NFL Player News

Akers appears set to take over as the top option in the Los Angeles backfield after the team waived Darrell Henderson on Tuesday, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

The shocking release of Henderson, who was the Rams' leading rusher with a paltry 283 yards, leaves Akers and rookie Kyren Williams as the only two running backs on the 53-man roster. Ronnie Rivers will likely be summoned from the practice squad to provide another body at the position for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, but look for both Akers and Williams to outpace him in work. Akers has averaged a miserable 3.1 yards per carry this season, but he's at least coming off a solid showing in the Rams' 27-20 loss to the Saints in Week 11, when he gained 61 yards on 14 attempts. With Henderson set to be a free agent at season's end, the Rams have chosen to see what they have in the two backs that will still be on the roster next season, with Williams now likely serving as a third-down specialist while Akers takes hold of lead-back duties. The Rams' new-look running back room faces a tough task in Week 12, taking on a Chiefs squad that has allowed just 100.6 rushing yards per game this season.

Elliott (knee) doesn't have a designation for Thursday's game against the Giants, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

After opening Week 12 prep with two straight limited listings on Cowboys injury reports, Elliott logged a full practice session Wednesday, effectively clearing him to play Thursday. In his return from a two-game absence this past Sunday at Minnesota, Elliott started but took on a smaller snap count (21) than fellow running back Tony Pollard (39). Both players got in on the act in a 40-3 win, but Elliott's 16 touches went for 47 yards from scrimmage and two rushing touchdowns, while Pollard's 21 touches resulted in 189 total yards and two receiving scores. The breakdown of playing time could tilt back in Elliott's favor a bit more Thursday, though Pollard's excellent production in recent weeks may make it difficult for the Cowboys to take him off the field.

The Chiefs placed Edwards-Helaire (ankle) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Edwards-Helaire will miss a minimum of four games while he receovers from a high ankle sprain, with Week 16 against Seattle representing the earliest possible date for a return. Isiah Pacheco had supplanted him in the Kansas City backfield in recent weeks anyway, but Edwards-Helaire still had a role off the bench before injuring his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Chargers. It'll be Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon leading the way for the Chiefs the next month, and Ronald Jones may also get some chances for the first time all year.

Edwards (hamstring/knee) was present for practice Wednesday, Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Edwards was a limited participant at practice throughout last week before sitting out Sunday's win over the Panthers, but Shaffer notes that the Ravens are hopeful the running back can return to action this weekend against the Jaguars. In Edwards' absence last week, Kenyan Drake (10 carries for 46 yards) and Justice Hill (seven carries for 30 yards) handled the bulk of the work out of the backfield.

Coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Jones has a "legitimate chance" to suit up Sunday versus the Rams, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

Jones has been a healthy scratch the entire regular season, but with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) now headed to injured reserve, Jones could finally get a chance to suit up for Kansas City. In the event that Jones is active Week 12, he'll serve in a depth role behind Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon.

Mixon remains in the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of Wednesday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Mixon will need to clear the league's five-step protocol in order to be able to play Sunday against the Titans. If Mixon is unable to suit up this weekend, Samaje Perine would be on tap for an expanded role in the Cincinnati backfield.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle) is in line to be placed on IR, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Look for the move to be made official later Wednesday, with Edwards-Helaire now in line to miss at least four games with a high ankle sprain. In his absence, Isiah Pacheco is slated to lead the Chiefs' ground game, with Jerick McKinnon on hand to work in a complementary/change-of-pace role and Ronald Jones available in reserve.

Teague was signed to the Steelers' practice squad Wednesday.

Teague was waived by the Steelers following an injury settlement in August, but he will now return to the organization. The running back has yet to make his NFL debut after spending four seasons with Ohio State in college.

Hill rushed seven times for 30 yards and caught all three of his targets for eight yards in Sunday's 13-3 win over the Panthers.

Hill played 41 percent of the Ravens' offensive snaps in the contest, while fellow running back Kenyan Drake played 51 percent of snaps. With Gus Edwards (hamstring/knee) sidelined, Hill saw a bump in his usage. However, the 25-year-old will likely see his role diminish when both Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (knee) make their way back on the field. Hill will likely be difficult to trust when the Ravens visit the Jaguars in Week 12.

Hines rushed once for negative-8 yards and did not bring in his only target in the Bills' Week 11 win over the Browns in Detroit. He also gained 37 yards on two punt returns and 76 yards on three kickoff returns.

Hines made an impact as a kick returner in the contest, but that doesn't translate to production in most fantasy leagues. While the veteran running back did see a slight uptick in snaps (10) in comparison to his first two games with Buffalo, he generated negative fantasy points since his only carry resulted in an eight-yard loss. Initial optimism about Hines' potential in Buffalo's prolific offense has all but disappeared now that it's clear he's primarily being viewed as a special-teams contributor.