NFL Player News

Ekeler (ankle) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Giants after practicing fully Friday.

Ekeler thus is in line to continue to serve as the Chargers' clear-cut top back this weekend, a fantasy-friendly role that through 12 games has resulted in him scoring 15 total TDs, while averaging 12.4 carries for 55.3 yards and 4.7 catches for 43.2 yards per contest. He figures to remain busy against New York on Sunday, especially with PPR ace Keenan Allen (reserve/COVID-19 list) slated to be out this weekend.

The Broncos placed Boone on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday due to a positive test for the virus, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

As a result, Boone won't be available Sunday against the Lions. The Broncos list Melvin Gordon (hip/shoulder) as questionable for Week 14, so if he ends up sitting a second game in a row, Damarea Crockett would be the only other running back on the active roster behind rookie second-rounder Javonte Williams.

Coach Pete Carroll said Friday that he expects Penny to "be a big part" of the Seahawks' offensive game plan Sunday at Houston, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Penny will welcome back Alex Collins (abdomen), who was held out Week 13. The development leaves Collins, Penny and DeeJay Dallas to man the backfield for Seattle, with Travis Homer (calf/hamstring) ruled out and Adrian Peterson not a candidate to be elevated from the practice squad due to a back injury. Penny earned his largest workload of the season last Sunday versus the 49ers, turning a 40 percent snap share into 10 carries for 35 yards and one catch (on one target) for 27 yards. Carroll's comment implies Penny may supplant Collins as the Seahawk running back to receive the most touches Sunday, but it remains to be seen if that comes to pass.

Jefferson (illness) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game in Denver, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Jefferson was affected by the flu outbreak going around the Lions' locker room, with the Lions holding him out of drills Thursday. But he was able to handle every practice rep to cap the week and set himself up to be available Sunday. The same can't be said for D'Andre Swift, who is missing a second consecutive game due to an AC joint sprain, and Jamaal Williams, whom the Lions placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. With Swift and Williams sidelined this weekend, Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike will handle running back duties for Detroit.

Barkley (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Sunday's game in Los Angeles, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Barkley will face one of the league's worst run defenses and is probably healthier than the Giants' other key playmakers, but it's been tough sledding all year for both him and Devontae Booker, running behind a subpar O-line while also dealing with poor QB play. That's especially true with Daniel Jones (neck) out for at least one more week, with backup Mike Glennon set for another spot start after clearing concussion protocol. Barkley's workload keeps him locked in as a starter in nearly any fantasy format, coming off 11 carries and nine targets on 75 percent snap share in last week's 20-9 loss at Miami.

The Dolphins placed Gaskin on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.

Per Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald, Gaskin is vaccinated, which means his placement on the list was the result of a positive test. He'll be eligible to come off the list once he's asymptomatic for a 48-hour period and submits two consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart. The Dolphins are on bye Week 14, giving Gaskin a good chance at clearing the necessary protocols before the team's next contest Dec. 19 against the Jets.

Homer (calf/hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Houston, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

After logging a limited practice Wednesday, Homer didn't get on the field at all Thursday and subsequently will miss his second contest of the season. He hasn't received much work anyway when available, with just 19 touches and 131 offensive snaps in 11 games. With Homer out, Alex Collins, Rashaad Penny and DeeJay Dallas will man the Seahawks backfield Week 14.

Mitchell (concussion/knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Cincinnati, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

With the knee injury not considered serious, it would seem Mitchell hasn't made enough progress in the concussion protocol to practice or play. His upcoming absence leaves Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty to man the San Francisco backfield Week 14, with Trey Sermon (ankle) still on IR and Trenton Cannon (concussion) ruled out for Sunday.

Evans (ankle) won't play in Sunday's game against the 49ers, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Evans will remain sidelined for a second consecutive game due to this injury. Samaje Perine will back up Joe Mixon and could see more work than usual with Mixon listed as questionable due to an illness.

Swift (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Denver, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

With Swift officially missing back-to-back games and Jamaal Williams landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, it appears the Lions will deploy Jermar Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike in their backfield this Sunday. Swift's next chance to play will be Sunday, Dec. 19 when the Lions host NFC frontrunner Arizona.