NFL Player News

The 49ers didn't activate Sermon (ankle) from injured reserve before Thursday's game at Tennessee, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Sermon was designated to return from IR on Wednesday, so it's no surprise he was unable to prove he wasn't past his sprained right ankle. With Elijah Mitchell (knee) absent for a third consecutive game, Jeff Wilson will act as the 49ers' primary running back Thursday, while the likes of JaMycal Hasty, Brian Hill, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and fullback Kyle Juszczyk mix into the backfield as well.

Robinson (knee) didn't practice Thursday.

Robinson was limited Wednesday, but Mark Long of the Associated Press previously noted that Thursday 'DNPs' were likely to be a regular part of a load management plan for the running back. Therefore, there's a solid chance Robinson practices fully Friday and approaches Sunday's game against the Jets minus a Week 16 injury designation.

Bolden (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday.

As did Damien Harris (hamstring), while Rhamondre Stevenson (illness) missed practice for the second straight day. So far, there's been nothing to suggest that Bolden is in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Bills, but an official 'questionable" Week 16 injury designation is plausible for the Patriots' change-of-pace back.

Harris (hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson (illness) missed his second straight practice, while Brandon Bolden (knee) again was limited. Friday's final injury report will reveal whether any of the trio head into the weekend either ruled out or fully cleared to play, but it wouldn't surprise us to see all three players officially listed as 'questionable' for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Conner (heel) relayed Thursday that he believes he'll suit up Saturday versus the Colts, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

After failing to practice in any capacity this week, Conner still received the questionable tag from the Cardinals. The decision lines up with coach Kliff Kingsbury terming Conner a game-time decision ahead of Saturday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site. Conner himself noted that his ankle injury from last week isn't an issue anymore, so his availability this weekend will come down to pain management with his heel. If Conner is out or limited Saturday, Chase Edmonds stands to benefit the most out of Arizona's backfield.

Williams (knee) remained limited at practice Thursday, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon (thumb/hip) also was limited Thursday. At this stage, we expect both players to be available for Sunday's game against the Raiders, but unless they practice fully Friday, official 'questionable' Week 16 injury designations could be in store for the duo for the second straight week.

The Vikings placed Cook (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to a positive test for the virus, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Cook thus will embark on a 10-day quarantine as an unvaccinated player and won't be available for Sunday's pivotal matchup with the Rams and potentially even a Jan. 2 divisional game at Green Bay. As long as Cook is sidelined, Alexander Mattison will be the Vikings' lead running back, which translated to 89 touches for 448 yards from scrimmage and two total TDs in three prior spot starts this season.

Gordon (thumb/hip) returned to a limited practice Thursday, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.

Gordon sat out Wednesday's practice, but his return to a limited session suggests that his initial absence was maintenance-related. Meanwhile, fellow running back Javonte Williams (knee) has logged back-to-back LPs, and though there's nothing to suggest that one or both players are in any danger of missing Sunday's game against the Raiders, it will presumably take a full practice Friday on the part of either one to avoid a Week 16 injury designation.

Jacobs (illness) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's walkthrough, Rachel Gossen of the Raiders' official site reports.

Jacobs sat out Wednesday's session, but the running back's full participation listing Thursday sets the stage for him to continue to head the Raiders backfield Sunday against the Broncos. In the team's 16-14 win over the Browns this past Monday, Jacobs logged 45 of a possible 69 snaps on offense en route to carrying 15 times for 52 yards and catching three of his four targets for 42 yards. As his team's clear-cut top RB option, Jacobs maintains reliable enough volume to profile as a solid fantasy option Week 16.

Sanders (quadriceps) was a non-participant at Thursday's walkthrough.

Because the Eagles played Tuesday against Washington, the team is easing into Week 16 prep, not holding a session at all Wednesday before getting in some on-field work Thursday. Even so, Sanders wouldn't have practiced either day, placing his availability for Sunday's game versus the Giants in question. Sanders has taken on a massive workload the past two contests -- 47 touches for 288 yards from scrimmage -- so Philadelphia may be managing his health with game day in mind. Still, his status should continue to be watched to get a sense of his availability this weekend. Jordan Howard (knee) likely would be in line for a significant workload if Sanders is unable to go Sunday.