NFL Player News

Edmonds (hip) wasn't present for Thursday's practice and is expected to go down as a non-participant on the Cardinals' official report, Kyle Odegard of the team's official site reports.

Edmonds' lack of activity at the Cardinals' first two practices of Week 17 is worrisome ahead of Sunday's must-win game against the Rams, but the running back will attempt to get in some reps Friday before Arizona decides on his status for the regular-season finale. The hip issue resulted in Edmonds being removed early in the Cardinals' Week 16 loss to the 49ers, allowing top back Kenyan Drake to handle a slightly larger snap share than he normally would.

Dallas (ankle) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Dallas is recovering from the Grade 3 ankle sprain he suffered in the Week 15 win over Washington; it seems unlikely that he plays in the season finale against the 49ers. With Carlos Hyde's (illness) status uncertain as well, Rashaad Penny could see some additional work behind Chris Carson (foot) on Sunday.

Akers (ankle) was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report, Kevin Modesti of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Head coach Sean McVay relayed to Sarina Morales of the Rams' official site that Akers was "making great progress" with his high-ankle sprain, but McVay may have just meant the running back is doing well with the rehab process. Akers has two more opportunities to get on the practice field this week, as does fellow running back Malcolm Brown (shoulder), who was listed as limited Wednesday. With Darrell Henderson on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain, the Rams seem to be leaning toward Brown as their starting running back Sunday against the Cardinals, even if Akers is able to gain clearance to play.

Edmonds (hip) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Edmonds has been tending to multiple injuries over the past few weeks, with a hip issue being his latest concern. He managed one limited session last week before being active this past Saturday versus the 49ers, but he played just 16 snaps before departing in the first half, ending with two catches (on three targets) for 18 yards. Kenyan Drake took on a larger workload (52 offensive snaps, 20 touches) in Edmonds' stead, while D.J. Foster saw his most significant run of the season (17 such plays, one carry). If Edmonds is unable to go Week 17 against the Rams, the Cardinals likely will have a similar breakdown of work between Drake and Foster.

Harris (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Seven New England players missed practice Wednesday, while Harris was among the 13 players listed as limited. Given that he's sat out two straight games, however, Harris is no lock to return to action for Sunday's season finale against the Jets. If Harris remains sidelined this weekend, Sony Michel, James White and J.J. Taylor would continue to handle the team's backfield duties.

Head coach Sean McVay said Akers is "making great progress" in his recovery from a high-ankle sprain, but the running back remains uncertain for Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, Sarina Morales of the Rams' official site reports.

After Akers sustained his ankle injury Week 15 against the Jets, Darrell Henderson took on lead back duties this past Sunday versus the Seahawks and suffered the same exact injury. Henderson's sprain is considered more severe since the Rams already placed him on injured reserve, but Akers seems to have a chance to play in a key Week 17 contest. Akers' ability to practice in some capacity Wednesday would be a positive first step toward that end.

Williams (quadriceps) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

The appearance at practice marks Williams' first since injuring his quad Week 15 against the Panthers. He proceeded to miss the Packers' dismantling of the Titans last weekend, giving AJ Dillon a chance to shine alongside Aaron Jones. Dillon, a rookie second-round pick, turned 22 touches into 129 yards from scrimmage and two scores on the ground, while Jones managed 12 touches for 108 total yards. If Williams does enough this week to be active Sunday at Chicago, it'll be interesting to see who among Williams and Dillon is working in concert with Jones.

Mattison (concussion) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Mattison's return to practice coincides with news that Dalvin Cook won't be able to play Week 17 as he tends to a personal matter. Of course, Mattison will have to work his way through the NFL's concussion protocol, but if he does, he's slated to lead the Vikings backfield Sunday in Detroit. Aside from Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone are Minnesota's remaining available running backs.

Murray was alimited participant in practice Wednesday due to a quadriceps injury.

According to Katherine Terrell of The Athletic, Murray wasn't present at the open portion of the session, but the veteran running back fit in reps behind the scenes at some point. On the season, Murray's touch count has wavered wildly, and now with an injury in tow, he's again in danger of yielding most of the backfield reps to Alvin Kamara in Week 17. Murray has two more chances to prove the health of his quad ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale at Carolina.

Jones (finger) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com, head coach Bruce Arians said that Jones "caught the ball OK" in his return from a two-week stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Jones' surgically-repaired left pinkie finger still seems to be bothering him, which isn't shocking given that he's two weeks removed from a procedure to insert a pin in the appendage. Fellow running back Leonard Fournette also was limited by an abdominal issue, so the state of Tampa Bay's backfield will be one to monitor as this weekend's matchup with the Falcons draws closer.