NFL Player News

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) didn't practice Wednesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Though Kansas City has yet to provide a detailed update on the Week 16 status of Edwards-Helaire, Adam Schefter of ESPN previously relayed that the running back is believed to be dealing with a left high-ankle sprain and a strained left hip. With that in mind, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that Edwards-Helaire is unlikely to play in either of the Chiefs' remaining two regular-season contests, though a return in the postseason is in play. Barring an unexpected turn in his favor, look for the Chiefs to officially rule Edwards-Helaire out for Sunday's game against the Falcons no later than Friday. Either way, fantasy managers should assume that Le'Veon Bell will headline the team's backfield this weekend, with Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson (illness) and possibly Elijah McGuire also in the mix.

Patterson (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Chicago's practice estimate Wednesday.

The Bears held a walkthrough practice, but Patterson would not have been able to take the field had it been a more traditional session. Coach Matt Nagy labeled the return man and backup running back day-to-day Monday, but Patterson will likely need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday in order to have a realistic shot of suiting up Sunday in Jacksonville.

Head coach Matt Rhule said McCaffrey (thigh) looks "doubtful" to play in Sunday's game at Washington, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site reports.

When he spoke to the media last week, Rhule said McCaffrey could make it back for the Panthers' upcoming matchup with Washington. A week later, the star running back apparently hasn't made much progress, as he was held out of Wednesday's practice. Mike Davis will prepare for his 12th start of the season and sixth in a row.

Elliott (calf) said he likes his chances to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles, noting that he felt "way better than last week" during Wednesday's practice, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Listed as questionable last week, Elliott ultimately landed on the inactive list in a game-time decision. His optimism after Wednesday's limited practice is a good sign, but fantasy managers will still want to keep tabs on the situation over the next few days. Tony Pollard played 90 percent of offensive snaps in last week's 41-33 win over the Niners, producing 132 yards and two touchdowns from 12 carries and nine targets. Elliott had been playing about two-thirds of the snaps before he missed Week 15, averaging 15.8 carries but only 3.4 targets over his past five games, with just a single score in that stretch.

The Dolphins activated Gaskin (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Gaskin has served as Miami's No. 1 back for much of the season, but coming off a two-game absence, the coaching staff could prefer to ease him back into the mix for Saturday's road game against the Raiders. If that's the case, Gaskin could end up settling into more of a timeshare with Salvon Ahmed, who starred in last week's win over the Patriots with 23 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown. It's uncertain whether head coach Brian Flores will provide any insight into the Dolphins' backfield plans ahead of Saturday's contest.

Freeman (hip) isn't practicing Wednesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

With fellow running back Phillip Lindsay also missing practice Wednesday due to a hip injury, Melvin Gordon is the only Denver running back taking part in the session. If neither Freeman nor Lindsay gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Chargers, the team will likely opt to promote LeVante Bellamy from the practice squad to serve as Gordon's top backup.

Williams (quadriceps) wasn't spotted Wednesday at the portion of practice open to the media, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

If he doesn't fit in any work behind the scenes, Williams will go down as a non-participant on the Packers' injury report for the second day in a row. Aside from starter Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon is the only other healthy running back on the Packers' active roster, so the rookie second-round pick could be in line for top backup duties if Williams can't get cleared for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Mattison (concussion) wasn't spotted at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Mattison was also listed as a non-participant in Tuesday's practice. The second-year back served as the top backup to Dalvin Cook in Week 15, but he suffered a concussion in the contest and will now need to clear the NFL's five-step protocol for head injuries before suiting up again. Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone could be needed as depth options Christmas Day against the Saints if Mattison is out for the contest.

Gibson (toe) participated in the walk-through portion of Wednesday's practice, Rhiannon Walker of The Athletic reports.

Per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, Gibson also put in some work during team drills before hitting the sideline to consult with the equipment crew about his shoes. Gibson has missed the past two games due to a bout with turf toe, but his presence on the field both last Friday and to begin the current week is a decent sign that he's trending in the right direction. Washington will reveal how much work he was able to handle when it releases its first Week 16 injury report later Wednesday.

McCaffrey (thigh) wasn't on the field for the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site reports.

With McCaffrey likely to be deemed a non-participant in the session, the chances of him suiting up Sunday against Washington don't look especially bright at this time. As long as he remains on Carolina's active roster, however, the door remains open for the running back to see action before the 2020 campaign ends.