NFL Player News

Badie (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Badie remains on injured reserve but had his 21-day practice window opened Dec. 24. He practiced fully all last week but was eventually ruled out against Cincinnati. Badie once again practiced fully all this week, but it's up in the air if he'll see the field against Kansas City, especially with all three of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime healthy.

Pacheco (ribs) has been ruled out for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos.

With the Chiefs having clinched the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed, they'll play it safe with Pacheco with an eye toward having him healthy for the team's divisional-round contest. Meanwhile, fellow RB Kareem Hunt (not injury-related) is among the team's key players listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest and on track to be rested in Week 18. In that context, Samaje Perine and Carson Steele are available to handle backfield reps versus Denver, with Keaontay Ingram being a potential practice-squad elevation.

Brooks (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bears.

Brooks was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday but is good to go for the regular-season finale against Chicago. With Green Bay likely (73.9 percent, per ESPN.com) ticketed for the No. 7 seed in the NFC, there's a chance Brooks sees an uptick in playing time against the Bears, as Josh Jacobs has already stated he doesn't believe he's going to play his full workload. Green Bay could use more of Emanuel Wilson and Brooks out of the backfield, allowing Jacobs to rest a bit more ahead of next weekend's playoff opener.

Hunt (coach's decision) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Hunt is among a multitude of key contributors expected to be rested for Sunday's regular-season finale, as the 15-1 Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC. Isiah Pacheco (rib) has been ruled out, so Samaje Perine and Carson Steele are the top candidates to flank Carson Wentz in Kansas City's backfield, while Keaontay Ingram's an option to be elevated from the practice squad.

Jacobs (wrist) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bears.

Jacobs never seemed in real danger of missing the game and figures to occupy his usual role as Green Bay's workhorse. There is some chance of his usage eventually being scaled back, however, as the team's chances to move up from the seventh seed to No. 6 depend on the Cowboys beating the Commanders in a game that takes place at the same time as Green Bay's. In other words, the Packers may start to pull starters if it looks like a victory won't help them avoid a first-round trip to Philadelphia.

Ekeler (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Dallas, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

The Commanders designated Ekeler to return from injured reserve Wednesday, at which point he logged the first of three consecutive full practices. He'll need to be activated from IR on Saturday in order to play in the regular-season finale. If that happens, it'll likely mean reduced workloads for Jeremy McNichols and/or Chris Rodriguez, and it's also possible Ekeler would cut into Brian Robinson's usage.

Reynolds (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network reports.

Reynolds appears to have suffered the injury at some point during the week, as he popped up on the injury report Friday as a non-participant in practice. With David Montgomery (knee) sidelined, Jermar Jefferson will likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Jahmyr Gibbs' primary backup if Reynolds is unable to suit up for the regular-season finale, while Sione Vaki's also an option for backfield snaps.

Shipley (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Shipley practiced without limitations Friday, but he'll need to be cleared by an independent neurologist to exit the concussion protocol and suit up. He was concussed Week 16 against the Commanders and subsequently sat out against the Cowboys in Week 17. The rookie fourth-round draft pick has only 20 carries all season, but Shipley and Kenneth Gainwell could both be in store for significant roles in the regular-season finale, as Saquon Barkley's listed as doubtful due to rest purposes.

Irving (shoulder/shin) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Irving took 24 touches for 190 yards in last week's 48-14 win over the Panthers, despite not playing at all in the fourth quarter. He should be busy again with the Bucs needing a win to reach the playoffs (unless Atlanta loses to Carolina in a game that's taking place at the same time).

Pollard (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans and will be a game-time decision, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Pollard didn't practice Friday after posting limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday as he attempts to work his way back from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury. Tyjae Spears started in Pollard's place against the Jaguars in Week 17, but Spears suffered a concussion that will keep him out of Sunday's season finale. Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley are the remaining healthy running backs on Tennessee's active roster, with Jabari Small on the team's practice squad.