NFL Player News

Jones (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

The Packers have been managing Jones' practice reps since he missed Week 11 at Minnesota due to a knee issue. While he played a close second fiddle to AJ Dillon in his first two games back in the lineup, Jones has taken on more snaps en route to 32 touches for 157 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown over the past two contests. During those last two outings, Dillon went for 91 total yards and one score on his 20 touches. Assuming the duo of Jones and Dillon is out there in Sunday's rematch with the Vikings in Green Bay, a similar breakdown of the backfield work could come to pass.

Swift (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Swift appears ready to end his four-game absence, the result of an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. Head coach Dan Campbell even hinted as much Wednesday, telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he expects Swift to return Sunday at Seattle. With a full practice under his belt to begin Week 17 prep, Swift is well on his way to doing just that. How the snaps and reps will break down between him, Jamaal Williams and even Craig Reynolds is more of a mystery, but in the 10 contests before getting hurt, Swift averaged 19 touches per game.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.

His absence from the Chiefs' first Week 17 practice was expected after Adam Schefter of ESPN relayed Monday that Edwards-Helaire is viewed as week-to-week. The Chiefs haven't ruled him out for Sunday's game in Cincinnati, but he may need to practice Thursday and/or Friday in order to have a realistic chance to play. Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore will see more work out of the Kansas City backfield if Edwards-Helaire can't go this week.

Edmonds was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to a back issue, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After missing four games due to a high-ankle sprain, Edmonds returned to action Week 15 in Detroit, handling a 40 percent snap share on his way to six carries. With James Conner (heel) out of the lineup entirely this past Saturday against the Colts, Edmonds took on a whopping 92 percent of snaps on his way to 24 touches for 127 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Conner wasn't able to practice Wednesday and is set up to be a game-time decision again Week 17 at Dallas, so the healthier Edmonds could be poised for another outing with significant volume, even if the former is able to suit up Sunday.

Gainwell was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Fellow running backs Jordan Howard (neck) and Miles Sanders (hand) both missed practice, with the latter already having been ruled out for Sunday's game against Washington. Boston Scott will likely operate as the Eagles' lead runner if Howard is also out, but Gainwell could also have a significant role, assuming his ankle injury is minor. His ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday suggests that's likely the case.

Conner (heel) didn't practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Conner has yet to practice due to the heel issue that he picked up coming out of the Cardinals' Week 15 loss to the Lions. Last week, his availability came down to the wire before he was ultimately inactive ahead of the Cardinals' loss to the Colts. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday that Conner will be in a similar situation this week, with the running back's status likely coming down to a game-time call ahead of a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday in Dallas, according to Urban. Conner would do himself well by mixing into drills Thursday and/or Friday, but it should be noted that position mate Chase Edmonds (back) was limited by in Wednesday's session, placing a cloud over both of the top two options out of the Arizona backfield.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the 49ers expect to activate Sermon (ankle) from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Texans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Absent for the past four contests due to a sprained right ankle, Sermon set himself up for a return in the near future by getting back on the practice field last Wednesday. Assuming Shanahan's statement comes to pass, Sermon may find it difficult to be a part of the offense if Elijah Mitchell (knee) also puts an end to a three-game absence this weekend. If Mitchell is available, he could take on his usual workhorse role, while his stand-in, Jeff Wilson, would be next up for early-down reps. JaMycal Hasty also is on hand for change-of-pace work, which could limit Sermon's chances to get on the field.

Mitchell (knee) will be a limited practice participant Wednesday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Mitchell sustained a concussion Week 13 at Seattle, and while recovering from the head injury it was discovered that he was dealing with knee irritation. He cleared the concussion protocol last Monday, but the latter issue kept him sidelined for a third consecutive contest last Thursday in Tennessee. Mitchell's appearance on the practice field Wednesday will mark his first since picking up the initial health concern, which may pave the way for him to return to action this Sunday against the Texans.

Stevenson (illness) was back at practice Wednesday after being removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Stevenson, who missed last week's loss to the Bills, is thus poised to rejoin the New England backfield for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. He'll be in line to share early down work with Damien Harris, while Brandon Bolden handles a change-of-pace role.

Gibson was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a hip injury, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Gibson dealt with a shin fracture for most of the season and more recently a toe injury, but it's the hip issue that has him listed as limited to begin Week 17. He'll more than likely give it a go this Sunday against the Eagles following a limited workload in the Week 16 blowout loss to Dallas. Gibson was one of the few bright spots for Washington during a brutal first half, but he barely played over the final two quarters while the game was well out of reach.