NFL Player News

The Chargers list Ekeler (neck/concussion) as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Ravens.

Per Sam Fortier of The Athletic, coach Anthony Lynn effectively ruled Ekeler out for the second straight game after meeting with the media Thursday, though the running back will technically carry the doubtful designation into the weekend. Ekeler was unable to practice at any point Tuesday through Thursday, with Lynn relaying that the 23-year-old remains in the concussion protocol and continues to deal with weakness in his shoulder. Fortunately for the Chargers, top back Melvin Gordon (knee) will be available Saturday after a three-game absence, leaving Justin Jackson to fill the complementary role that has typically fallen to Ekeler.

Mixon (wrist/thigh) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Mixon replicated his activity level from Wednesday but may have gotten dinged up along the way, as he had previously been listed on the Bengals' report with only a wrist issue. Neither the wrist nor the thigh injury should prevent him from suiting up Sunday in Cleveland, though Mixon's fantasy managers would surely prefer to have him avoid a designation heading into the contest. If he suits up as anticipated, Mixon should be in store for another ample workload on the ground after amassing 53 carries over the past two weeks while averaging a healthy 4.5 yards per tote.

Patterson (undisclosed) was not spotted at practice Thursday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

We'll have to see if he's dealing with an injury or illness, but with Josh Gordon (pesonal) having stepped away from the team, the Patriots' depth at wideout would be taxed if Patterson's Week 16 status comes into any question. Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett were the top wideouts the Patriots fielded at Thursday's practice.

Gordon (knee) is expected to suit up Saturday night against Baltimore, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

This report is hardly out of the box, as Gordon logged a full practice Tuesday where he was described as "full speed," effectively shedding his injury tag. Whether or not he returns to his prior workload immediately is another question, though the rest of the backfield behind him isn't at 100 percent, with Austin Ekeler (neck) missing back-to-back practices this week.

Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that Anderson may "play a role as early as this week" against the Cardinals, Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network reports.

The reality of the Rams backfield bodes well for Anderson making his team debut just five days after signing with the organization. Both Todd Gurley (knee) and Justin Davis (shoulder) were held out of Wednesday's walk-through practice, leaving all the backfield reps to John Kelly and Anderson. McVay expects Gurley to suit up for Sunday's contest at Arizona, but Anderson could be in line for carries within an offense ranked second in yards per game and third in points per game.

Williams was limited at Wednesday's practice due to a toe injury, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

In the wake of Aaron Jones (knee) landing on injured reserve, Williams is left as the Packers' top running back, but an injury of his own is impacting his practice reps to begin Week 16 preparations. Assuming Williams maintains that workload (at worst) or elevates to full participation, he should handle the majority of the work out of the backfield Sunday against the Jets. His sole competition for touches is Kapri Bibbs, who was claimed off waivers Monday.

Breida (ankle) was listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Breida has tended to an ankle injury for more than two months and actually aggravated it near the conclusion of Sunday's overtime win over the Seahawks. The 49ers quickly ruled out Breida the last time he suffered an aggravation Week 14, but on this occasion, he kicked off the week with a limited session. Coming off a performance with 96 yards from scrimmage on 22 touches, Breida may have difficulty upholding that standard this weekend against the Bears' second-ranked run defense. The presence of rookie Jeff Wilson, who is averaging 4.4 yards per carry on his 52 totes, could spur the 49ers to roll with a more even split of the backfield workload.

Conner (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. "I am trying. It's day-by-day," Conner said Wednesday, in reference to his outlook for Sunday's game against the Saints. "These high-ankle sprains are deceiving. I can walk around fine, not limping. When I am out there on the field, cutting and stuff, it's not ready yet."

Conner has already missed two games with the high-ankle sprain and appears in serious jeopardy of missing another. If he's unable to go this weekend, the Steelers would once again turn to Jaylen Samuels -- who carried 19 times for 142 yards in the Week 15 win over the Patriots -- to head their backfield, with Stevan Ridley on hand in reserve.

Drake (shoulder) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

Limited to non-contact work at practice the past month, Drake no longer has any restrictions as the Dolphins prepare for a Week 16 home game against Jacksonville, per Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. The third-year pro could take on a bit more work with Frank Gore (foot) on injured reserve, but it was rookie Kalen Ballage who served as the lead ballcarrier after Gore went down in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Vikings.

Penny (knee) won't practice Wednesday, but he has a shot to do some work during Thursday's session, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Unable to practice in any capacity last week, Penny is now in danger of missing a second straight game Sunday against the Chiefs. Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune believes the Seahawks' recent signing of running back Bo Scarborough is a hint that Penny may be out for a while longer. Chris Carson handled 22 of the team's 29 backfield carries during last week's 26-23 loss to the 49ers, with Mike Davis contributing five totes and eight receptions.