NFL Player News

Cook (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Chicago, with the expectation he'll return for the wild-card round of the playoffs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Fellow running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) is listed as questionable, but he probably won't be in store for many touches even if he's active, considering Minnesota doesn't have an opportunity to rise above the No. 6 seed in the NFC. Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah are the best bets to take snaps in the backfield in the regular-season finale, while Cook finishes his breakout campaign with 1,654 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 14 games. The Vikings will face the Saints, Packers, Seahawks or 49ers in the first round of the playoffs.

Williams (shoulder) isn't at practice Friday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Williams is trending toward an absence in Sunday's game in Detroit, potentially leaving more snaps for Aaron Jones and a backup role for Dexter Williams and/or Tyler Ervin. Needing a win to ensure they get a bye week, the Packers figure to keep Jones busy Sunday afternoon.

Jacobs, who is dealing with both a skin infection and a lingering shoulder issue, isn't expected to play Sunday against the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Raiders will provide a final update on Jacobs' Week 17 status at the conclusion of Friday's practice, but at this stage, the team looks prepared to go with DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard as its primary options at running back.

Wilkins (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reports.

There's been no word on the severity of his ankle issue, but the fact Wilkins was added to the Colts' injury report Thursday is worth noting. The running back's participation level at practice Friday will be telling with regard to his availability for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jaguars.

Henry (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant Thursday.

With that, Henry, who sat out Week 16's loss to New Orleans -- is poised to return to action Sunday against the Texans. If the Titans win their regular-season finale, they'll advance to the playoffs, so Henry -- who's hoping a week off will do him some good -- figures to see as much work as he can handle in Week 17.

Barner (shoulder/hip) was limited in practice Thursday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Barner has yet to miss practice this week despite multiple injuries. His status in Friday's session bears monitoring.

Williams (shoulder) was estimated as a non-participant on Thursday's practice report.

Although the Packers didn't hold a session Wednesday and had two walk-throughs on the schedule Thursday, Williams hasn't had any notable activity this week due to a shoulder injury. On Thursday, coach Matt LaFleur told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Danny Vitale and Dexter Williams will take on any reps vacated by an absent Jamaal Williams on Sunday at Detroit. No matter how the Packers dole out the reserve RB work this weekend, Aaron Jones figures to receive the bulk of the touches, per usual.

Mattison (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Both Mattison and Dalvin Cook (shoulder) had their reps capped in the Vikings' first traditional practice of the week (the team held a walk-through session Christmas Day), but neither running back is certain to be available Sunday against the Bears. With the Vikings locked into the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs regardless of how any Week 17 game plays out, there's reason to think the team may use caution with both banged-up backs and withhold them from action. The Vikings will provide a final update on Mattison's status for the regular-season finale shortly after Friday's practice.

Conner (quad) didn't practice Thursday.

With Conner listed as a non-participant for second straight day, his status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Ravens remains murky. If he's ruled out for the contest, Benny Snell, Jaylen Samuels and Kerrith Whyte would be in line to combine to handle the Steelers' Week 17 rushing duties.

Cook (shoulder) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Cook maintained his listing on the practice report from Wednesday, when the Vikings submitted an estimate since the team only held a walk-through due to the holiday. After not practicing in any fashion before being ruled out ahead of Monday's loss to the Packers, Cook looks to be in a better place health-wise than he was a week ago, but that doesn't mean he'll suit up in the regular-season finale against the Bears this weekend. With the Vikings locked into the No. 6 seed for the postseason, the team has little incentive to potentially expose Cook to further injury in a meaningless Week 17 contest.