NFL Player News

Murray (quad) didn't practice Thursday, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

With Murray and Taysom Hill (knee) both missing practice for a second straight day, Alvin Kamara may be tasked with an even larger portion of the rushing workload Sunday against the Buccaneers. Murray injured his quad in the Saints' wild-card win over Chicago, missing the entire fourth quarter after he pulled up limping at the end of a play in the third quarter.

Jones (quad/finger) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Given what happened last week -- when he was active but didn't play any snaps -- fantasy managers will feel a whole lot better if Jones is able to upgrade to full participation Friday. Barring that development, he appears to be headed for a 'questionable' designation ahead of the Bucs' playoff matchup with New Orleans on Sunday. The team has Leonard Fournette on hand to fill in as the lead runner against a stout New Orleans run defense if Jones is limited or out this weekend.

Mack, who ruptured his right Achilles' tendon in Week 1, is slated to become a free agent this offseason, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

Though GM Chris Ballard didn't rule out bringing Mack back in 2021, he acknowledged that the running back, who has worked hard to recover from his injury, "deserves a good contract. I don't know if we are going to be able to do that here." In Mack's absence this past season, Jonathan Taylor established himself as the Colts' top back, while Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins worked in change-of-pace/complementary roles. The trio remain under contract with the team next season.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) didn't practice Thursday, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

It's a step backward -- at least on paper -- after the rookie was a limited practice participant Wednesday. It's possible this was the Chiefs' plan all along, but it does throw some doubt on Edwards-Helaire's availability for a playoff game against the Browns on Sunday. He missed the final two weeks of the regular season after suffering a high-ankle sprain Dec. 20.

Jones (quadriceps) is practicing Thursday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Between thumb surgery, a stint on the COVID-19 list and now a quad injury, Jones has played in just one game since Week 14. He was technically active for the wild-card win over Washington, but the Bucs decided he wasn't healthy enough to actually play. After missing practice Wednesday, the running back returned to the field Thursday morning, hoping to prove his health before Sunday's game in New Orleans. If Jones can't go, Leonard Fournette will step up to the lead role again.

Gordon's attorneys entered a not guilty plea for his DUI charge from Oct. 14, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Gordon recently had a virtual court hearing, and his next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24. It sounds like the case will be resolved within the next few months, so Gordon could be suspended for the start of the 2021 regular season. He'll be entering the second season of a two-year contract after rushing for 986 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year with the Broncos.

Williams finished the 2020 season with 26 carries for 157 yards, including four carries for 74 yards in the season finale against the Ravens.

Williams broke off a 55-yard run in the finale, but, despite the big run, he got very little work for the remainder of the game. Williams will be entering his third season in the NFL with little game action. With Joe Mixon signed long-term, there's not a lot of hope for Williams to earn a significant role with the Bengals.

Perine finished the 2020 season with nine carries for 51 yards in a Week 17 loss against the Ravens. He ended the season with 63 carries for 301 yards and three touchdowns, along with 11 catches for 66 yards.

Perine isn't especially fast or shifty, but he proved capable as the backup to Giovani Bernard after Joe Mixon got hurt. Perine is a free agent this offseason.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

Per Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com, Edwards-Helaire -- who last played Week 15 -- is progressing well from his high-ankle sprain, and the running back's presence at practice Wednesday bodes well for his chances of suiting up for Sunday's divisional-round game against the Browns. Time will tell if Edwards-Helaire approaches Kansas City's playoff opener with an injury designation, or if he's fully cleared to play in advance of the weekend.

Murray was held out of practice Wednesday due to a quadriceps injury, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

During this past Sunday's wild-card victory against the Bears, Murray pulled up at the end of a five-yard catch in the third quarter and eventually was deemed questionable to return with a thigh injury. With a few days to evaluate his health, he's officially tending to a quad issue. Murray is good for at least a handful of touches per game -- his season low is five, done twice (Weeks 2 and 14) -- but those could be up for grabs if he's unable to get healthy in time for Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.