NFL Player News

Elliott (calf) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

During the open part of Thursday's session, Elliott was spotted doing resistance work with the Cowboys' training staff, which has been the norm for the running back of late. He proceeded to back up coach Mike McCarthy's assertion from earlier Thursday that Elliot was slated to be in "limited-practice mode," per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. Elliott has mentioned this week that his bruised calf is "way better than last week," but because of the cap placed on his practice reps so far, he may have a few more hurdles to pass before Dallas deems him able to suit up Sunday against the Eagles.

Williams (quadriceps) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

With consecutive absences at practice to begin Week 16, Williams isn't putting himself on track to suit up Sunday against the Titans. Before providing a gauge of his availability for the contest, the Packers will see if Williams is able to practice in some capacity Friday. Rookie AJ Dillon would be in line to work as the top backup to Aaron Jones if Williams can't play this week.

Jones (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jones' reps were capped for the second day in a row after he picked up a toe injury in the Packers' Week 15 win over the Panthers. Fortunately for Jones and his fantasy managers, the running back relayed earlier Thursday that despite his limitations, he's "feeling good" and "ready to go" for Sunday's showdown with the Titans, according to Olivia Reiner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. If Jones can increase his activity in Friday's practice, he should approach the team's Week 16 contest without a designation.

Bargas was promoted from the Vikings' practice squad Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bargas has been working with Minnesota's practice squad throughout the season, and he'll now have the opportunity to see his first NFL action Friday against New Orleans. The move comes in response to C.J. Ham's (quadriceps) questionable status for the Christmas Day clash.

Patterson (knee) missed Thursday's practice.

Patterson's usage in the Bears offense has been sporadic, per usual, with seven games with at least five touches and three others with two or fewer in his 14 appearances this season. On Monday, coach Matt Nagy considered Patterson day-to-day this week, but he has yet to get on the practice field in any capacity. Patterson has one more chance to prove the health of his knee ahead of Sunday's game at Jacksonville.

Gibson (toe) was limited at Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

For a second session in a row, Gibson was contained to individual drills, hence the 'limited' tag. Afterward, coach Ron Rivera told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington that Gibson "looked good," "took a number of reps" and "is making progress" through his turf toe injury. There's no telling if Gibson is trending toward a return Sunday against the Panthers, but Washington could clear up his status when it releases its final Week 16 practice report Friday.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) isn't practicing Thursday, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Given that Edwards-Helaire is considered unlikely to play in either of the Chiefs' next two games with a left high-ankle sprain and a strained left hip, his absence from both of the Chiefs' first two Week 16 practices hardly comes as a surprise. Expect Kansas City to formally rule the rookie out for Sunday's game against the Falcons following Friday's practice.

Mattison (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's game in New Orleans.

Mattison sat out Weeks 13 and 14 due to an appendectomy, and upon his return this past Sunday against the Bears, he emerged from the contest with a concussion, which didn't allow him to practice this week. Until he does, he'll have made negligible progress through the protocol for head injuries. While Dalvin Cook will continue to lead the backfield, there may be some RB reps available for Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone and C.J. Ham (quadriceps).

McCaffrey (thigh) missed practice Thursday, Alaina Getzenberg of The Charlotte Observer reports.

One day removed from calling McCaffrey "doubtful" to play Sunday at Washington, coach Matt Rhule again touched on the running back, telling David Newton of ESPN.com that McCaffrey "wants to play," but he's "just not quite there yet." With no practice to speak of yet this week and no clarity on if game action is possible before the end of the campaign, it stands to reason McCaffrey exits an injury-riddled fourth year as a pro with just three appearances under his belt.

Gibson (toe) took part in individual drills at Thursday's practice, Julie Donaldson of Washington's official site reports.

Gibson seems poised to match his activity level from Wednesday, when he was listed as a limited participant, but Thursday's injury report could reveal otherwise. In any case, he appears to be drawing close to ending his two-game absence due to a turf toe injury. Consequently, Gibson's status will be one to monitor as the weekend draws closer.