NFL Player News

Sanders (shoulder) returned to practice Thursday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

As he predicted Wednesday, Sanders was back on the field one day removed from not participating due to a shoulder injury. Having said that, his activity level won't be known until the release of Thursday's practice report.

Snell (knee) recently underwent surgery to trim his meniscus and is expected to be sidelined for 2-to-3 weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Snell injured his knee in Monday's win over Miami, finishing the night with 13 yards on five carries across 11 offensive snaps. The Steelers didn't offer much word on the severity of Snell's condition in the aftermath of Monday's game, but his absence from practice Wednesday coupled with the Rapoport report suggests the rookie will likely miss some time. With Snell presumably on track to sit out at least the next two contests, Jaylen Samuels and Trey Edmunds are the only healthy backs left on the roster, as top option James Conner (shoulder) is tending to an AC joint injury that could keep him sidelined Sunday against the Colts.

Jones (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

In the midst of his spectacular performance last Sunday at Kansas City, Jones left the contest to have his shoulder examined, an issue that's still a bother at the start of Week 9 prep. Jones, the NFL's leader in touchdowns with 11 at the midpoint of the season, will attempt to get back to full participation by week's end with an eye toward Sunday's game versus the Chargers.

Jacobs (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.

Jacobs played through his shoulder issue in Sunday's loss to the Texans, leading the Raiders backfield with 15 carries for 66 yards and two catches for 15 yards. With no reported setbacks in that contest, his limitations Wednesday were likely maintenance-related.

Zenner will be a part of a "running back by committee" Thursday versus the 49ers, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Although the team has ruled out Chase Edmonds (hamstring), No. 1 back David Johnson is considered questionable due to his lingering ankle injury. If coach Kliff Kingsbury opts to hold Johnson out for a second game in a row, Zenner is expected to rotate in with newcomer Kenyan Drake and Alfred Morris. In his first appearance with the Cardinals in the Week 8 loss to New Orleans, Zenner notched one carry for zero yards and one reception (on one target) for 13 yards while playing 19 offensive snaps.

Drake will be a part of the offense Thursday against the 49ers with David Johnson (ankle) listed as questionable and Chase Edmonds (hamstring) ruled out for the contest, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports. "We're going to get him in the game in some packages," coach Kliff Kingsbury said of Drake.

Dealt from Miami on Monday, Drake hasn't had much time to acclimate to Arizona's scheme, but with a need out of the backfield, Kingsbury has given assurances the newcomer will play a role in his first chance to do so. His snap count may depend on the availability of Johnson, who returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since Oct. 18. If Johnson ultimately is deemed inactive Thursday, Drake will be in a "running back by committee" with Zach Zenner and Alfred Morris.

Mostert (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Arizona.

Mostert and Matt Breida (ankle) followed the same regimen this week, practicing in a limited capacity Monday and Wednesday while sitting out Tuesday's walkthrough at Levi's Stadium. Both running backs are questionable, which could allow Jeff Wilson to serve as the No. 2 behind top option Tevin Coleman.

Breida (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game at Arizona, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Brieda managed only two limited practices this week due to the tender ankle, but that might be enough for him to earn an active status once Thursday arrives. If so, he likely will be limited behind lead back Tevin Coleman, especially with fellow reserve Jeff Wilson healthy at the moment. The 49ers will release their list of inactives about 90 minutes before Thursday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff.

Edmonds (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the 49ers, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Edmonds is nursing a hamstring injury that could sideline him for multiple weeks, so his absence Thursday doesn't come as much of a surprise. With the status of No. 1 running back David Johnson (ankle) still up in the air, Arizona's backfield may consist of Kenyan Drake, Zach Zenner and Alfred Morris in Week 9.

Snell (knee) didn't practice Wednesday.

Top back James Conner (shoulder) also didn't practice Wednesday, but Jaylen Samuels -- now recovered from a knee scope -- was able to practice fully and has been declared ready to return to action Sunday against the Colts, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. If Snell is able to play Sunday against the Colts, he would work in a complementary role behind Conner (if available) and/or Samuels.