NFL Player News

Coach Pete Carroll was noncommittal about Penny's Week 16 availability Monday, the Seahawks' official site reports. "We've got to wait a couple of days here," Carroll said. "We'll see by Wednesday. He's working hard to try to get back, but it's not certain yet if he's going to be able to turn it around or not."

Carroll has been coy about the rookie running back's knee injury, telling Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune last Friday that Penny has undergone MRIs and other tests and doesn't need surgery. Taking Carroll at his word, Penny is doing everything possible to practice this week, with his first chance coming Wednesday. As a possible contingency plan, the Seahawks signed Bo Scarbrough off the Jaguars' practice squad Tuesday. Regardless, Chris Carson and Mike Davis will dominate the backfield as long as Penny is sidelined.

Gordon (knee) was a full practice participant Tuesday.

Gordon's listing on the injury report follows coach Anthony Lynn telling Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com that the running back was "full speed" in Tuesday's session. As a result, the Chargers are slated to have their workhorse running back available for Saturday's matchup with the Ravens' third-ranked run defense (87.6 yards per game). With Austin Ekeler (head/neck) still in the concussion protocol, Gordon may not have as much competition for reps, though Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome will be on hand to give him a breather in his first appearance since Week 12.

The Rams signed Anderson on Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

At the moment, the Rams backfield is banged-up -- most notably Todd Gurley, who is dealing with an inflamed knee. Reserve running back Justin Davis also has a shoulder injury, so Anderson arrives to provide a veteran presence with postseason experience. In nine games with the Panthers this season, Anderson averaged 4.3 YPC on just 24 rushes but is one year removed from the only 1,000-yard campaign of his career as a member of the Broncos.

Coach Anthony Lynn said Gordon (knee) was "full speed" at Tuesday's practice, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Whether that translates to full participation remains to be seen, but the description of Gordon lines up with Williams' own report from earlier Tuesday, when the running back was "moving well." Because Austin Ekeler (head/neck) remains in the concussion protocol, the Chargers backfield seems to be trending toward Gordon in the lead role, with Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome available for the occasional touch Saturday against the Ravens.

With Aaron Jones (knee) landing on injured reserve, Williams will presumably serve as the lead back in Weeks 16 and 17.

Williams performed well in relief of Jones during Sunday's game against the Bears, running 12 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. His downhill running style juxtaposes with Jones' speed and elusiveness, but Williams is the team's best pass protector and a capable runner in his own right. Kapri Bibbs will slot in as Williams' change-of-pace option out of the backfield, and the Packers could even elect to add a third option before Sunday.

Jones (knee) has been placed on injured reserve, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Interim coach Joe Philbin didn't disclose any information regarding Jones' knee injury Monday, but his placement on injured reserve indicates it's a multi-week issue. The second-year back -- who carved out the lead role in the backfield following a two-week suspension to begin the season -- finishes the year with 728 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 133 carries, good for a 5.5 yards per carry average. With Jones out of commission the last two weeks, Jamaal Williams will presumably step into the lead back role for the Packers. Kapri Bibbs remains the only other healthy running back on the 53-man roster, though the Packers could look to add another to shore up the position before Sunday's game against the Jets. Fullback Danny Vitale could also serve as an emergency option should Williams and Bibbs be unavailable.

Gordon (knee) took part in practice again Tuesday and looked good while doing so, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

The Chargers and Gordon have both indicated that he's expected to return for Saturday's game against the Ravens, and his participation in practice early in the week furthers that notion. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) a question mark, Gordon could be relied upon for as much as he can handle Saturday. Rookie Justin Jackson -- who worked behind Ekeler in Week 15 -- would presumably serve as the backup to Gordon if he's a go and Ekeler can't play. More light should be shed on Gordon's situation when the team releases its first practice report of the week following Tuesday's session.

Ekeler (neck) did not take part in practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Ekeler's status appears to have gone unchanged from Monday, which isn't a great sign in regards to his availability for Saturday's game against the Ravens. With Melvin Gordon (knee) practicing for a second straight day and being presumably set to return, Ekeler would likely move back into an ancillary role even if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol. However, he would likely need to get in at least some limited work Wednesday or Thursday if the third-year back wants a chance to suit up this week.

Conner's (ankle) status remains in limbo for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "Hopefully, that sets the stage for a productive Wednesday, and we'll go from there," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday after seeing Conner at the Steelers' facility.

Prior to missing his second consecutive contest Week 15 against the Patriots, Conner managed a limited showing last Friday, initially earned a questionable tag, was downgraded to doubtful Saturday and eventually landed on the Steelers' list of inactives Sunday. He continues to rehab what has been termed a mid-to-high ankle sprain, so his listing on Wednesday's injury report will be interesting to note. In Conner's absence, the backfield has been running on all cylinders with Jaylen Samuels churning out 264 yards from scrimmage (but no TDs) on 39 touches.

Kelly could be slated for an expanded role in Week 16 if Todd Gurley (knee) can't suit up against the Cardinals, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kelly recorded the first offensive snaps of his career in Week 15 versus the Eagles, rushing twice for four yards during the contest. With Gurley and Justin Davis (shoulder) dealing with injuries early in the week, Kelly could see plenty of first-team reps on offense during practice. That could position him for a major offensive role in Week 16 against a Cardinals defense allowing 144.9 rushing yards per game, the third-highest average in the NFL.