NFL Player News

McKinnon (hamstring) was designated for return from IR on Wednesday, Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com reports.

Kansas City will have three weeks to bring McKinnon back onto the active roster, and he'll be eligible to practice with his teammates in the meantime. Given the uncertainty over the health of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder), McKinnon could provide valuable backfield depth down the stretch if he's healthy enough to play.

Akers (Achilles) was a full participant at Wednesday's walk-through practice, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

The Rams merely released an estimated practice report, but Akers handled every rep thrown his way to kick off Week 17 prep. His activity level may take a step back if and when the team holds an actual practice this week, but he seems to be trending toward being available this Sunday at Baltimore. If Akers does so, it'll be quite the accomplishment after tearing his Achilles in mid-July. With Darrell Henderson (knee) going on injured reserve this week, Akers could act as Sony Michel's direct backup right away, especially because seventh-round rookie Jake Funk and fourth-year pro Buddy Howell are the only other healthy running backs on the active roster, with neither possessing much NFL experience.

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.