NFL Player News

Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in a limited fashion this past week.

Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) was also a limited participant throughout the week and carries a questionable designation into Sunday, though both he and Williams appear at little risk of sitting out. Assuming both players are active, they would be in line to share carries in Week 17, with a bounce-back opportunity on tap against the Chargers' struggling run defense.

Akers (Achilles) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, though head coach Sean McVay said earlier Friday that the running back is unlikely to make his season debut, Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

With Darrell Henderson (knee) moving to injured reserve earlier this week, the Rams are left with Akers, Jake Funk and Buddy Howell as the lone backup options on the 53-man roster behind lead back Sony Michel. Akers could eventually challenge Michel for that role, but any changing of the guard is unlikely to come until the postseason or 2022, as the Rams intend to take a cautious approach with the 2020 second-round pick as he works his way back from an Achilles tear suffered in mid-July. Akers has been practicing for just over a week now and hasn't experienced any setbacks, but the Rams aren't likely to give him his first snaps of the season until the Jan. 9 regular-season finale versus the 49ers.

Mitchell (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Houston, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and seemingly maintained that level of activity throughout the week without any setbacks, with Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com suggesting the running back is "trending toward being available." On the other hand, Jimmy Garoppolo (hand) is listed as doubtful, leaving Trey Lance as the likely Week 17 starting quarterback. The rookie's previous start came back in Week 5, with Lance taking 16 carries for 89 yards while Mitchell got only 11 touches for 62 yards in the 17-10 loss to Arizona. If he does return this week, Mitchell will get a better matchup with the 49ers being a heavy home favorite against the Texans. If Mitchell is out again, Jeff Wilson presumably will get another week in the lead role.

Washington (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Washington was forced to miss Monday's loss to the Dolphins while in the health and safety protocols, though he should be poised to return for Sunday's matchup against Carolina. He has played nearly exclusively on special teams this season and has picked up only four carries and two receptions across 12 games as a result.

Edmonds (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Dallas, while backfield mate James Conner (heel) is listed as questionable, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Conner returned to practice Friday in a limited capacity, hoping to gut it out after Edmonds erupted for 127 total yards on 92 percent snap share in last week's 22-16 loss to the Colts. It is possible Conner has a smaller-than-usual role even if he's active, but that'll be tough to count on for those with a tough lineup decision between Edmonds and another running back(s). Most of those decisions swing towards Edmonds if Conner is out again, while the matchup with Dallas starts to look awfully daunting with the prospect of a timeshare added. Conner could be a game-time decision ahead of the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

Conner (heel) returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Chase Edmonds (back) upgraded to full participation Friday and thus avoids an injury designation, after handling 24 touches and a 92 percent snap share in a 22-16 loss to Indianapolis last Saturday -- the first game Conner has missed all season. Conner could be a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, with his potential absence locking in Edmonds for a large workload and Eno Benjamin for a backup role. If Conner plays, he'll likely return to his timeshare with Edmonds.

Harris (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Harris was able to practice in a limited fashion this week, so we'd be surprised if he isn't available for the contest. Fortunately for those considering him in Week 17 lineups, the Patriots kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday. Assuming he's active, Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line to share the team's early down work while Brandon Bolden handles change-of-pace duties.

Head coach Sean McVay said Friday that Akers (Achilles) isn't likely to play in Sunday's game against the Ravens, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports. "I think next week looks like a more realistic goal, like we've had with him all along," McVay said.

The Rams may not give Akers an official injury designation for Week 17 since he hasn't appeared on either of their first two practice reports, but the 22-year-old nonetheless looks like he may be available only in an emergency Sunday while he works back from the torn Achilles' tendon he suffered in mid-July. Akers has made remarkable progress in his recovery thus far and hasn't suffered any reported setbacks since being restored to the 53-man roster Dec. 25, but the Rams may not be counting on him to be a contributor until Week 18 against the 49ers. Even if Akers is free of restrictions in that contest, he'll likely be playing second fiddle to Sony Michel, who has seized the lead role out of the backfield while Darrell Henderson has missed time in recent weeks before landing on injured reserve Tuesday with an MCL sprain.

Jones (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Minnesota.

Jones has been a limited participant in nearly every practice since he missed Week 13 with a knee sprain. In three games since the absence, he's taken 30 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown to go with 10 catches for 63 yards and two scores on 11 targets. AJ Dillon picked up more carries in Jones' first game back, but it was the veteran who led the Packers the past two weeks with 13 carries against Baltimore and 12 against Cleveland.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Though Edwards-Helaire was unable to practice this past week, head coach Andy Reid isn't yet ruling the running back out for Sunday's contest. If, however, Edwards-Helaire is deemed out or handles only a limited role Week 17, more opportunities would be available for Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore. Jerick McKinnon (hamstring) is a candidate to be activated from injured reserve if Edwards-Helaire isn't ready to play.