NFL Player News

Coach Sean McVay called Anderson the Rams' starting running back for Sunday's game versus the 49ers in the absence of Todd Gurley (knee), Myles Simmons of the Rams' official site reports.

The decision to hold out Gurley for a second consecutive contest likely was made easier by Anderson's performance Week 16. After less than a week of practice with his new squad, Anderson ripped apart the porous Cardinals run defense for 167 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries. He'll attempt to approach those numbers against a San Francisco unit that has allowed 23.4 rushes for 99.8 yards and one TD on the ground per game to running backs over the last five outings.

Conner (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals after practicing fully all week.

Per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Conner, who missed the Steelers' past three games with a high-ankle sprain, is expected to play this weekend after logging full practices throughout the week. Official confirmation of the running back's Week 17 status will arrive upon the release of the team's inactives in advance of Sunday's 4:25 PM ET kickoff. If Conner is cleared to play as expected, Jaylen Samuels would presumably revert to a complementary role in the Pittsburgh offense.

Barner (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Barner was initially announced as doubtful before he was quickly upgraded to questionable. The 29-year-old was added to the injury report as a non-participant Thursday, so the specifics of his injury remain unclear.

Williams signed a two-year extension with the Chiefs on Thursday, Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.

The Chiefs rewarded Williams for his strong work in the wake of Kareem Hunt's release and Spencer Ware's injury. Since taking on a larger role after the Chiefs' bye, Williams has averaged 5.7 yards per carry while adding 19 receptions and five touchdowns from scrimmage. He'll be a part of the Chiefs' backfield plans moving forward, but this signing won't preclude Kansas City from exploring other options at running back through free agency and the draft.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave confirmed that Freeman will serve as the Broncos' lead back Sunday against the Chargers, Zac Stevens of BSNDenver.com reports.

This was the expected outcome after it was revealed Wednesday that standout rookie Phillip Lindsay (wrist) wouldn't play in Week 17 with surgery on deck. Lindsay's absence leaves Freeman and Devontae Booker as the only backs on the active roster, with Freeman outpacing Booker in carries by a 113-29 margin. Musgrave still noted that Booker will "get a bunch of runs" in addition to presumably serving as the Broncos' primary pass-catching option out of the backfield, but unless Denver falls behind big early and is forced into catch-up mode, Freeman projects as the higher-upside fantasy play of the two.

Barner suffered a knee injury and was a non-participant at practice Thursday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Barner wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday, so the specifics of the issue remain unclear. The 29-year-old's participation at practice Friday should provide a better idea of his availability for Sunday's season finale against the Saints.

Penny (knee) was a full practice participant Wednesday, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

In the midst of absences the last two games due to a knee injury, Penny put in one limited practice last Friday. Since then, coach Pete Carroll was optimistic about the running back's potential to return Week 17 against the Cardinals, and an uncapped session Wednesday sets up Penny to do just that. With the backfield now at full strength, Penny will join Mike Davis as options to spell starter Chris Carson, who has racked up 77 touches the last three contests versus 35 for the remaining backs.

Ekeler (concussion/neck) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Unable to practice in any capacity last week, Ekeler was held out of Saturday's 22-10 loss to the Ravens. His advancement to full practice in the Chargers' first session of Week 17 suggests he'll be ready to go for the regular-season finale in Denver. He'll return to his usual role behind starter Melvin Gordon, with potential to handle more work after halftime if the game between Oakland and Kansas City isn't close. Of course, the Chargers may turn to third-string back Justin Jackson if it appears they don't have any shot to jump from No. 5 to No. 1 in the AFC playoff seeding. The only path to improvement is a Chargers win combined with a Chiefs loss.

Williams (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Williams injured his hamstring during Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Seahawks, leaving Damien Williams and Charcandrick West as the only options at running back. With Spencer Ware (hamstring) also managing a full practice to start the week, it appears the Chiefs will have a healthy backfield for the regular-season finale against the Raiders. The undrafted rookie out of LSU probably won't be a big piece of the equation unless there's garbage-time work in the fourth quarter.

Patterson (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Patterson departed the Week 16 victory over the Bills with a knee injury, but his limited participation Wednesday is encouraging with regard to his status for Sunday's game against the Jets. His versatility has been an asset to the Patriots this season and if he suits up in Week 17, he could carve out some deep-league utility. Patterson offers occasional contributions in the run game and has the potential to draw more passing targets with Josh Gordon (suspension) no longer in the mix.