Sunday versus the Jets.

Gaskin (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday and is available to practice, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Gaskin landed on the COVID-19 last after testing positive for the virus during Miami's bye week, and he'll return to the active roster without missing any game action. Salvon Ahmed also cleared the protocols, so the Dolphins should have most of their backfield available this weekend against the Jets.