NFL Player News

Akers (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's practice estimate, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com reports.

Akers returned in Week 17 from a high-ankle sprain after missing just one game. There was no indication that Akers was on a pitch count, as the rookie second-rounder logged 25 touches in the 18-7 win over the Cardinals, although his effectiveness was suspect with just 1.6 yards per carry. As long as Akers doesn't downgrade to non-participation for either of the next two sessions, he should be in the lineup for Saturday's wild-card showdown against the Seahawks.

Dallas (ankle) was a limited participant at Tuesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Dallas practiced for the first time since suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain in Week 15. The Seahawks won't rush the rookie back because they have enough backfield depth now that Carlos Hyde and Rashaad Penny are both healthy ahead of Saturday's wild-card game against the Rams. Chris Carson (foot) will command a lion's share of the workload even if Dallas does suit up.

Laird played two offensive snaps during Week 17's 56-26 loss to the Bills.

Laird closed out the 2020 campaign with his second game in a row sans either a carry or target. With both Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed available, Laird's opportunities for backfield work effectively dried up. Even if the Dolphins don't make significant additions to the running back room during the offseason, Laird's best-case scenario for 2021 would likely be to begin the year in a reserve role.

Gibson (toe) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's practice estimate, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Gibson logged 37 of a possible 63 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's playoff-clinching win over the Eagles, en route to carrying 19 times for 75 yards. With no reported setbacks in that contest, it seems likely that Gibson's DNP listing Tuesday is indicative of him continuing to manage the toe issue that led to him being listed as questionable heading into Week 17 action.

Taylor (shoulder) was listed as limited on Tuesday's practice estimate.

Taylor was on the field for 55 of the Colts' 67 snaps on offense in this past Sunday's win over the Jaguars, en route to rushing 30 times for 253 yards and two TDs. Though his listed limitations Tuesday indicate that Taylor may have come out of the contest banged up, so far there's nothing to suggest that the Colts' top back is in any danger of missing Saturday's playoff opener against the Bills.

Jones reverted to the Saints' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19, while both Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington were considered close contacts. All three sat out the season finale against Carolina. Jones was called up from the practice squad as a result, making his NFL debut. He logged just five snaps, translating into 13 yards on three carries, while Ty Montgomery led the backfield with 44 snaps and recorded 19 touches. Kamara, Murray and Washington could all return for Sunday's wild-card game against the Bears, so it's uncertain whether Jones will be promoted again.

Taylor finished the 2020 season with 23 carries for 110 yards and a TD and one catch for four yards on two targets in six games.

Taylor, who the Patriots signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona, saw limited opportunities as a rookie, but the 5-foot-6, 185-pounder could see an increased change-of-pace role in 2021, depending on the team's offseason approach to the running back position. With that in mind, both James White and Rex Burkhead are eligible for free agency.

Hill had 12 carries for 60 yards and added five catches for 20 yards in 12 games this season.

Hill's already-minimal role evaporated in his second season as he dropped from 58 carries for 225 yards and two scores as a rookie to 12 carries for 60 yards in 2020. His snaps dropped from 193 to 73 as well. Rookie J.K. Dobbins has cemented himself as the primary ball carrier for Baltimore, and the combo of Gus Edwards and quarterback Lamar Jackson take up most of the other carries. Even if Mark Ingram is gone next season, Hill doesn't appear to have a path to playing time in Baltimore entering his third year with the team.

Phillips played 16 snaps on special teams in Houston's season-ending loss to the Titans on Sunday.

Phillips had been used as a fill-in kickoff returner in Week 15 but was replaced in subsequent weeks by Dontrell Hilliard. Phillips, who signed as an undrafted free agent prior to the season, was on the practice squad the first nine games before injuries led to a promotion to the active roster for the final seven. He's under contract through 2022 and could compete for a depth spot in what is expected to be a revamped backfield in 2021.

Reynolds agreed to a reserve/future contract with the Jaguars on Monday, John Shipley of SI.com reports.

Reynolds ended the campaign with two game appearances, collecting his only offensive work Week 16 against the Bears via a three-yard reception and a four-yard rush. The 24-year-old also suited up three times for Washington during 2019, but his involvement was restricted to special teams.