NFL Player News

Akers (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, is likely to try and play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

After sitting out the Rams' Week 16 loss to the Seahawks with a high-ankle sprain, Akers sat out the team's first two Week 17 practices before he turned in a limited workout Friday. That was enough for Akers to garner the questionable tag heading into the weekend, and the rookie now appears to be gaining confidence that he'll be able to contribute in some capacity in the regular-season finale. Prior to getting hurt, Akers had been serving as the Rams' lead back, but he may only be in store for a limited role if active Week 17 since he'll be playing at less than 100 percent health. With Darrell Henderson (ankle) moving to injured reserve this week, Malcolm Brown now appears to be the top candidate to head the Los Angeles backfield Week 17.

Gibson (toe), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Eagles, is expected to be "good to go" for the regular-season finale, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Gibson's availability won't be locked in until Washington releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the game's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff, but the rookie looks like he'll be ready to go as the Football Team looks to punch its ticket to the postseason. After missing Weeks 14 and 15 while battling turf toe, Gibson returned to action for the Week 16 loss to Carolina, playing 21 snaps and carrying 10 times for 61 yards while hauling in three of four targets for eight yards. Gibson didn't practice in any fashion this week, but head coach Ron Rivera indicated that the Football Team was merely taking a cautious approach with the running back leading up to the all-important season finale. Assuming he's active, Gibson should serve as Washington's lead ball carrier while splitting work on passing downs with J.D. McKissic.

Though Le'Veon Bell (knee) is expected to suit up Sunday against the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that Thompson "is slated to get the bulk" of Kansas City's carries.

The report suggests that if Bell does play Sunday, "it'll be very little." With Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) already ruled out and Bell seemingly on track to be limited, it looks like Thompson will see expanded opportunities in Week 17, with Kansas City having clinched the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed. Darrel Williams is also on hand, but look for Thompson -- who's been used sparingly of late -- to get his share of work in Sunday's 4:25 ET contest, with the team expected to rest or limit multiple key players.

Edwards (back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Official confirmation of his Week 17 status will arrive prior to the first wave of kickoffs Sunday, with Baltimore facing Cincinnati at 1 p.m. ET. If Edwards -- who was added to to the Ravens' injury report Friday -- is good to go, he would likely split work out of the backfield with J.K. Dobbins.

The Cardinals are optimistic that Edmonds (hip) -- who is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Rams -- will be able to suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Edmonds is being treated as a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, but he looks like he'll be able to contribute in some capacity during the regular-season finale. Kenyan Drake should remain Arizona's lead ball carrier Week 17, but an available Edmonds would likely serve as the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield. Edmonds could even be asked to take some snaps out of the slot with Christian Kirk (reserve/COVID-19 list) ruled out for the contest and with Larry Fitzgerald (groin) uncertain to play.

Harris (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The 23-year-old was previously ruled out for Sunday's season finale against the Jets, so this is simply a procedural move to free up a roster spot for the Patriots. Harris spent the first three weeks of the season on injured reserve, but he took over the lead role in the backfield Week 4 and finished 2020 with 137 carries for 691 yards (5.0 YPC) and two touchdowns while catching five passes for 52 yards in 10 games.

Jones was promoted to the Saints' active roster Saturday.

Jones' promotion to the 53-man comes as no surprise with fellow running backs Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington all currently subjected to the league's COVID-19 protocol. Jones will be the primary backup behind Ty Montgomery on Sunday against the Panthers.

Penny (knee) is slated to work as Seattle's No. 2 running back in Sunday's game against the 49ers with Carlos Hyde (illness) ruled out, Brady Henderson of ESPN reports.

Penny's reps have been managed since he returned from a torn ACL, as he logged just 10 snaps and five carries over two games. The third-year running back could have an opportunity to step up in Week 17, and the coaching staff has hinted that Penny's time is coming. Earlier in the week, Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer stated that Penny was on the verge of "a breakout moment." Chris Carson is still the clear lead back, but Penny is expected to see a decent increase in reps Sunday. Alex Collins was also elevated from the practice squad to add depth.

Washington was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday and is out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports reports.

Washington, along with Latavius Murray, are both considered high-risk close contacts to Alvin Kamara, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, all three will be sidelined for the regular-season finale. In their absence. Ty Montgomery should see a significant increase in reps at running back. New Orleans is also expected to promote Tony Jones from the practice squad, and Taysom Hill could potentially get some more run as well.

The Saints are expected to elevate Jones from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Saints running backs Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington are all in COVID-19 protocol and will be unavailable in Week 17. In turn, Jones likely will make his NFL debut in Sunday's game. The Notre Dame product carried 144 times for 857 yards and six touchdowns in his final season at college. Ty Montgomery and Taysom Hill are both candidates to handle the backfield reps as well.