NFL Player News

The Panthers placed Sanders (ankle) on injured reserve Saturday.

Sanders had already been ruled out for Sunday's Week 12 game against Kansas City after spraining his ankle against the Giants in Week 10 prior to Carolina's Week 11 bye. He wasn't able to practice at all this week, and his move to IR means Sanders won't be eligible to return to game action until Sunday, Dec. 22 versus Arizona. His absence comes as rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) appears set to make his NFL debut Sunday while serving as the Panthers' No. 2 back behind Chuba Hubbard.

Hill (concussion protocol) practiced fully Friday.

Per the Ravens' injury report, Hill still is listed in the NFL's concussion protocol, but the running back's ability to work fully Friday bodes well for his chances of being cleared for Monday night's game against the Chargers. If, however, Hill has any setbacks and is unable to completely progress through the protocol, Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali would be candidates to see added snaps behind top back Derrick Henry in Week 12.

Luepke (calf) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Commanders, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Luepke appeared to be in jeopardy of the missing the Week 12 divisional matchup after opening the Cowboys' week of practice with an estimated DNP. However, he practiced in a limited capacity Thursday before logging a full session Friday, indicating that he's recovered from his calf injury. Expect the second-year pro from North Dakota State to serve as Dallas' top fullback Sunday.

Jacobs (quadriceps) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Listed with lower-body injuries more often than not, Jacobs has yet to miss a game this season, averaging 17.6 carries for 83.8 yards and 2.3 catches for 18.6 yards. A total of five TDs in 10 games is somewhat disappointing relative to his yardage, but he's scored all five of those within the past six contests after failing to hit pay dirt over the first month of the season. The upcoming matchup looks more favorable than a date with the 49ers typically would be, as the Packers are considerable favorites against a team that's missing a bunch of key players, including QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) and DE Nick Bosa (hip).

Demercado (shoulder) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest in Seattle, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.

Demercado began Week 12 prep with back-to-back limited practices due to a shoulder issue, but his ability to handle every rep Friday paved the way for him to continue to be available out of the Cardinals backfield. Still, rookie third-rounder Trey Benson seemed to take over the No. 2 role behind starter James Conner in the team's two games before a Week 11 bye, as the former logged 32 offensive snaps and 21 touches versus 21 and nine, respectively, for Demercado during that span. At the very least, though, Demercado should be good for at least a handful of touches Sunday, as he averages 3.1 per game on the season.

Laube's set for a larger role Sunday against the Broncos, as Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports that both Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) will be listed as doubtful.

Laube fumbled on his only previous carry this season, but coach Antonio Pierce remains supportive of the 2024 sixth-round draft pick. According to Tafur, Laube and Sincere McCormick would back up Ameer Abdullah if Mattison and White both sit. McCormick would first have to be elevated from the practice squad, where the Raiders also have Chris Collier.

White (quadricep) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

The same goes for Alexander Mattison (ankle), which sets the stage for the Raiders to likely be without both players this weekend. If the duo is inactive versus Denver, Ameer Abdullah would be the expected starter at running back for Las Vegas, according to Reed, with Dylan Laube and practice-squad member Sincere McCormick also in the mix, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

Mattison (ankle) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.

Meanwhile, Zamir White (quadricep) also will be deemed doubtful for the contest, paving the way for the Raiders to likely be without both backs this weekend. If the duo is inactive versus Denver, Las Vegas would likely start Ameer Abdullah at running back, according to Reed, with Dylan Laube and practice-squad member Sincere McCormick also in the mix, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

Abdullah is in line to lead the Vegas backfield Sunday against the Broncos, as Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports that both Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) will be listed as doubtful.

Nearly all of Abdullah's playing time this season has come on third downs or in hurry-up/comeback situations, but Reed reports that the 31-year-old is expected to start this Sunday. Abdullah scored a receiving touchdown after both Mattison and White got hurt in the Week 11 loss to Miami, taking 88 percent of snaps in the fourth quarter. Dylan Laube, a healthy scratch in recent weeks, also may be in line for an increased role this Sunday, and at least one of Sincere McCormick or Chris Collier figure to be elevated from the practice squad.

Pollard is expected to get the majority of carries in Sunday's game against the Texans, per Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site, as Tyjae Spears (concussion) has been ruled out.

Pollard has averaged 24 touches in the three games that Spears has missed this season. An increased workload, albeit against a stout Texans front, could help Pollard get back on track after he tied his season low with 29 yards from scrimmage in Tennessee's Week 11 loss to the Vikings.