NFL Player News

Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson took the bulk of the first-team reps at running back during Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Reynolds could be looking at another heightened workload this weekend with both of D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and Jamaal Williams (COVID-19) looking unlikely to play. However, with Jefferson further removed from having the flu as well as a thigh injury, his upside could be capped by a committee approach. There's also the risk that there aren't many carries to be split up in the first place if Detroit's weak offense struggles to extend drives against Arizona's fourth-ranked scoring defense this Sunday.

Mitchell (concussion/knee) didn't practice Thursday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While he has yet to practice since picking up a concussion Week 13, Mitchell has been seen working off to the side with the 49ers' training staff on back-to-back days, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. With no on-field work to speak of this week, though, Mitchell may be trending toward a second straight absence Sunday against the Falcons. If the preceding is confirmed -- whether it comes on Friday's injury report or 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff -- the 49ers would turn to Jeff Wilson for most of the RB reps, with Kyle Juszczyk, JaMycal Hasty and even Deebo Samuel mixing into the backfield.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's game against the Colts.

The same applies to Damien Harris (hamstring), with both players having practiced in a limited fashion this week. As long as the duo is made active for Saturday night's 8:20 p.m. ET contest, look for Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson to handle the bulk of the Patriots' Week 15 carries, while Bolden is a candidate for change-of-pace touches.

Ekeler (ankle) is listed as active for Thursday night's game against Kansas City, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Chargers' lead back will give it a go Thursday, and while Taylor Bisciotti of NFL Network previously suggested that Ekeler may not handle his normal workload level, we'd imagine he'll still get a share of touches in the absence of any in-game setbacks. Also in the team's Week 15 backfield mix are Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley, who could mix in more than usual as Ekeler works through his ankle issue.

Robinson (heel/knee) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice.

Robinson was a limited practice participant Wednesday and rested at Thursday's session, which is the plan for the rest of the season, per Mark Long of the Associated Press. There's been no indication of any setbacks with the 23-year-old's heel and knee injuries, so he should be back on the practice field Friday.

Herbert (illness) was a non-participant at the Bears' practice Thursday.

The rookie was one of three Bears running backs to miss Thursday's practice, joining David Montgomery (illness) and Ryan Nall (COVID-19) as non-participants. Herbert still has a few more chances to practice ahead of the Bears' Week 15 game against the Vikings on Monday night.

Doaks (undisclosed) was placed on Miami's practice squad COVID-19 list Thursday, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Doaks has been on the Dolphins' practice squad since failing to make the season-opening roster and hasn't appeared in a game this season.

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

Gordon may end up taking a questionable tag into the weekend even if he practices again Friday, but the Denver coaching staff hasn't voiced any concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Instead, the status of fellow running back Javonte Williams (knee) looks more uncertain at the moment, especially after the rookie didn't practice Thursday following a limited showing Wednesday. Gordon's fantasy outlook would improve if Williams is ruled out for the Week 15 matchup, but even if the latter gains clearance and the backfield timeshare remains in place against the Cincinnati, Gordon would still be a strong bet for double-digit carries plus some involvement in the passing game.

Jones (knee) didn't practice Thursday due to an illness, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Jones was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report due to a knee issue, which is likely the one he picked up back in Week 10. Now, his sudden absence is being attributed to an ailment, but there's no evidence that it's related to COVID-19. In any case, Jones' status bears watching as the weekend draws closer to get a sense of his potential to play Sunday in Baltimore. Aside from Jones, AJ Dillon is the other Packers running back to get regular playing time, while Patrick Taylor has earned offensive snaps in three of the last five games.

Montgomery didn't take part in Thursday's walkthrough due to an illness.

On the same day in which Chicago placed five players, including top wide receiver Allen Robinson (undisclosed), on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Montgomery was among eight Bears who were non-participants due to illness. Montgomery will have two more chances to mix into drills during Week 15 prep before the team potentially tags him with a designation for Monday's game against the Vikings.