NFL Player News

Conner (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

In the wake of another productive performance in Monday's loss to the Rams, Conner emerged from the contest with an ankle injury that necessitated an MRI. According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site, head coach Kliff Kingsbury termed Conner "day-to-day" earlier Wednesday, but the running back proceeded to focus on rehab over on-field work in the first session of Week 15 prep. Conner has two more chances to mix into drills this week, but if he's available Sunday in Detroit, he could be joined in the backfield by Chase Edmonds (ankle), whom the team designated for return from injured reserve last week.

Sanders (ankle) was a limited participant at Wednesday's walk-through practice.

After the Eagles' last game Week 13 against the Jets, Sanders relayed that he aggravated the ankle injury that has bothered him since Week 8. He sat out three games back then, but he's taken on increased work in three appearances in the meantime, including 27 touches for 142 yards from scrimmage during the victory over the Jets. Per Tim McManus of ESPN.com, head coach Nick Sirianni expressed hope Wednesday that Sanders will be available Sunday versus Washington, but that likely will depend on how the running back responds to on-field work Thursday and/or Friday. Position mate Jordan Howard (knee) also was listed as limited to open Week 15 prep, so the Eagles backfield could be at full capacity in the near future.

Ekeler (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Kansas City.

After being listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report, Ekeler was limited Tuesday and Wednesday. According to Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said that Ekeler could have returned to this past Sunday's game against the Giants after sustaining a sprained left ankle, so the running back is seemingly trending toward active status Week 15. Either way, Ekeler's availability will be confirmed approximately 90 minutes before Thursday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff, when the Chargers release their inactive list.

Barkley (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's walk-through practice, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Barkley continues to nurse the ankle issue that forced him to sit out Weeks 6 through 9. Since his return to action Week 11, he's averaged 16.3 touches for 69.5 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring one touchdown through the air over four outings. His offensive snap share also has ranged between 56 and 86 percent during that span. Barkley has two more chances to get on the practice field this week before the Giants potentially tag him with a designation for Sunday's contest against the Cowboys.

Ekeler (ankle) is participating in practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Ekeler was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report before being upgraded to limited participation Tuesday. Receiver Mike Williams (heel) and tight end Jared Cook (quad) also are practicing Wednesday, so if those two and Ekeler are both able to gain clearance for Thursday's game against the Chiefs, quarterback Justin Herbert could have a healthy group of pass catchers at his disposal for the highly anticipated AFC West matchup.

Mitchell (concussion/knee) isn't practicing Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Mitchell didn't practice last week and was ruled out two days in advance of the 49ers' overtime win over the Bengals. Jeff Wilson filled in as the lead back with 13 carries for 56 yards, but Kyle Juszczyk and JaMycal Hasty received most of the playing time in passing situations. Meanwhile, wideout Deebo Samuel served as a secondary option on the ground, taking eight carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. The concussion seems to be a bigger obstacle than the knee injury in terms of Mitchell's availability for the 49ers' upcoming game this Sunday against Atlanta.

Gordon (thumb) isn't practicing Wednesday, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

Gordon returned to Sunday's 38-10 win over the Lions after injuring his thumb, ultimately finishing with 24 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He's also dealt with hip and shoulder injuries of late, missing the Broncos' Week 13 loss to the Chiefs as a result. He'll likely try to tough it out this weekend against the Bengals in a matchup between potential AFC wild-card contenders.

Freeman is expected to complement David Johnson in the Houston backfield with Rex Burkhead (hip) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 AM Houston reports.

The Houston backfield has largely been unproductive this season regardless of who takes the snaps, though there's at least a little extra potential for somebody to step up over the next couple weeks with a favorable schedule and thinned-out depth chart. Freeman was actually the team's only healthy tailback at one point in Sunday's 33-13 loss to the Seahawks, ultimately finishing with 11 carries for 15 yards and a 6-51-8 receiving line on eight targets. Texans head coach David Culley said Johnson will be the lead back this weekend in Jacksonville, but Freeman should also get a bunch of touches.

The Jets designated Carter (ankle) for return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Carter, who suffered a low-grade high-ankle sprain Week 11, is a candidate to be activated from IR in advance of Sunday's game against Miami, barring any setbacks in his return to practice. Meanwhile, fellow running back Tevin Coleman (concussion) also looks on track to play, though he would likely move into a secondary role behind Carter if both backs get the green light to suit up this weekend.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't expect Swift (shoulder) to practice Wednesday.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson (hand) is also expected to sit out Wednesday, with Campbell noting that the two injured skill-position players will "move around" in the Lions' first Week 15 practice session. With that in mind, Swift's status for Sunday's game against the Cardinals is to be determined, while fellow running back Jamaal Williams currently resides on reserve/COVID-19 list for the time being. Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jermar Jefferson are left as the healthy backs on the 53-man roster.