NFL Player News

Harris (ankle) wasn't spotted on the field during the media-access portion of Friday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

The 23-year-old was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, but his potential absence at Friday's session after missing the past two games is an ominous sign for his availability this weekend against the Jets. Sony Michel, James White and J.J. Taylor will again handle backfield duties if Harris is ruled out ahead of Sunday.

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

Dallas appears unlikely to play in the season finale against the 49ers. It's unclear how the Seahawks' backfield will shape up in Week 17, as every running back on the active roster is on the injury report. Both Dallas and Carlos Hyde (illness) missed practice Thursday, while Chris Carson (foot) and Rashaad Penny (knee) both were limited participants.

Penny (knee) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Penny required more than a year of rehab after tearing his ACL along with other knee ligaments last December, but he's played in each of the last two games, logging 10 total snaps on offense. It's a bit concerning that he's back on the injury report, especially because he wasn't listed Wednesday, but it's possible that it's just for maintenance purposes. Penny's injury status should be more clear on Friday's practice report. His availability for the season finale against the 49ers could be more important than before, as both Carlos Hyde (illness) and DeeJay Dallas (ankle) have missed two straight practices. Penny would be the primary backup to Chris Carson (foot) if those two missed time.

Edmonds (hip) was held out of practice Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

In the 13 games in which a healthy Edmonds has spelled starting running back Kenyan Drake this season, Edmonds has averaged 8.8 touches for 56.1 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring five TDs. After leaving this past Sunday's game versus the 49ers in the first half with a hip issue, though, he has yet to step foot on the practice field. If he fails to get all the way back and misses his first contest of the campaign Week 17 against the Rams, the aforementioned reps likely will fall on Drake and D.J. Foster.

Coach Sean McVay said Akers (ankle) didn't practice Thursday, but the Rams haven't ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Cardinals after he fit in a workout, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Akers hasn't been seen in the portion of practices open to the media this week, but he appears to be making some progress through the high-ankle sprain that sidelined him Week 16. McVay likely wants Akers to get back on the field in some capacity Friday, at which point the Rams could make a determination on his status for the regular-season finale. If he's unable to suit up this weekend, L.A. will roll with Malcolm Brown as its lead back with Darrell Henderson on injured reserve due to his own high-ankle sprain.

McFarland (illness) is not listed on Thursday's injury report, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

The rookie first-round pick sat out Week 16's win over the Colts due to an ailment, but it looks like he's already returned to full health. With the Steelers planning to sit a number of starters against the Browns on Sunday, McFarland could end up seeing increased playing time.

Williams (quadriceps) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Williams was deemed to be limited at Wednesday's walk-through session, so his elevation to uncapped one day later is telling for the health of his quadriceps. With his status cleared ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale in Chicago, it'll be interesting to see if he retains his role as the Packers' No. 2 running back after AJ Dillon's impressive performance in Williams' absence Week 16. Dillon racked up 22 touches for 129 yards and two TDs in the blowout win over the Titans, while Aaron Jones himself recorded 12 touches for 108 total yards.

Murray (quadriceps) practiced in full Thursday.

One day removed from putting in a limited session due to a quad issue, Murray managed to log every practice rep Thursday. His snap and touch counts this season have largely depended on game script and need, with the latter ranging from five in Weeks 2 and 14 to a campaign-high 20 in Week 12 during Taysom Hill's second spot start for Drew Brees. Consequently, Murray is difficult to trust on a game-to-game basis.

Jones (finger) practiced fully Thursday.

After surgery on his left pinky finger and a two-week stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Jones has got up to speed quickly, increasing his activity enough to go from limited Wednesday to uncapped in drills one day later. Backup running back Leonard Fournette (abdomen) remained limited Thursday, but he may not be a threat to Jones' playing time after being a healthy scratch in his last appearance Week 14. In his 13 outings this season, Jones is averaging 16 touches for 81.9 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring seven TDs.

Mattison (concussion) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice.

Mattison maintained his same level of activity from Wednesday, suggesting he didn't make any further advancements through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. With a return to full activity Friday along with clearance from an independent neurologist, Mattison would still be able to put himself on a path to suit up for Sunday's season finale versus the Lions. If active for the contest, Mattison would likely be thrust into a lead role out of the backfield with star tailback Dalvin Cook (personal) having already been ruled out for the contest.