NFL Player News

Coach Anthony Lynn said Gordon (knee) was "full speed" at Tuesday's practice, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Whether that translates to full participation remains to be seen, but the description of Gordon lines up with Williams' own report from earlier Tuesday, when the running back was "moving well." Because Austin Ekeler (head/neck) remains in the concussion protocol, the Chargers backfield seems to be trending toward Gordon in the lead role, with Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome available for the occasional touch Saturday against the Ravens.

With Aaron Jones (knee) landing on injured reserve, Williams will presumably serve as the lead back in Weeks 16 and 17.

Williams performed well in relief of Jones during Sunday's game against the Bears, running 12 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. His downhill running style juxtaposes with Jones' speed and elusiveness, but Williams is the team's best pass protector and a capable runner in his own right. Kapri Bibbs will slot in as Williams' change-of-pace option out of the backfield, and the Packers could even elect to add a third option before Sunday.

Jones (knee) has been placed on injured reserve, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Interim coach Joe Philbin didn't disclose any information regarding Jones' knee injury Monday, but his placement on injured reserve indicates it's a multi-week issue. The second-year back -- who carved out the lead role in the backfield following a two-week suspension to begin the season -- finishes the year with 728 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 133 carries, good for a 5.5 yards per carry average. With Jones out of commission the last two weeks, Jamaal Williams will presumably step into the lead back role for the Packers. Kapri Bibbs remains the only other healthy running back on the 53-man roster, though the Packers could look to add another to shore up the position before Sunday's game against the Jets. Fullback Danny Vitale could also serve as an emergency option should Williams and Bibbs be unavailable.

Gordon (knee) took part in practice again Tuesday and looked good while doing so, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

The Chargers and Gordon have both indicated that he's expected to return for Saturday's game against the Ravens, and his participation in practice early in the week furthers that notion. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) a question mark, Gordon could be relied upon for as much as he can handle Saturday. Rookie Justin Jackson -- who worked behind Ekeler in Week 15 -- would presumably serve as the backup to Gordon if he's a go and Ekeler can't play. More light should be shed on Gordon's situation when the team releases its first practice report of the week following Tuesday's session.

Ekeler (neck) did not take part in practice Tuesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Ekeler's status appears to have gone unchanged from Monday, which isn't a great sign in regards to his availability for Saturday's game against the Ravens. With Melvin Gordon (knee) practicing for a second straight day and being presumably set to return, Ekeler would likely move back into an ancillary role even if he clears the NFL's concussion protocol. However, he would likely need to get in at least some limited work Wednesday or Thursday if the third-year back wants a chance to suit up this week.

Conner's (ankle) status remains in limbo for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "Hopefully, that sets the stage for a productive Wednesday, and we'll go from there," coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday after seeing Conner at the Steelers' facility.

Prior to missing his second consecutive contest Week 15 against the Patriots, Conner managed a limited showing last Friday, initially earned a questionable tag, was downgraded to doubtful Saturday and eventually landed on the Steelers' list of inactives Sunday. He continues to rehab what has been termed a mid-to-high ankle sprain, so his listing on Wednesday's injury report will be interesting to note. In Conner's absence, the backfield has been running on all cylinders with Jaylen Samuels churning out 264 yards from scrimmage (but no TDs) on 39 touches.

Kelly could be slated for an expanded role in Week 16 if Todd Gurley (knee) can't suit up against the Cardinals, Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kelly recorded the first offensive snaps of his career in Week 15 versus the Eagles, rushing twice for four yards during the contest. With Gurley and Justin Davis (shoulder) dealing with injuries early in the week, Kelly could see plenty of first-team reps on offense during practice. That could position him for a major offensive role in Week 16 against a Cardinals defense allowing 144.9 rushing yards per game, the third-highest average in the NFL.

McCaffrey rushed 15 times for 53 yards and caught eight of 11 targets for 67 yards in Monday night's 12-9 loss to the Saints. He also completed a 50-yard touchdown pass.

McCaffrey carried Carolina's offense once again, leading the team in rushing and all receiving categories. For good measure, he also lent a hand in the passing game, tossing to a wide-open Chris Manhertz for a long score on a trick fourth-down play during the first quarter. That continued McCaffrey's touchdown streak, bringing his season total to 14, which includes 13 over his last eight outings. While another of the passing variety shouldn't be expected anytime soon, McCaffrey's heavy involvement in everything the Panthers do offensively continues to make him an ultra-dynamic threat heading into a Week 16 game versus the Falcons.

Kamara rushed 14 times for 67 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's 12-9 win over the Panthers. He also caught seven of nine targets for 36 yards.

Kamara led the Saints in rushing attempts while tying top wideout Michael Thomas for the team lead in both catches and targets. Although running mate Mark Ingram was more efficient with 63 yards on his 12 carries, Kamara's 21 touches again allowed him to top 100 yards of offense. Additionally, the tailback scooted into the end zone from 16 yards to start the fourth quarter, scoring the team's lone -- and ultimately game-winning -- touchdown. Next up for Kamara is a matchup against the Steelers in Week 16.

Bolden rushed once for 12 yards during Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Vikings.

After scoring twice during a Week 14 win over the Patriots, Bolden's usage likely disappointed fantasy managers who picked him up as a waiver wire flier. Bolden did not earn an uptick in carries even after Frank Gore (knee) departed Sunday's loss in the first quarter due to a knee injury -- instead, rookie Kalen Ballage stepped up with 12 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. Even if Gore is unable to suit up Week 16 against the Jaguars, it's unlikely that Bolden will receive a notable workload behind Ballage and Kenyan Drake.