NFL Player News

The Steelers can activate Conner (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, but he isn't expected to play in Monday's game against Washington, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Conner was placed on the reserve list after testing positive for COVID-19 back on Nov. 28. The move set the stage for Benny Snell to lead the Steelers backfield this past Wednesday against the Ravens, resulting in 19 touches for 93 yards from scrimmage for the second-year back. Assuming Conner remains sidelined, Snell will earn another start.

Edwards-Helaire (illness), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Broncos, but the team still needs to see how he's feeling pregame, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The rookie first-round pick hasn't practiced since Wednesday due to a stomach virus, but he's apparently recovering well, and coach Andy Reid appeared optimistic Friday of his chances to play. Edwards-Helaire's status should receive additional clarity as Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff draws closer.

The Jaguars waived Reynolds on Saturday.

Reynolds spent exactly one week with the Jaguars, and he played exclusively on special teams in last week's loss to the Browns. If he clears waivers, he'll likely revert to the team's practice squad.

Mattison underwent a successful appendectomy Saturday and has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Jaguars, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Mattison's absence could be extended beyond Week 13. Browns tight end Austin Hooper notably missed two games earlier this season after undergoing an appendectomy. A more definitive timeline should be revealed when the Vikings start practicing during the upcoming week. For Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars, Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah figure to see more work behind lead back Dalvin Cook.

Gaskin (knee) was activated off injured reserve Saturday.

Gaskin's status became all the more important Friday following Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) and DeAndre Washington (hamstring) both being listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Bengals, on top of Matt Breida landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Expect the second-year back to command the majority of the team's snaps with Patrick Laird occasionally sliding in during pass-catching downs.

Mattison (illness) will not play in Sunday's matchup against the Jaguars, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Mattison has only played 22 snaps across the last three weeks, but this injury could test the Vikings' depth at running back, particularly with Dalvin Cook (ankle) a bit banged up throughout practice all week. Expect to see a little bit of Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah in an effort to spell Minnesota's top back.

The Lions have deemed Swift (illness) as doubtful for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

While Swift was able to clear concussion protocol earlier in the week, he proceeded to miss the final two practices due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was already expected to have a decreased role if given the green light, but the Lions appear to be trending toward erring on the side of caution. The rookie has not played since Week 10 -- assuming he ultimately gets ruled out, look for Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson to handle most of the work out of the backfield.

The Lions have deemed Swift (illness) as doubtful for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

While Swift was able to clear concussion protocol earlier in the week, he proceeded to miss the final two practices due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. He was already expected to have a decreased role if given the green light, but the Lions appear to be trending toward erring on the side of caution. The rookie has not played since Week 10, and assuming he ultimately gets ruled out, look for Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson to handle most of the work out of the backfield.

The Patriots have listed Taylor (quadriceps) as questionable ahead of Sunday's contest against the Chargers.

Taylor was a limited participant at practice all week and appears to be trending toward a true game-time decision. Even if he does get the green light, the 22-year-old has not seen any action on the field since Week 3 mainly due to coaching decisions.

Jacobs (ankle) will not play Sunday against the Jets, but the Raiders are hopeful the running back can return in Week 14, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

It's a bit of an optimistic tone considering the running back didn't practice all week. Of course, the Raiders would like to have their star running back healthy as the team pushes for a playoff spot, but the tone of Saturday's latest report seems to suggest it'll once again come down to Jacobs' practice status later next week. For now, expect Devontae Booker to get the bulk of the carries in Jacobs' absence.