NFL Player News

Williams (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's estimated practice.

Denver didn't actually hold a workout Thursday after the team elected to cancel the session out of an abundance of caution due to increasing COVID-19-related concerns within the organization. Like backfield mate Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip), Williams went down as a limited participant on the official report for the second straight day, but clarity on the status of either player likely won't arrive until Denver reconvenes for practice Friday.

McCrary (undisclosed) was placed on the Ravens' practice squad injured list Thursday, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

The Ravens wanted to get a look at McCrary over the latter portion of the season, although he didn't get into the lone game he was active for in Week 13. He's struggled to stay healthy since, spending time on the COVID-19 list and now this unspecified injury.

Mitchell (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell maintained his activity level from Wednesday as he attempts to put a knee injury in the rearview mirror. When he mixed into drills this week, he split first-team reps with Jeff Wilson, so the 49ers seem to be preparing Mitchell for snaps if he gains clearance to play Sunday against the Texans. Ultimately, Mitchell's status for Week 17 could receive some clarity upon the release of Friday's practice report.

Coach Sean McVay was noncommittal about Akers (Achilles) suiting up Sunday at Baltimore, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Akers returned to practice last Thursday and was activated from the reserve/non-football injury list Saturday, but the Rams opted to keep him on the sideline Week 16 in Minnesota. When L.A. posted its first practice report of Week 17, the second-year running back wasn't included, signifying that he was closing in on a quicker return than expected from the torn Achilles he suffered in mid-July. McVay noted Week 18 against the 49ers or the postseason itself were the target dates for Akers to come back, so he could be a healthy scratch this weekend with that in mind. Even when he returns, though, Akers may be eased into action with Sony Michel running so efficiently over the last four games.

Gainwell (ankle) practiced fully Thursday.

The Eagles backfield is in flux this week with Miles Sanders sidelined due to a broken hand and Jordan Howard tending to a stinger. Sanders won't play Sunday at Washington, while Howard has one limited session under his belt so far this week. If Howard is able to play through his issue, he'd join Boston Scott as the likeliest of the team's running backs to earn snaps and touches. However, if Howard is limited or out, Gainwell is the next RB up. In 14 appearances as a fifth-round rookie, Gainwell has averaged 3.6 yards on his 55 carries, hauled in 29 of 43 targets for 244 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Edmonds (back) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Both of the Cardinals' top running backs are at less than 100 percent health at the moment, but Edmonds at least has been able to log some on-field work this week. On the other hand, James Conner (heel) was listed as a non-participant on a fifth straight practice report and may be poised for a second consecutive absence Sunday in Dallas. If that comes to pass, Edmonds again would be Arizona's unquestioned No. 1 RB -- assuming he's active -- which translated to 24 touches for 127 yards from scrimmage and one TD this past Saturday versus the Colts.

Conner (heel) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Conner now has been listed as a DNP on five consecutive injury reports, the result of a heel injury. Coach Kliff Kingsbury again considers Conner to be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest at Dallas, according to Urban. But such comments last week yielded inactive status for Conner this past Saturday against the Colts. He may head into the weekend with a questionable designation -- as he did a week ago -- while backfield mate Chase Edmonds could be listed the same way, as he was limited during the first two practices of Week 17 prep.

Cook (illness) practiced fully Thursday.

Following his activation from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Cook had his practice reps capped, likely due to a lack of conditioning considering he spent nearly one week away from team facilities. With his return to all activity Thursday, he's set for a Week 17 visit to Green Bay. When he previously faced the Packers back in Week 11, Cook compiled 115 yards from scrimmage and one TD on 25 touches.

Jones (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Such is life for Jones on the practice field since sitting out a Week 11 road matchup with the Vikings. In the past two games, he's handled the larger share of backfield reps over AJ Dillon, earning 32 touches to the latter's 20. Assuming the status quo reigns and he's available Sunday versus Minnesota, Jones again should be on the field for more snaps than Dillon.

Brightwell (neck) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site reports.

Brightwell sustained a neck injury in Week 15 and hadn't returned to practice since then. With just two games remaining in the regular season, he'll be unable to return to the 2021 campaign. The 2021 sixth-rounder appeared in 13 games during his rookie season but played primarily on special teams.