NFL Player News

Swift (shoulder) will make his return to the lineup Sunday in Seattle, as he doesn't carry an injury designation into the contest.

Earlier in the season, the Lions regularly listed Swift as questionable heading into game days, even though he often appeared at little risk of actually sitting out. After missing each of the previous four games while recovering from an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, Swift's lack of a designation is somewhat surprising given the previous pattern, but it's perhaps a reflection of the Lions' confidence in his health following a month-long layoff. Swift was a full participant in practice all week, and running backs coach Duce Staley suggested Friday the Lions don't intend to take a conservative approach with him, according to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. Fantasy managers who have been waiting patiently on Swift's return shouldn't count on him approaching the season-high 33 carries he earned Week 10 against Pittsburgh, but he looks like a good bet to at least get double-digit touches.

Bolden (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Bolden logged limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, but he's good to go for Sunday's contest and in line to handle his usual change-of-pace role, with Damien Harris (hamstring/questionable) -- assuming he's active -- and Rhamondre Stevenson in line to handle the bulk of the Patriots' early down work in Week 17.

Gordon (thumb/hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in a limited fashion this past week.

Along with Gordon, Javonte Williams (knee) is listed as questionable, though neither player looks in danger of missing Sunday's contest. Assuming both are active, the two would be in line to share carries in Week 17, with a bounce-back showing possibly in the forecast as Denver takes on a vulnerable Chargers run defense.

Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers after practicing in a limited fashion this past week.

Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) was also a limited participant throughout the week and carries a questionable designation into Sunday, though both he and Williams appear at little risk of sitting out. Assuming both players are active, they would be in line to share carries in Week 17, with a bounce-back opportunity on tap against the Chargers' struggling run defense.

Akers (Achilles) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, though head coach Sean McVay said earlier Friday that the running back is unlikely to make his season debut, Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

With Darrell Henderson (knee) moving to injured reserve earlier this week, the Rams are left with Akers, Jake Funk and Buddy Howell as the lone backup options on the 53-man roster behind lead back Sony Michel. Akers could eventually challenge Michel for that role, but any changing of the guard is unlikely to come until the postseason or 2022, as the Rams intend to take a cautious approach with the 2020 second-round pick as he works his way back from an Achilles tear suffered in mid-July. Akers has been practicing for just over a week now and hasn't experienced any setbacks, but the Rams aren't likely to give him his first snaps of the season until the Jan. 9 regular-season finale versus the 49ers.

Mitchell (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Houston, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Mitchell returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant and seemingly maintained that level of activity throughout the week without any setbacks, with Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com suggesting the running back is "trending toward being available." On the other hand, Jimmy Garoppolo (hand) is listed as doubtful, leaving Trey Lance as the likely Week 17 starting quarterback. The rookie's previous start came back in Week 5, with Lance taking 16 carries for 89 yards while Mitchell got only 11 touches for 62 yards in the 17-10 loss to Arizona. If he does return this week, Mitchell will get a better matchup with the 49ers being a heavy home favorite against the Texans. If Mitchell is out again, Jeff Wilson presumably will get another week in the lead role.

Washington (undisclosed) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Washington was forced to miss Monday's loss to the Dolphins while in the health and safety protocols, though he should be poised to return for Sunday's matchup against Carolina. He has played nearly exclusively on special teams this season and has picked up only four carries and two receptions across 12 games as a result.

Edmonds (back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Dallas, while backfield mate James Conner (heel) is listed as questionable, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Conner returned to practice Friday in a limited capacity, hoping to gut it out after Edmonds erupted for 127 total yards on 92 percent snap share in last week's 22-16 loss to the Colts. It is possible Conner has a smaller-than-usual role even if he's active, but that'll be tough to count on for those with a tough lineup decision between Edmonds and another running back(s). Most of those decisions swing towards Edmonds if Conner is out again, while the matchup with Dallas starts to look awfully daunting with the prospect of a timeshare added. Conner could be a game-time decision ahead of the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday.

Conner (heel) returned to a limited practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Chase Edmonds (back) upgraded to full participation Friday and thus avoids an injury designation, after handling 24 touches and a 92 percent snap share in a 22-16 loss to Indianapolis last Saturday -- the first game Conner has missed all season. Conner could be a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, with his potential absence locking in Edmonds for a large workload and Eno Benjamin for a backup role. If Conner plays, he'll likely return to his timeshare with Edmonds.

Harris (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Harris was able to practice in a limited fashion this week, so we'd be surprised if he isn't available for the contest. Fortunately for those considering him in Week 17 lineups, the Patriots kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday. Assuming he's active, Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson would be in line to share the team's early down work while Brandon Bolden handles change-of-pace duties.