NFL Player News

Pollard (thigh) remains listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Titans, but the Cowboys plan to make him inactive for the Week 17 contest, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported earlier Thursday that Pollard could be an option to play against the Titans if he fared better than anticipated in a pregame workout, but the Cowboys have apparently already decided to err on the side of caution and will ultimately hold the running back out for the first time this season. He won't be officially ruled out for the contest until the Cowboys release their inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, but Pollard's anticipated absence leaves Ezekiel Elliott as the clear-cut top option out of the backfield. Given that the Cowboys are heavy road favorites for a game in which the Titans are resting or holding out several key players due to injury, it's possible that Elliott ends up seeing a lighter workload in his own right if Dallas turns the game into a blowout by halftime or the third quarter. In that scenario, No. 2 back Malik Davis would be in store for a pronounced role behind Elliott.

Gibson (knee/foot) wasn't present for Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Gibson thus appears set to be listed as a non-participant for the second practice in a row, clouding his status for Sunday's game against the Browns. If Gibson is sidelined Week 17, Brian Robinson would have an even clearer path than usual to handling the bulk of the carries out of the backfield, while perhaps benefiting from more work on passing downs, too. Jonathan Williams would step in as the Commanders' No. 2 running back in place of Gibson.

Pollard (thigh), who is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Titans, will have to prove his health in pregame workouts to avoid being inactive, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Pollard's status may thus not be made official until Dallas' inactive list is released 90 minutes prior to Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Team owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday that Pollard "looks good for the game," but the explosive running back wasn't able to practice in any capacity Monday through Wednesday due to a thigh issue. If Pollard ultimately can't go Thursday, Ezekiel Elliott could be in line for an increased role atop the Cowboys' backfield depth chart, with Malik Davis mixing in behind him.

Henry (hip), who is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Cowboys, is not expected to suit up, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Henry is listed as doubtful despite coming off back-to-back limited practices, and it appears that Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut will be tasked with leading Tennessee's backfield versus Dallas' stout defensive front. The outcome of Thursday's contest won't impact the Titans' chances of attaining the AFC South crown, so Henry's focus may well simply be making sure he's at 100 percent form for Week 18's pivotal divisional matchup against the Jaguars. Official word on Henry's status will come prior to Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Dallas (ankle) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker (ankle) and Travis Homer (ankle) were held out of drills to begin Week 17 prep. While Dallas seemingly is the healthiest of the running back trio, Walker's lack of participation likely can be chalked up as maintenance to ensure he's as healthy as possible for game day. Dallas was only slightly behind Walker in terms of snaps this past Saturday in Kansas City (35 versus 40 out of 76), but his touch count (eight) was a distant second to the rookie's 28. Even so, Dallas may be the Seahawks' No. 2 back again this weekend after Homer sprained his ankle Week 16.

Homer (ankle) sat out Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Fellow running back Kenneth Walker, though his absence may be more maintenance-related to ensure he's as healthy as possible for game day. Meanwhile, DeeJay Dallas (ankle) was a limited participant. Homer himself sprained his ankle this past Saturday in Kansas City, capping him at one snap on offense and four on special teams. His usage was well behind Walker (who played 40 of 76 snaps on offense) and Dallas (35 of 76), and Homer's new health concern may be putting him down further in the pecking order in the Seahawks backfield. Ultimately, Friday's practice report may clarify the overall situation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jets.

Walker (ankle) was held out of Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Walker also didn't practice last week due to the same listed injury before suiting up Saturday in Kansas City and pacing the Seahawks backfield to the tune of 53 percent of the snaps and 28 touches for 105 yards from scrimmage. The rest of Seattle's running backs (DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer) combined for 36 plays and eight touches, so Walker clearly is the team's top option on the ground if he's available. Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune suggested the Seahawks are limiting Walker's on-field work during the week to ensure he can play on game days, but the rookie's status will still be one watch closely ahead of Sunday's contest against the Jets.

White was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to an ankle injury, Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee reports.

White logged two limited practice sessions last week but was ultimately ruled out for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. His ability to start off this week with a limited session suggests that he could return to action New Year's Day versus San Francisco, though that's not a certainty given how last week played out. White's chances of playing Week 17 would be significantly boosted if he's able to participate fully in practice at some point over the next two days.

Badie terminated his practice squad contract with Baltimore on Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Badie was taken by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and saw ample opportunity in the preseason, but he failed to make the 53-man roster and was subsequently waived. The Missouri product then signed to Baltimore's practice squad and spent the entire season there before terminating his contract Wednesday. It's unclear if he's found another team, but after rushing for 1,604 yards and 14 touchdowns and adding another 330 yards and four TDs as a pass catcher in his senior collegiate season last year, there figures to be some interest in him from other organizations.

Mason (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

After his hamstring tightened up on him last Wednesday, Mason was limited last Thursday before going down as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Commanders. He ended up suiting up for the Week 16 game, but he also was contained to 17 snaps on special teams, as Tyrion Davis-Price handled the running-back reps that didn't go to Christian McCaffrey. There's a chance Mason takes over the No. 2 role out of the 49ers backfield Sunday at Las Vegas, but he may have to get back to a full session before the end of Week 17 prep in order to do so.