NFL Player News

Patterson (knee) missed Thursday's practice.

Patterson's usage in the Bears offense has been sporadic, per usual, with seven games with at least five touches and three others with two or fewer in his 14 appearances this season. On Monday, coach Matt Nagy considered Patterson day-to-day this week, but he has yet to get on the practice field in any capacity. Patterson has one more chance to prove the health of his knee ahead of Sunday's game at Jacksonville.

Gibson (toe) was limited at Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

For a second session in a row, Gibson was contained to individual drills, hence the 'limited' tag. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington that Gibson "looked good," "took a number of reps" and "is making progress" through his turf toe injury. There's no telling if Gibson is trending toward a return Sunday against the Panthers, but Washington could clear up his status when it releases its final Week 16 practice report Friday.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) isn't practicing Thursday, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Given that Edwards-Helaire is considered unlikely to play in either of the Chiefs' next two games with a left high-ankle sprain and a strained left hip, his absence from both of the Chiefs' first two Week 16 practices hardly comes as a surprise. Expect Kansas City to formally rule the rookie out for Sunday's game against the Falcons following Friday's practice.

Mattison (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game in New Orleans.

Mattison sat out Weeks 13 and 14 due to an appendectomy, and upon his return this past Sunday against the Bears, he emerged from the contest with a concussion, which didn't allow him to practice this week. Until he does, he'll have made negligible progress through the protocol for head injuries. While Dalvin Cook will continue to lead the backfield, there may be some RB reps available for Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and C.J. Ham (quadriceps).

McCaffrey (thigh) missed practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

One day removed from calling McCaffrey "doubtful" to play Sunday at Washington, coach Matt Rhule again touched on the running back, telling David Newton of ESPN.com that McCaffrey "wants to play," but he's "just not quite there yet." With no practice to speak of yet this week and no clarity on if game action is possible before the end of the campaign, it stands to reason McCaffrey exits an injury-riddled fourth year as a pro with just three appearances under his belt.

Gibson (toe) took part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, Julie Donaldson of Washington's official site reports.

Gibson seems poised to match his activity level from Wednesday, when he was listed as a limited participant, but Thursday's injury report could reveal otherwise. In any case, he appears to be drawing close to ending his two-game absence due to a turf toe injury. Consequently, Gibson's status will be one to monitor as the weekend draws closer.

Jones (toe) participated in Thursday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Jones was a surprise addition to Wednesday's injury report as limited due to a toe issue. It remains to be seen whether he increased his reps or merely maintained them Thursday, but Jones still is doing more than Jamaal Williams, who hasn't practiced this week with a quad concern.

Head coach Bruce Arians confirmed Thursday that Jones (finger, reserve/COVID-19 list) won't play in the Buccaneers' Week 16 game against the Lions, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Jones hasn't practiced since undergoing surgery Dec. 15 to repair a fractured left pinkie finger. He was then placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list a day later, and at this point, it's uncertain how close he might be to clearing all health-related protocols to rejoin the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay should provide another update on Jones' status early next week, but for now, the team will roll with Leonard Fournette as its lead back for a second straight game, with LeSean McCoy and Ke'Shawn Vaughn serving as depth options.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said Elliott (calf) will be in "limited-practice mode" Thursday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Assuming the Cowboys' official practice report matches McCarthy's comments, Elliott will be listed as a limited participant for the second day in a row. After sitting out the Cowboys' Week 15 win over the 49ers, Elliott said that his bruised calf is feeling much better this week, leaving him optimistic that he'll be ready to go for Sunday's game against the Eagles. If active for the contest, Elliott should step back into his usual starting role, though the gap in the distribution of the snaps and touches between him and Tony Pollard could become more narrow after Pollard shined as the lead back Week 15 (12 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns, six receptions for 63 yards on nine targets).

Dallas (ankle) was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Dallas was diagnosed with a Grade 3 ankle sprain following this past Sunday's 20-15 win over Washington, so his absence from practice isn't surprising. He should be considered a long shot to play in Week 16 against the Rams. If he's indeed out, Chris Carson (foot), Carlos Hyde and Rashaad Penny will be the only running backs suiting up.