NFL Player News

Arizona head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday that Conner (ankle) is viewed as day-to-day, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Conner underwent an MRI to address the severity of his ankle injury Tuesday, but the running back appears to have avoided something that will keep him sidelined long term. That said, the Cardinals will likely wait to comment on Conner's availability for Week 15 in Detroit until after evaluating him during a few practice sessions. Meanwhile, top wideout DeAndre Hopkins (leg) is set to receive a second opinion on his injury after receiving an MRI on Tuesday. Chase Edmonds (ankle) also looks like he might be ready to return from injured reserve this week, which would likely result in Conner ceding some passing-down work when both backs are available.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday he's "hopeful" that Sanders (ankle) will be available for Sunday's game with Washington, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Sanders aggravated an ankle injury during the Eagles' Week 13 win over the Jets, but he's since had a bye week to rest up and get healthy. As long as Sanders can avoid any setbacks at practice this week, he looks like he'll have a fair shot at suiting up Sunday. Jordan Howard (knee) could also be a candidate to return Week 15, while the involvement of both Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell could largely depend on the rest of the backfield's health.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that he expects Pollard (foot) to practice in a limited capacity, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

During the open portion of Wednesday's practice, Pollard was spotted doing some resistance training off to the side, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, but McCarthy's comments suggest that the running back may take part in some position drills behind the scenes. Before being inactive for last week's win over Washington, Pollard didn't practice in any fashion Wednesday through Friday while dealing with a plantar fascia tear of his left foot, so he already looks to have taken a step forward to begin Week 15 prep. According to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News, McCarthy said Monday that Pollard is "feeling a lot better" about the 24-year-old's chances of playing Week 15, but an official decision on Pollard's status likely won't arrive until after Friday's practice.

Benjamin didn't earn a touch on three offensive snaps during Monday's 30-23 loss to the Rams.

During Chase Edmonds' four-game absence while recovering from a high-ankle sprain, Benjamin has had his snap share dwindle in each ensuing contest, including just seven plays on offense and three touches over the last two games. At the same time, current No. 1 RB James Conner hasn't seen less than 81 percent of those plays in a given contest. Clearly, coach Kliff Kingsbury is going with his most trusted backfield option, and with the Cardinals designating Edmonds for return from IR last Thursday, his return to the active roster may be imminent. As a result, Benjamin may see his way out of the RB rotation entirely as early as this Sunday at Detroit.

Barner was signed to the Buccaneers' practice squad Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The running back was signed Tuesday after Giovani Bernard (hip/knee) was placed on injured reserve. Barner will provide the team with additional depth at the position behind the likes of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, though it's yet to be seen if he'll crack the active roster.

Ekeler (ankle) was limited at Tuesday's walkthrough.

One day removed from being estimated as a non-participant on the Chargers' initial practice report of Week 15, Ekeler managed some activity as the team gears up for Thursday's divisional showdown with Kansas City. He appears to be trending in the right direction after getting forced out of the team's Week 14 win versus the Giants with an ankle injury that coach Brandon Staley considered to be "nothing major" Monday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Still, Ekeler's status is one to monitor considering his standing in L.A.'s offense. If Ekeler ends up being inactive or limited, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree could all see bumps in their workload.

Bolden (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant Tuesday.

Coming off the Week 14 bye, Bolden continues to be hampered by a knee injury. Damien Harris (hamstring) was also limited, so of New England's trio of running backs, Rhamondre Stevenson is currently the only one healthy. However, there is still plenty of time for Bolden and Harris to be cleared for Saturday night's showdown with the Colts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor all three players availability up until the 8:20 PM ET kickoff.

Perine carried four times for 11 yards and caught four of five targets for 22 yards during Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Perine was the primary backup behind Joe Mixon once again, but that label offers little fantasy potential, as Mixon is a true bell cow back for the Bengals. The fifth-year pro's involvement in the passing game continues to be a bright spot, but he likely only offers fantasy value as a handcuff to Mixon.

Harris (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant Tuesday.

Harris' early-week limited session bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Saturday night's showdown with the Colts. He sustained a hamstring injury late in the first half of the Patriots' Week 13 win over Buffalo and managed only one second-half carry before being ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Following the team's bye, things seem to be trending in a positive direction with regard to Harris' potential return to action, but there's still a solid chance he'll end up with a Week 15 injury designation. Either way, Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden (knee) also figure to factor into the backfield mix for New England this weekend.

Conner will have an MRI done on his ankle, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Conner has been instrumental to the Cardinals' success this season, tallying a combined 16 rushing and receiving touchdowns. His potential absence for any length of time could leave the team without its top two backs heading into Sunday's game against the Lions, though Chase Edmonds (ankle) is close to a return from IR.