NFL Player News

Jacobs (shoulder) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports. "[Jacobs] made some improvement, but he still has to go to there and move explosively [Thursday] and Friday and do the things a running back has to do to play in this league and protect himself in this league," coach Jon Gruden said after practice. "So, we'll see what happens in the next 48 hours."

Jacobs' participation to start Week 15 is a good sign, but coach Jon Gruden has yet to sign off on the running back returning to action Sunday against the Jaguars. If Jacobs is able to suit up this weekend, DeAndre Washington would presumably revert to a complementary role after heading the Oakland backfield in the Week 14 loss to the Titans.

Conner (shoulder) was listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

Coach Mike Tomlin has yet to confirm Conner will put an end to a three-game absence Sunday against the Bills, but things seem to be trending in that direction based on the running back's lack of limitations for the first practice of Week 15. If Conner is indeed back in the mix this weekend, it's unclear if he would immediately step into a clear No. 1 role out of the backfield, as Benny Snell and Kerrith Whyte have both had their moments over the past three weeks. A further unknown in the backfield equation is the status of pass-catching threat Jaylen Samuels, who missed practice Wednesday with a groin injury.

Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that Penny will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL once the swelling in his left knee subsides, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Carroll also indicated that measures to address additional damage to Penny's knee could be taken after his ACL is repaired, according to Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle. The 2018 first-round pick is expected to be sidelined until at least training camp, leaving his availability for the start of the 2020 season on shaky ground. Penny's absence for at least the final three regular-season contests of 2019 in addition to any playoff games that follow positions Chris Carson as the clear workhorse for Seattle, while C.J. Prosise and Travis Homer handle change-of-pace roles.

Henry (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Henry also sat out the Titans' first practice of Week 14 before logged a limited session Thursday, followed by a full workout Friday. There's a solid chance that he'll follow that pattern again and enter Sunday's game against the Texans minus a designation, but fantasy managers will want to track his progression in any case. According to Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site, Henry noted earlier this week that he plans to play through the hamstring injury without any limits to his workload once gameday arrives.

McNichols was released from Chicago's practice squad Wednesday.

McNichols did not appear in a game for the Bears during his tenure with the team. In a corresponding move, Chicago signed Reggie Davis (WR) to the practice squad.

The Seahawks signed Turner to their practice squad Wednesday, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

The undrafted rookie out of Tarleton State spent the summer with the Cardinals and Seahawks, but couldn't make either roster. With Rashaad Penny (knee) out for the season, Turner is coming back to learn the system in case Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise or Travis Homer suffer an injury.

Williams (ribs) will participate in Wednesday's practice, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Williams is practicing for the first time since sustaining an injury to the left side of his ribs Week 11 against the Chargers. It won't be known until after practice concludes whether Williams was a limited or full participant, but the fact that he was on the field for the Chiefs' first session of Week 15 offers hope that he'll put an end to a two-game absence Sunday versus Denver. Once cleared to play, Williams will rejoin a backfield mix that includes LeSean McCoy, Darwin Thompson and Spencer Ware.

Jacobs (shoulder) received favorable results from his MRI earlier this week and is expected to return to action Sunday against the Jaguars, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jacobs sat out the Raiders' Week 14 loss to the Titans due to a fractured shoulder plate, an injury he had previously been playing through since the Oct. 20 game against the Packers. The week off coupled with the encouraging test results seemingly put the standout rookie on track for only a brief absence, though the Raiders will see how he fares during practices Wednesday through Friday before ruling on his status for Week 15. DeAndre Washington (19 touches for 106 yards and a touchdown) worked as the Raiders' primary back in Week 14, but he would presumably slide back into a lower-usage role if Jacobs gets the green light for the matchup with Jacksonville.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mostert has given the 49ers "no choice" but to use him as the leader of the team's backfield, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Mostert first emerged in the lead role Week 13 at Baltimore, taking 21 touches for 154 yards and a touchdown while playing 74 percent of offensive snaps. Matt Breida's return from an ankle injury for Week 14 in New Orleans added some competition, but that didn't stop Mostert from getting a team-high 12 touches (for 109 yards and two scores) on 60 percent snap share. While Tevin Coleman may still be the nominal starter, Mostert is the best bet to lead the 49ers in carries and backfield snaps during a Week 15 home game against the Falcons.

Hines gained one yard on four carries and caught four of five targets for 24 yards during Sunday's 38-35 loss to Tampa Bay. He lost a fumble during the contest.

The fumble was just the second of Hines' career and the first that he's lost. Hines continues to have some value as a receiver out of the backfield who, as of late, has earned red-zone carries as well. Monday's matchup against New Orleans is an interesting one as the Saints' run defense is so-so, surrendering 4.3 yards per carry, but has seldom been tested.