NFL Player News

Barkley (ankle) practiced on a limited basis, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports.

After opening Week 17 prep with no practice reps Wednesday, Barkley mixed into some drills Thursday, which may be setting him up to continue playing through an ankle injury. Since returning from injured reserve Week 11, he's racked up 100 touches for 380 yards from scrimmage and one TD over the last six contests. Meanwhile, backup Devontae Booker has 50 touches for 313 total yards during that same span.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) remained sidelined at practice Thursday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Edwards-Helaire has one last chance to practice in advance of Sunday's game against the Bengals, but if he ends up sitting out the contest, Kansas City's Week 17 backfield would be in line to be led by Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore.

Gibson (hip) wasn't present for Thursday's practice and is set to be listed as a non-participant on Washington's official report, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

After aggravating a turf toe injury, Gibson was viewed as a game-time decision leading up to last week's matchup with the Cowboys, but he proceeded to suit up and played just 35 percent of the offensive snaps -- his second-lowest share of the season -- in Washington's 56-14 loss. The blowout was believed to be the root cause of Gibson's limited workload, but the fact that he's being listed on the Week 17 injury report with a hip issue suggests that the new health concern either contributed to his light snap count or is something that cropped up during Wednesday's practice, when he was listed as limited. Gibson's absence from Thursday's workout isn't the most encouraging sign as Sunday's game against the Eagles approaches. Unless Gibson returns to the field Friday as a full participant, he'll likely carry a designation into the weekend.

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

Bolden has been managing a knee issue of late, but at this stage there's nothing to suggest that his Week 17 status is in danger. With Rhamondre Stevenson back from the reserve/COVID-19 list to share early-down work with Damien Harris (hamstring), Bolden is in line to continue to serve in a change-of-pace role Sunday against the Jaguars, assuming he's active.

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

Harris was also limited at practice last week before rushing 18 times for 103 yards and three TDs in this past Sunday's 33-21 loss to Buffalo. With no reported setbacks in the contest, we suspect that his listed limitations are maintenance-related. Assuming he suits up Sunday against the Jaguars, Harris figures to re-enter an early-down time share with Rhamondre Stevenson, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.

McKinnon (hamstring) was designated for return from IR on Wednesday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Kansas City will have three weeks to bring McKinnon back onto the active roster, and he'll be eligible to practice with his teammates in the meantime. Given the uncertainty over the health of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder), McKinnon could provide valuable backfield depth down the stretch if he's healthy enough to play.

Akers (Achilles) was a full participant at Wednesday's walk-through practice, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

The Rams merely released an estimated practice report, but Akers handled every rep thrown his way to kick off Week 17 prep. His activity level may take a step back if and when the team holds an actual practice this week, but he seems to be trending toward being available this Sunday at Baltimore. If Akers does so, it'll be quite the accomplishment after tearing his Achilles in mid-July. With Darrell Henderson (knee) going on injured reserve this week, Akers could act as Sony Michel's direct backup right away, especially because seventh-round rookie Jake Funk and fourth-year pro Buddy Howell are the only other healthy running backs on the active roster, with neither possessing much NFL experience.

Gordon (thumb/hip) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Gordon's limited participation is likely just routine maintenance, though it's possible his injuries played a part in his disastrous showing last week against the Raiders, in which Gordon rushed for minus-4 yards on seven carries. Assuming both Gordon and Javonte Williams (knee) dress Sunday against the Chargers, they'll likely split carries in near-even fashion as usual.

Williams (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fellow running back Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) was also limited. There's little reason to believe either running back will sit out Sunday against the Chargers, though it will be worth checking back on both players' statuses as the week progresses. Williams and Gordon normally split carries, but if either were to sit, the other would become an even more enticing fantasy option Week 17 against a dreadful Chargers run defense that just got carved up for 149 yards and two touchdowns by Houston's Rex Burkhead.

Cook (illness) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

When players are activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, they are often listed as limited participants as they get their legs under them following their respective bouts with the virus. The Vikings wouldn't have been able to activate Cook from the list earlier Wednesday if he was still symptomatic, so him being listed with an "illness" is more likely related to his conditioning rather than him being under the weather. Cook will have two more opportunities to get in a full session this week before the Vikings potentially clear him to play Sunday in Green Bay.