NFL Player News

Coach Matt Rhule said McCaffrey (thigh) could return for the Panthers' Week 16 matchup with Washington, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

There's no need to read between the lines for Week 15, as Rhule already said McCaffrey isn't expected to play Saturday in Green Bay. McCaffrey was downgraded from limited practice participation Tuesday to non-participation Wednesday, which all but confirms that Mike Davis as the team's lead back for another week. The Panthers don't yet have any plans to shut McCaffrey down, so he should be out there Week 16 or 17 if he's deemed healthy enough to play.

Gibson (toe) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, Kyle Stackpole of Washington's official site reports.

Gibson and Alex Smith (calf) were present for the session, but neither actually took reps with the main group, or at least they didn't do enough to be listed as limited participants. While Gibson's continued absence from practice isn't a great sign, head coach Ron Rivera said the running back has made "good progress" recovering from turf toe, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. The team isn't ready to rule Gibson out for Sunday's game against Seattle, though it's certainly possible he misses another game.

McCaffrey (thigh) didn't practice Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Coach Matt Rhule already said he doesn't expect McCaffrey to return for Saturday's game against the Packers, though the running back was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice. McCaffrey followed a similar path last week, kicking things off with a limited session Wednesday before sitting out entirely Thursday and Friday. He was then ruled out on the final injury report, allowing Mike Davis to make his 10th start of the year. The Panthers are now preparing Davis for start No. 11.

Gibson (toe) was present at practice Wednesday, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Unsurprisingly, Gibson didn't practice last week due to the turf toe injury that he picked up early on in Washington's Week 13 win at Pittsburgh. He may merely be out on the field Wednesday to get some work in on the side with Washington's training staff, but he at least appears to be making some progress through his health concern. Wednesday's injury report will make clear whether Gibson was able to practice.

The Dolphins activated Breida (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Breida missed two games while on the list, but he'll be available for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots. With Myles Gaskin (illness) still on the reserve/COVID-19 list and Salvon Ahmed's health (shoulder) still looking uncertain, Breida could have a chance to join DeAndre Washington as Miami's primary backfield options Week 15.

Armah hauled in his only target during Sunday's 32-27 loss to the Broncos.

Armah's lone catch only got back to the line of scrimmage, but it's notable that he did draw a look in the red zone for the first time since Week 6. On a less positive note, the fullback has played just seven combined offensive snaps over the last two weeks. That's his lowest usage over a two-game stretch all season.

Elliott (calf) will be limited at practice Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Elliott is dealing with a calf contusion, but the report notes that coach Mike McCarthy doesn't think the running back aggravated the injury in Sunday's win over Bengals. Listed as questionable ahead of that contest, Elliott suited up and proceeded to play 32 snaps while finishing with 12 carries for 48 yards and two catches for 11 yards.

Gordon (shoulder) will be limited in Wednesday's practice, but he appears on track to play in Saturday's game against the Bills, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

Gordon nicked up his shoulder late during last weekend's win over the Panthers. He couldn't practice in any capacity Tuesday, but his return to limited activity a day later is a sign of progress. Coach Vic Fanigo also said that backfield mate Phillip Lindsay (hip) should be available Week 15.

The Jets designated Perine (ankle) to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

Perine, who suffered a high-ankle sprain Week 11, was placed on injured reserve Nov. 24. Now that he's ready to resume practicing, the rookie could find himself back on the team's active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Rams. If that's the case, Perine would likely fill a complementary role in a New York backfield that also includes Frank Gore, Ty Johnson and Josh Adams.

Dillon didn't play an offensive snap during Sunday's 31-24 win over the Lions.

The rookie second-round pick was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday but played only a handful of snaps on special teams in his return. Dillon is unlikely to be much of a factor in the offense if Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams remain healthy down the stretch.