NFL Player News

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Mitchell (knee) is slated to practice this week, which would open his 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve, Josh Dubow of The Associated Press reports.

Mitchell is dealing with his second MCL sprain of the season and has been sidelined since Week 12. He suffered the injury Nov. 27 and was given a recovery timeline of 6-8 weeks. So far, five weeks have passed, so the running back is on schedule. It's unclear if he has a chance to be active Sunday against the Cardinals, but he'll at least take a first step toward his return to San Francisco's active roster.

Kelly reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Kelly was bumped up from the practice squad for the first time ahead of Sunday's win over the Commanders. The 26-year-old running back wound up logging all 14 of his snaps on special teams, and he has recorded five rushing attempts since the 2019 season. Kelly should stand to see similar usage if he's promoted to the active roster ahead of this coming Sunday's regular-season finale against Pittsburgh.

McCaffrey is considered day-to-day with a mild ankle sprain, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

McCaffrey logged an 85 percent snap share in Sunday's 37-34 overtime win over the Raiders, while rushing 19 times for 121 yards and a TD and adding six catches on nine targets for 72 yards. However, now that 49ers' top back is dealing with an injury concern, his status will need to be monitored ahead of this weekend's contest against the Cardinals. In any case, it's a good bet that McCaffrey's practice participation in the coming days will be impacted by his current ankle issue.

Mack is expected to miss the Broncos' season finale against the Chargers on Sunday, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Per Klis, Mack injured his hamstring on a kickoff return at the start of the Broncos' Week 17 loss to the Chiefs. With Mack reportedly not in line to play this coming weekend, Tyler Badie figures to suit up versus Los Angeles and log complementary snaps behind Latavius Murray and Chase Edmonds.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday that Pollard (thigh) will practice Wednesday, Patrik Walker of the Cowboys' official site reports.

Pollard was sidelined for last Thursday's win over Tennessee, but it appears he's trending in the right direction ahead of Week 18 prep. Fantasy managers likely will have to monitor Pollard's participation in practice this week closely, but a decision on the running back's availability against Washington may not come until Sunday.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday that Conner (shin) is day-to-day, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Conner left the Week 17 loss to Atlanta in the fourth quarter due to a shin injury, but Kingsbury said the issue was "nothing major," and that X-rays were negative. The 2017 third-round pick's participation in practice should be monitored closely, but it appears like he's trending in the right direction ahead of Arizona's season finale against San Francisco on Sunday.

Carter rushed once for two yards and caught two of three targets for three yards in Sunday's 23-6 loss to Seattle.

Carter was used sparingly while Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight racked up eight rushing attempts apiece, totaling 46 and 27 yards, respectively. New York's injury-riddled offense has fallen apart down the stretch, and Carter hasn't mustered more than 21 rushing yards in a game since Week 9. The 2021 fourth-round pick will wrap up his second NFL season against the Dolphins in Week 18.

Abdullah did not record an offensive touch in nine snaps during Sunday's 37-34 overtime loss to the 49ers.

Abdullah failed to draw a target in the passing game for the first time since Week 5, and it was fellow reserve running back Brandon Bolden that filled in for starter Josh Jacobs on the ground when the latter briefly exited with a minor hip injury. Abdullah figures to remain involved sparingly on passing downs, but barring any setbacks, Jacobs is slated to retain his workhorse role against the Chiefs in Week 18.

Mattison had eight carries for 38 yards and had one reception for seven yards in Sunday's loss at Green Bay.

Mattison played 23 snaps on offense as he got more work once the game became a blowout. He could get significant time or even start Week 18 against the Bears if the Vikings decide to rest starters head of the playoffs.

Williams took nine carries for 30 yards and caught three of five targets for three yards in Sunday's 24-10 loss to Cleveland.

Williams was the No. 2 back with Antonio Gibson (knee) inactive and ended up playing 46 percent of snaps, though Brian Robinson had a safe majority of the ground work with 24 carries for 87 yards (and one incomplete target). Williams could have a similar role Week 18 against a tough Dallas defense if Gibson is out again, while a return from Gibson would push Williams back to third on the depth chart.