NFL Player News

Mitchell (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Not only did Mitchell work with the 49ers training staff on the side Thursday, he mixed into some drills, too. The activity was notable considering he didn't participate at all Wednesday as he continues to tend to knee irritation. The issue didn't stop Mitchell from tallying 21 touches on 36 offensive snaps this past Sunday against the Texans, as opposed to one touch on 19 such plays between reserves Jeff Wilson and JaMycal Hasty. Assuming Mitchell gains clearance to play this weekend at the Rams -- whether it's on Friday's injury report or prior to Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff -- he should remain San Francisco's lead running back Week 18.

Jacobs (ribs) was listed as limited in Thursday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

With back-to-back limited listings through Wednesday and Thursday walkthroughs, Friday's final injury report will reveal whether the Raiders' top back approaches Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chargers with a Week 18 injury designation or fully cleared to play.

Hill (Achilles) was activated from the reserve/COVID list Thursday and reverted to injured reserve, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

The running back was placed on the COVID list Christmas Day, preventing him from rehabbing his season-ending Achilles injury in team facilities. Now back with the team, Hill will return to preparing for the 2022 season.

Harris (hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Harris downplayed his current hamstring issue during the Patriots' Week 17 postgame press conference, and his participation in practice both Wednesday and Thursday bodes well for his availability for this weekend's game against the Dolphins. Still, it seems likely that the Patriots will officially list Harris as questionable ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.

Carter (concussion) returned to a full practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

That's a big step in the right direction for the running back, who was a non-participant Wednesday. Friday's injury report will reveal whether Carter heads into the weekend minus a Week 18 injury designation, which hinges on him fully clearing the NFL's concussion protocol. If he does, he'd be in line to head the Jets backfield Sunday against the Bills, with Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson and Austin Walter also candidates to mix in.

Mitchell (knee) was spotted working with 49ers trainers on a side field during Thursday's practice, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

It remains to be seen if Mitchell will mix into drills and be considered at least a limited participant Thursday, but it's also more activity than he displayed Wednesday as a non-participant. In the end, the 49ers may just be managing the knee issue that, along with a concussion, conspired to keep him sidelined Weeks 14-16. Mitchell was able to return this past Sunday against the Texans and again spearheaded the backfield to the tune of 21 carries for 119 yards while hauling in both targets for 11 yards and one touchdown.

Gordon (thumb/hip) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against Kansas City after practicing fully Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

That's also the case for Javonte Williams (knee), which sets the stage for the two backs to share carries in Denver's final contest of the season. While the timeshare somewhat caps Gordon's fantasy ceiling, he normally sees enough touches to help fantasy managers, and he'll take aim Saturday at a Chiefs run defense that is yielding an average of 113.0 rushing yards per game heading into Week 18 action.

Williams (knee) does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's game against Kansas City after practicing fully Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The same applies to Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip), which sets the stage for the duo to continue to share backfield duties in Denver's season finale. It's a timeshare that caps Williams' fantasy ceiling, but more often than not he's logged enough touches to help fantasy managers this season, and he'll square off this weekend against a Chiefs run defense that is allowing an average of 113.0 rushing yards per game to date.

Jones (knee) was limited at Thursday's practice.

After having his reps capped at Wednesday's walkthrough, Jones maintained that activity level in the Packers' second session of Week 18 preparations. If precedent is any indication, he'll ditch his designation entirely for a fifth consecutive week upon the release of the team's final injury report Friday. During the preceding four-game stretch, Jones compiled 53 touches for 328 yards from scrimmage and three TDs, while fellow running back AJ Dillon tallied 51 touches for 245 total yards and three scores of his own.

Pollard (foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game at Philadelphia, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The Cowboys continue to manage the torn fascia in Pollard's left foot that he suffered during a 58-yard touchdown run in a Week 13 win at New Orleans, capping his reps during all three Week 18 practices. This marks the first time he's been listed with a designation since Week 15 at the Giants, but he proceeded to suit up in that game and rack up his fourth-most yards from scrimmage (87) on the season. Pollard's status will be cleared up, on way or another, by the time Dallas posts its inactive list about 90 minutes before Saturday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.