NFL Player News

Gordon (thumb/hip) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Gordon's limited participation is likely just routine maintenance, though it's possible his injuries played a part in his disastrous showing last week against the Raiders, in which Gordon rushed for minus-4 yards on seven carries. Assuming both Gordon and Javonte Williams (knee) dress Sunday against the Chargers, they'll likely split carries in near-even fashion as usual.

Williams (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fellow running back Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) was also limited. There's little reason to believe either running back will sit out Sunday against the Chargers, though it will be worth checking back on both players' statuses as the week progresses. Williams and Gordon normally split carries, but if either were to sit, the other would become an even more enticing fantasy option Week 17 against a dreadful Chargers run defense that just got carved up for 149 yards and two touchdowns by Houston's Rex Burkhead.

Cook (illness) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

When players are activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, they are often listed as limited participants as they get their legs under them following their respective bouts with the virus. The Vikings wouldn't have been able to activate Cook from the list earlier Wednesday if he was still symptomatic, so him being listed with an "illness" is more likely related to his conditioning rather than him being under the weather. Cook will have two more opportunities to get in a full session this week before the Vikings potentially clear him to play Sunday in Green Bay.

Jones (knee) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.

The Packers have been managing Jones' practice reps since he missed Week 11 at Minnesota due to a knee issue. While he played a close second fiddle to AJ Dillon in his first two games back in the lineup, Jones has taken on more snaps en route to 32 touches for 157 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown over the past two contests. During those last two outings, Dillon went for 91 total yards and one score on his 20 touches. Assuming the duo of Jones and Dillon is out there in Sunday's rematch with the Vikings in Green Bay, a similar breakdown of the backfield work could come to pass.

Swift (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Swift appears ready to end his four-game absence, the result of an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. Head coach Dan Campbell even hinted as much Wednesday, telling Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press that he expects Swift to return Sunday at Seattle. With a full practice under his belt to begin Week 17 prep, Swift is well on his way to doing just that. How the snaps and reps will break down between him, Jamaal Williams and even Craig Reynolds is more of a mystery, but in the 10 contests before getting hurt, Swift averaged 19 touches per game.

Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.

His absence from the Chiefs' first Week 17 practice was expected after Adam Schefter of ESPN relayed Monday that Edwards-Helaire is viewed as week-to-week. The Chiefs haven't ruled him out for Sunday's game in Cincinnati, but he may need to practice Thursday and/or Friday in order to have a realistic chance to play. Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore will see more work out of the Kansas City backfield if Edwards-Helaire can't go this week.

Edmonds was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to a back issue, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

After missing four games due to a high-ankle sprain, Edmonds returned to action Week 15 in Detroit, handling a 40 percent snap share on his way to six carries. With James Conner (heel) out of the lineup entirely this past Saturday against the Colts, Edmonds took on a whopping 92 percent of snaps on his way to 24 touches for 127 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Conner wasn't able to practice Wednesday and is set up to be a game-time decision again Week 17 at Dallas, so the healthier Edmonds could be poised for another outing with significant volume, even if the former is able to suit up Sunday.

Gainwell was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury.

Fellow running backs Jordan Howard (neck) and Miles Sanders (hand) both missed practice, with the latter already having been ruled out for Sunday's game against Washington. Boston Scott will likely operate as the Eagles' lead runner if Howard is also out, but Gainwell could also have a significant role, assuming his ankle injury is minor. His ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday suggests that's likely the case.

Conner (heel) didn't practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Conner has yet to practice due to the heel issue that he picked up coming out of the Cardinals' Week 15 loss to the Lions. Last week, his availability came down to the wire before he was ultimately inactive ahead of the Cardinals' loss to the Colts. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Wednesday that Conner will be in a similar situation this week, with the running back's status likely coming down to a game-time call ahead of a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday in Dallas, according to Urban. Conner would do himself well by mixing into drills Thursday and/or Friday, but it should be noted that position mate Chase Edmonds (back) was limited by in Wednesday's session, placing a cloud over both of the top two options out of the Arizona backfield.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the 49ers expect to activate Sermon (ankle) from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Texans, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Absent for the past four contests due to a sprained right ankle, Sermon set himself up for a return in the near future by getting back on the practice field last Wednesday. Assuming Shanahan's statement comes to pass, Sermon may find it difficult to be a part of the offense if Elijah Mitchell (knee) also puts an end to a three-game absence this weekend. If Mitchell is available, he could take on his usual workhorse role, while his stand-in, Jeff Wilson, would be next up for early-down reps. JaMycal Hasty also is on hand for change-of-pace work, which could limit Sermon's chances to get on the field.