NFL Player News

Williams (hip) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Both Williams and D'Andre Swift (groin) have been limited in the Lions' first two practices of Week 5, but the coaching staff hasn't suggested that either running back is in danger of missing Sunday's game in Minnesota. Assuming both backs are active this weekend, Williams should fill a complementary role on the ground behind Swift, but the former's opportunities on passing downs have tailed off of late. Since drawing nine targets in Detroit's season-opening loss to the 49ers, Williams has tallied five receptions for 37 yards on five targets in the team's subsequent three contests.

McCaffrey (hamstring) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday and said afterward that he feels great and "definitely" has a chance to play Sunday against the Eagles, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

For the second straight day, McCaffrey turned in a limited showing in practice, with Schuyler Callihan of SI.com noting that the running back ditched his red no-contact jersey in the portion of Thursday's session that was open to the media. Though initial reports suggested McCaffrey would miss at least two weeks due to his hamstring injury, he's making a strong push to re-enter the lineup Sunday after sitting out just one game. Unless McCaffrey upgrades to full participation Friday, he's still a good bet to carry a questionable designation into the weekend, which could result in him being a game-time call ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Chuba Hubbard started in McCaffrey's place Week 4 and would be in store for another enhanced role Week 5 if the Panthers decide to play it safe with their top back and hold him out for another contest.

Cook (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.

During the portion of the session open to the media, Cook had his right ankle taped while taking part in individual drills, per Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Cook did appear to get into those same drills Wednesday before the Vikings marked him down as a non-participant, so it'll be interesting to see if he can avoid the same fate Thursday.

Gordon, who is dealing with a lower leg contusion, will return to a limited practice Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Friday's final injury report of the week will determine whether or not Gordon approaches Sunday's game against the Steelers with a Week 5 injury designation, but it would surprise us if he's unavailable for the contest. Assuming he's a go this weekend, Gordon is in line to continue to work in a timeshare with fellow RB Javonte Williams.

Gibson (shin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Gibson is following his practice regimen from a week ago, only a day earlier each time, by following up Wednesday's DNP with limited work Thursday. He seems to be trending in the right direction for Sunday's game against the Saints, while backfield mate J.D. McKissic (ankle) bumped up from limited to full in the first two sessions of Week 5 prep. Friday's injury report will be telling for Gibson's availability and potential to play.

Elliott (knee) did resistance training before taking part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

Elliott is tending to some tightness in his knee this week, which caused him to sit out Wednesday. The Cowboys will reveal Elliott's activity level later Thursday, but the fact that he's back on the field in some capacity bodes well for his chances of being available Sunday against the Giants.

Phillips (illness) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Phillips was inactive in Week 4's loss to the Bills as he was dealing with a non-COVID illness. The running back still sits behind four veteran backs on Houston's roster. Expect Phillips to continue to fill a depth role for the Texans' running back room.

Edmonds didn't practice Wednesday due to a shoulder issue, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Both Edmonds and James Conner were listed as non-participants, but the latter's absence was attributed to personal reasons. Edmonds wasn't often tasked with significant workloads during his first three seasons in the league, but he's logged at least 60 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the Cardinals' four games en route to 63 touches for 395 yards. The elevated reps may be to blame for his current injury, but he'll look to get past it by week's end in order to play Sunday against the 49ers.

Mitchell (shoulder) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

After sitting out Week 3, Mitchell logged limited sessions during Week 4 prep, but he donned a non-contact jersey in each one and was deemed inactive this past Sunday against the Seahawks. It's unclear if he ditched the blue jersey, as expected, but he may just be ramping his reps this week as he puts his shoulder stinger further in the rearview mirror. Mitchell has two more practices to go to bump up to full activity, at which point the 49ers will have a better indication of his status for Sunday's game at Arizona. Assuming he suits up, it'll be interesting to see the breakdown of backfield work between Mitchell and Trey Sermon, who has logged two straight starts in the former's absence.

Jacobs (ankle) was limited in practice Wednesday.

After missing two games with the ankle injury, Jacobs returned to action in Monday's loss to the Chargers, logging 36 of the Raiders' 57 snaps on offense while carrying 13 times for 40 yards and catching all five of his targets for 17 yards. With no reported setbacks in the contest, Jacobs' limitations Wednesday are likely indicative of rep management versus an injury setback. Meanwhile, fellow back Peyton Barber missed the Raiders' first practice of the week with a toe injury and is in danger of sitting out the team's Week 5 game against the Bears.