NFL Player News

Ekeler (neck/concussion) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report.

Although it went unreported at the time, Ekeler has tended to a neck stinger of late, and he aggravated the injury Sunday against the Bengals, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Ekeler also was evaluated for a concussion in the blue sideline tent, and while Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reported the running back didn't enter the protocol for head injuries, his listed injuries on the first Week 15 practice report suggest otherwise. Fortunately, Ekeler was able to speak with the media Monday. On the other hand, he told Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times his neck is stiff, and he can't move his head much. With little time to recover for Thursday's game at Kansas City, Ekeler appears to be in major danger of missing his first game of the season. Elsewhere in the backfield, Melvin Gordon received the same listing on the practice report as Ekeler, which could lead to elevated roles for Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome in the short term.

Gordon (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice report.

Monday's status stands as an estimation given that the Chargers simply went through a walk-through. Gordon has a chance to return Thursday after missing the past two contests, which would come at an opportune time considering backup Austin Ekeler remains in concussion protocol. Rookie Justin Jackson will handle first-team reps until either Gordon or Ekeler return to practice.

Jones saw only four snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Saints but didn't log any touches.

The rookie's complete lack of involvement on offense speaks to his spot in the current pecking order. He does continue to put in time on return units, as he logged a total of 14 plays in that capacity Sunday. Given that veteran Jacquizz Rodgers has been a much more productive complementary option to starter Peyton Barber, Jones' fantasy outlook remains bleak.

The Eagles will sign Scott off the Saints' practice squad Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Scott, a sixth-round rookie out of Louisiana Tech, will add some depth to the Philadelphia backfield in light of Corey Clement's knee injury. It's likely that most of Scott's initial opportunities with the Eagles will come on special teams, but there's a small chance he can squeeze in work with the offense as the season winds down.

Penny (ankle) is listed as active Monday against the Vikings.

Penny wasn't listed on Week 14 injury reports, implying he was a full participant in each practice. That said, he was given a questionable designation for this game due to an ankle injury. In the end, the issue didn't impact his gameday availability, but the rookie can expect to remain second or third fiddle out of the Seahawks backfield alongside Mike Davis and behind Chris Carson. Hurting Penny's cause further is a matchup against Minnesota's eighth-ranked run defense (99.2 yards per game).

Coach Jason Garrett said Elliott doesn't seem to have any lingering issues from the neck injury he suffered during Sunday's 29-23 overtime win against the Eagles, David Helman of the Cowboys' official site reports.

On the Cowboys' first possession of the fourth quarter, Elliott incurred a 15-yard penalty for lowering his head to initiate contact. Because he took some time to stand up, the training staff examined him intently but never gave him an official designation as he reentered the game six snaps later, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Elliott didn't seem worse for wear thereafter en route to 192 yards from scrimmage on 40 touches, surpassing his previous career high in the latter category by six. Due to the combination of missing time and the sheer magnitude of his workload Sunday, it wouldn't surprise if his practice reps are capped in some way this week. Wednesday's injury report will reveal whether the Cowboys opt for such an approach.

Williams saw two offensive snaps Sunday against the Ravens, though he did catch a pass for eight yards.

Williams currently sits third on the depth chart behind Spencer Ware and Damien Williams, though the reacquisition of long-time Chiefs back Charcandrick West could threaten his job security to an extent. Regardless, Williams serves mainly as a special teams contributor and a depth back option at this point.

Hines had three carries for one yard and three receptions for 16 yards on five targets in Sunday's win at Houston.

Hines played 28 snaps on offense compared to 40 for Marlon Mack. As the top backup to Mack, Hines remains a steady option in in the passing game as his five targets were fifth on the team despite his modest yardage total.

Ekeler (neck) is considered day-to-day, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

In addition to dealing with stingers in his neck, Ekeler was checked for a concussion -- and ultimately cleared -- during Sunday's 26-21 win over the Bengals. He finished the game with 94 scrimmage yards and a TD on 17 touches, but his ability to fight through the injury Sunday doesn't necessarily mean he'll able to suit up for Thursday's game in Kansas City. With Melvin Gordon (knee) also uncertain, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome are left as the healthy backfield options. Jackson was limited to 12 yards on seven carries and 23 yards on two catches Sunday against Cincinnati.

Rodgers rushed four times for 16 yards and brought in four of five targets for 38 yards in the Buccaneers' 28-14 loss to the Saints on Sunday.

Despite fellow back Ronald Jones II also being active, Rodgers outpaced his rookie teammate by 27 snaps from scrimmage and saw eight touches to Jones' none. The versatile veteran continues to offer solid production when called upon, especially in the passing game. Rodgers now has equaled his highest reception total since the 2013 season and appears set to remain in his current complementary role for the remainder of the campaign, especially given the gulf between his production and that of Jones.