NFL Player News

Coach Frank Reich said Mack still has one more step to clear in the NFL's concussion protocol before receiving the green light to play in Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Mike Wells of ESPN.com reports.

Based on Reich's comments, it seems safe to conclude that Mack needs to receive clearance from an independent neurologist -- the fifth and final step of the protocol -- before his availability is confirmed. Mack took a big step forward in his recovery by practicing fully Thursday and looks set to repeat that activity level Friday, as he was spotted on the field with a helmet. The Colts will reveal Mack's official status for the Week 13 contest shortly after practice concludes, but he seems likely to draw a questionable tag. If Mack does pass through the protocol prior to Sunday's 1 p.m. EST kickoff, he'll likely be active for the contest and fill his usual role as the Colts' lead back.

Coach Dirk Koetter said Jones will play in Sunday's game against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Previously bothered by a hamstring injury, Jones was essentially a healthy scratch for last week's 27-9 win over San Francisco, as he landed on the inactive list despite logging full participation in every practice. It's unclear if the rookie's upcoming active status is related to Peyton Barber's ankle issue, but there hasn't been any indication Barber is in danger of actually missing the game. While it would be unwise to count on Jones for any significant level of involvement this week, the Buccaneers have clear incentive to get their second-round pick some touches during the final month of a lost season.

Mack (concussion) took part in Friday's practice, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Mack was able to log a full practice Thursday and is getting some work in again Friday, suggesting he's endured no setbacks in his recovery from the concussion. He still has yet to clear the NFL's protocol for head injuries, but the door remains open for him to play Week 13 in Jacksonville. The Colts will reveal Mack's official status for the weekend shortly after practice concludes.

Elliott rushed 23 times for 76 yards and brought in all six of his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' 13-10 win over the Saints on Thursday.

Elliott was mostly held in check by a stingy Saints run defense, but he was able to move the chains as needed and also played a significant role in the air attack. The third-year back's reception total checked in second on the Cowboys to Amari Cooper, and he now has at least five catches in four consecutive contests. Elliott's 16-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter served as his third of 2018, giving him a score in four straight games. The 23-year-old will look to continue his strong play against the Eagles in a Week 14 divisional battle on Dec. 9.

Kamara rushed 11 times for 36 yards and brought in eight of 11 targets for another 36 yards in Thursday's 13-10 loss to the Cowboys. He also returned three punts for 17 yards and fumbled once, but it was recovered by the offense.

Kamara was contained under 100 total yards for the second straight game and also came up short on a fourth-and-goal run from the one-yard line early in the second quarter. Kamara was far from the only explosive Saints skill player to see a downturn Thursday, however, and his lack of production was a direct function of the Cowboys' suffocating play on defense. The second-year back's reception total was his highest since Week 3, as Dallas continually forced Drew Brees into short throws throughout the night. Kamara and the rest of his offensive teammates will look to bounce back against the Buccaneers in a Week 14 divisional battle on Dec. 9.

Perine (calf) isn't listed on the Redskins' initial Week 13 injury report.

With a longer turnaround time between games after the Redskins played on Thanksgiving Day in Week 12, Perine looks like he'll enter the team's Monday night matchup with the Eagles at full strength. However, it's uncertain if his improved health will be enough for him to escape the inactive list. Washington is expected to get pass-catching specialist Chris Thompson (ribs) back from a four-game absence this week, giving the team an option to pair with top ballcarrier Adrian Peterson (shoulder). Meanwhile, Kapri Bibbs remains on hand as a depth option in the backfield and has a consistent role on special teams, lessening the team's need to keep Perine active as a fourth running back.

Gordon (knee) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Gordon hasn't been formally ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, though coach Anthony Lynn conceded it's "highly unlikely" the star running back suits up, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It's expected that Gordon will be sidelined for at least two games while he contends with an MCL sprain in his right knee, though the prevailing belief is he'll be near full strength in advance of the postseason. While Gordon remains idle, the Chargers are set to proceed with Austin Ekeler as their lead back for the second time this season after Gordon sat out a Week 7 game against the Titans due to a hamstring issue.

Edwards (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

The same applies to Alex Collins (foot), which would seem to put both on track to play Sunday against the Falcons. We'll circle back on Edwards' status Friday to see if the Ravens list him as questionable or remove him altogether from their Week 13 injury report. After having logged 40 carries over the past two weeks, Edwards appears to poised to head the Baltimore backfield once again this weekend, heath permitting.

Mack (concussion) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

That's a big step for Mack, but the report indicates that the running back's availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars "is still up in the air," given that he's still in the NFL's concussion protocol. Mack's return to practice obviously checks off a key box in that regard, but it remains to be seen if he'll gain full medical clearance in advance of Friday's final Week 13 injury report. Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins are next up for carries if Mack is ultimately held or or limited this weekend.

Mack (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

That's a step in the right direction for Mack, though it remains to be seen how the Colts list his participation level or where he's at as of Thursday in terms of the NFL's concussion protocol.