NFL Player News

Williams (quadriceps) didn't practice Wednesday.

As was foretold when he wasn't seen at the open portion of the session, Williams was held out due to the quad issue he picked up Week 15 versus the Panthers. Fellow backfield mate Aaron Jones was limited himself by a toe injury, leaving AJ Dillon as the only healthy Green Bay running back at the moment. As a result, this backfield will be one to watch as Sunday's game against the Titans approaches.

Jones was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a toe injury.

Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams didn't take part at all due to the quadriceps injury he sustained Week 15 against the Panthers. With both Jones and Williams tending to health concerns, rookie second-round pick AJ Dillon is the only Packers running back at full capacity. The state of Green Bay's backfield will be one to monitor as the week goes on.

Gibson (toe) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Gibson capped last week with individual drills at Friday's practice and kicked off Week 16 prep with some work in team drills. Still, he was considered a limited participant for both sessions, meaning he continues to progress through his turf toe injury. Gibson will have two more chances to prove his health before Washington potentially gives him a designation for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Thompson (illness) practiced in full Wednesday, suggesting he's over the illness that sidelined him for last week's win over the Saints.

Thompson's in line to make his return Sunday against the Falcons and should serve as the third-string option behind Le'Veon Bell and Darrel Williams with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) expected to miss the game.

Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) didn't practice Wednesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

Though Kansas City has yet to provide a detailed update on the Week 16 status of Edwards-Helaire, Adam Schefter of ESPN previously relayed that the running back is believed to be dealing with a left high-ankle sprain and a strained left hip. With that in mind, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that Edwards-Helaire is unlikely to play in either of the Chiefs' remaining two regular-season contests, though a return in the postseason is in play. Barring an unexpected turn in his favor, look for the Chiefs to officially rule Edwards-Helaire out for Sunday's game against the Falcons no later than Friday. Either way, fantasy managers should assume that Le'Veon Bell will headline the team's backfield this weekend, with Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson (illness) and possibly Elijah McGuire also in the mix.

Patterson (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Chicago's practice estimate Wednesday.

The Bears held a walkthrough practice, but Patterson would not have been able to take the field had it been a more traditional session. Coach Matt Nagy labeled the return man and backup running back day-to-day Monday, but Patterson will likely need to practice in some capacity Thursday or Friday in order to have a realistic shot of suiting up Sunday in Jacksonville.

Head coach Matt Rhule said McCaffrey (thigh) looks "doubtful" to play in Sunday's game at Washington, Bill Voth of the Panthers' official site reports.

When he spoke to the media last week, Rhule said McCaffrey could make it back for the Panthers' upcoming matchup with Washington. A week later, the star running back apparently hasn't made much progress, as he was held out of Wednesday's practice. Mike Davis will prepare for his 12th start of the season and sixth in a row.

Elliott (calf) said he likes his chances to play in Sunday's game against the Eagles, noting that he felt "way better than last week" during Wednesday's practice, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Listed as questionable last week, Elliott ultimately landed on the inactive list in a game-time decision. His optimism after Wednesday's limited practice is a good sign, but fantasy managers will still want to keep tabs on the situation over the next few days. Tony Pollard played 90 percent of offensive snaps in last week's 41-33 win over the Niners, producing 132 yards and two touchdowns from 12 carries and nine targets. Elliott had been playing about two-thirds of the snaps before he missed Week 15, averaging 15.8 carries but only 3.4 targets over his past five games, with just a single score in that stretch.

The Dolphins activated Gaskin (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Gaskin has served as Miami's No. 1 back for much of the season, but coming off a two-game absence, the coaching staff could prefer to ease him back into the mix for Saturday's road game against the Raiders. If that's the case, Gaskin could end up settling into more of a timeshare with Salvon Ahmed, who starred in last week's win over the Patriots with 23 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown. It's uncertain whether head coach Brian Flores will provide any insight into the Dolphins' backfield plans ahead of Saturday's contest.

Freeman (hip) isn't practicing Wednesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

With fellow running back Phillip Lindsay also missing practice Wednesday due to a hip injury, Melvin Gordon is the only Denver running back taking part in the session. If neither Freeman nor Lindsay gain clearance for Sunday's game against the Chargers, the team will likely opt to promote LeVante Bellamy from the practice squad to serve as Gordon's top backup.