NFL Player News

McCaffrey (knee) was working off to the side during the open portion of Thursday's practice, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

The extent of McCaffrey's participation in practice won't be known until the 49ers release their second injury report of the week later Thursday, but the running back looks as though he might be able to do more than he did Wednesday. The fact that McCaffrey was seen on a side field rather than with the main group could mean that he winds up going down as a non-participant for the second day in a row, even though he's donning pads and a helmet Thursday. The 49ers seem to be taking extra caution with McCaffrey while he manages what's believed to be a minor knee issue, but head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested Wednesday that he's tentatively planning on having the star tailback available for Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins.

Jones (shin/glute) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Jones maintained his activity level from one day prior, as did AJ Dillon (quadriceps, limited Thursday). Considering both running backs have been able to log at least individual drills this week, neither player seems in danger of sitting out Sunday in Chicago. Still, the statuses of Jones and Dillon will continue to be monitored, with Friday's injury report potentially clearing up the situation entirely.

Mixon (concussion) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon's reps were capped in practice for the second day in a row, an indication that he hasn't made any notable progress since Wednesday as he works his way through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. If Mixon is able to practice in full Friday, he would likely be in good shape to suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, though he would still need to receive clearance for an independent neurologist before getting the green light to suit up. In the event Mixon can't get cleared for the Week 13 matchup, Samaje Perine would be in store for another turn as Cincinnati's lead back after getting 21 touches (17 carries, four receptions) in last Sunday's win over the Titans.

Kamara (undisclosed) wasn't listed on Thursday's injury report.

Kamara's last snap in this past Sunday's loss at San Francisco was a lost fumble at the goal line, which resulted in the running back visiting the sideline tent and continuing to don pads in the waning minutes of the contest. No injury was reported at the time or in its aftermath, and now he's avoided the Saints' initial practice report of Week 13. Kamara thus is in line to remain the team's primary backfield option Monday in Tampa Bay, especially with Mark Ingram (foot, limited Thursday) dealing with a new health concern.

Harris (oblique) didn't practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Harris, who suffered an oblique injury against the Colts this past Monday, now has missed back-to-back sessions, though a return to practice in any capacity Friday would boost his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Falcons. If Harris ends up out or limited this weekend, though, Jaylen Warren -- a full participant for the second day in a row after being inactive Week 12 -- would be in line for an expanded role versus Atlanta.

Gaskin (shoulder) was not present for the Dolphins' practice Thursday, Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald reports.

Gaskin did not practice for the second day in a row after popping up with a shoulder injury on Wednesday's injury report. The 25-year-old will now have just one more chance to increase his practice activity Week 13, or else he'll likely be sidelined for Sunday's game versus San Francisco. Gaskin has been a healthy scratch most weeks in the Dolphins' crowded running backs room this season, though he saw his highest usage of the year with Raheem Mostert (knee) inactive Week 12. If both backs are unable to play, then Salvon Ahmed would be in line for increased touches versus the 49ers.

Brightwell (illness) was listed as a limited participant on Thursday's estimated injury report, per Dan Salomone of the Giants' official site.

Brightwell missed practice Wednesday after he reportedly came down with an unspecified illness Tuesday. However, the running back appears to be working through this ailment well, and he will have one more chance to practice in full before Sunday's game against Washington. Brightwell saw season highs in touches and offensive snaps during the Giants' loss to Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, so he could be in line for additional usage behind Saquon Barkley and Matt Breida when healthy.

Etienne (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Etienne practiced in a limited fashion for the second day in a row after he exited early in this past Sunday's 28-27 win over the Ravens due to a left foot sprain. Head coach Doug Pederson downplayed the injury shortly after the game, noting that Etienne could have returned had the Jaguars not chosen to exercise some extra caution with the running back, who missed the entire 2021 season after getting surgery on the same foot. Fortunately for Etienne, he doesn't seem to be dealing with anything significant, though he'll likely need to upgrade to full participation in practice Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Lions.

Dobbins (knee) practiced Thursday for the second day in a row, but the Ravens aren't expected to activate him from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Broncos, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Baltimore officially designated Dobbins for return from IR on Wednesday, thereby opening a 21-day window in which he can be evaluated for a return to the 53-man roster. Because he's not currently a member of the roster, however, the Ravens don't have to disclose the extent of Dobbins' practice activity, though Shaffer's report would seem to suggest that the running back is being eased back into drills slowly after missing the past six weeks while recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on the same left knee in which he suffered an ACL tear last August. Assuming he experiences no setbacks with his knee while ramping back up, Dobbins could return to the lineup Week 14 or 15, but the Ravens look set to proceed with Gus Edwards, Kenyan Drake and Justice Hill as their active running backs for this Sunday's contest.

Coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday that "no one has seen the last of" Robinson, though Saleh wouldn't commit to Robinson playing Sunday against the Vikings after the running back was scratched in the Week 12 win over the Bears, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight made his NFL debut with Robinson out of the picture last week, and Knight made the most of the opportunity with 103 scrimmage yards. The Jets may not have the option to use the same trio of Knight, Ty Johnson and Michael Carter from that 31-10 win over the Bears, as Carter's status against Minnesota is in doubt due to an ankle injury. If Carter sits out, Robinson would presumably re-enter the rotation. Robinson was surprised at the decision to scratch him, which likely resulted from his ineffectiveness since being acquired from Jacksonville via trade. As a member of the Jets, Robinson has averaged a modest 3.0 yards per carry while catching only two passes in three games played.