NFL Player News

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Edwards-Helaire was also a limited participant last Wednesday, before downgrading to no participation Thursday and Friday and then being inactive for the Chiefs' divisional-round win over the Browns. He'll likely follow a different routine this week, as Adam Schefter of ESPN suggested the rookie running back was gearing up to play Sunday against the Bills for the first time since Week 15. Coach Andy Reid mentioned Thursday's practice as being especially important to evaluate the team's injured players.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) returned to practice Wednesday, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

He'll likely be listed as a limited participant in practice in what marks his first involvement of any kind since last Wednesday. The rookie running back hasn't played in a game since suffering a high-ankle sprain Week 15, but a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN last weekend suggested Edwards-Helaire was on track to return for the AFC Championship Game if the Chiefs beat Cleveland in the divisional round. Speaking to the media Wednesday, head coach Andy Reid said Thursday's practice will be the most important one for the Chiefs to evaluate their injured players before Sunday's showdown with the Bills.

Barkley (knee) plans to perform his rehab work with Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham this offseason, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

The former teammates both suffered ACL tears this past fall, with Barkley having surgery Oct. 30 and Beckham getting his Nov. 10. MCL damage forced Barkley to wait more than a month after the initial injury to have surgery, with doctors then repairing his torn ACL and meniscus. The running back already acknowledged that the meniscus repair could delay the weight-bearing portion of his rehab, making his progress one to monitor throughout spring and summer. Barkley is entering the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, though the Giants can lock him in through 2022 with a fifth-year option, a decision they'll need to make this spring.

Barner (groin) has been designated to return from injured reserve this week, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Barner will now have a 21-day window during which he can be moved to the active roster, as the running back will take the practice field Wednesday. Barner was placed on IR in late December, but only played six offensive snaps on the season before suffering the groin ailment. Still, his return would add depth to Tampa's kick and punt return game.

Moss underwent a minor "tight rope" surgery on his ankle Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This procedure realigns the ankle to its original position and should help Moss make a full recovery by the beginning of the offseason program. Moss finished the regular season with 112 carries for 481 yards (4.3 YPC) and four touchdowns, adding 14 receptions (18 targets) for 95 yards and a score. The rookie was in a timeshare with Devin Singletary by the end of the year. Singletary, who logged an 84 percent snap share in the divisional-round win over the Ravens, will lead the backfield for the remainder of the Bills' postseason run.

Kelly signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on Tuesday.

Kelly spent most of the 2020 season on the Browns' practice squad. The 2018 sixth-round pick faces long odds to make the roster in 2021, as Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and D'Ernest Johnson are all under contract.

Jones signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints on Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Jones spent the first 16 weeks on the practice squad before being called up in Week 17 after a COVID-19 situation occurred in the running back room. He rushed three times for 13 yards and took a back seat to Ty Montgomery. Jones likely will need to make an impact on special teams to secure a roster spot in 2021.

The Ravens signed Williams to a reserve/future deal Monday.

Williams spent most of the 2020 campaign on Baltimore's practice squad, and while he didn't appear in a game, the rookie showed enough to land another shot with the team. The running back is unlikely to be a key member of the Ravens offense, as J.K. Dobbins, restricted free agent Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Mark Ingram are ahead of him on the depth chart.

Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that he's "hopeful" Dillon (quadriceps) will be "ready to go" for Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Buccaneers, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

LaFleur also said he's unsure whether Dillon will be on the field when the Packers next practice Wednesday, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The rookie running back only handled six carries for 27 yards during the divisional-round win over the Rams before being forced out with a quad injury. Jamaal Williams will stand to handle slightly more reps behind top back Aaron Jones if Dillon isn't ready to face the Buccaneers.

Boone completed his season with 11 carries for 59 yards and one touchdown through 16 games. He also caught both of his targets for 10 yards.

In a much quieter season for Boone compared to his last, the 25-year-old wasn't utilized in the offense much with Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison dominating the backfield. After competing with Ameer Abdullah (16 touches) for the No. 3 spot in Minnesota this year, both running backs have finished their contracts, and neither of their roles are guaranteed heading into 2021.