NFL Player News

Ford, added to the active roster Wednesday, could see action in Sunday's game against Detroit if LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and/or Chris Ivory (shoulder) are unable to suit up.

If either veteran plays, Ford would likely be relegated to No. 3 duties and would likely see spot action at best. But if both sit, that leaves just Marcus Murphy and Ford to take over the carries. Murphy is higher on the depth chart, but the Buffalo coaching staff has been praising Ford -- an undrafted rookie from Texas A&M -- all week, and they might want to see him get a fair audition with the Bills already eliminated from playoff contention.

The Chargers anticipate Gordon (knee) will be ready to play Week 16 against the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Gordon nearly made his way back for Thursday's 29-28 win over the Chiefs, but the Chargers ultimately made him inactive for a third straight week after his knee didn't respond as well as he hoped during a pregame warmup. With Austin Ekeler (neck/concussion) also missing the contest, the Chargers turned to No. 3 back Justin Jackson (16 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown, three receptions for 27 yards) to handle the bulk of the backfield snaps. Ekeler's status remains uncertain for Week 16, but the expected return of Gordon would be a boon for a Chargers squad that is still fighting for the AFC West crown.

Conner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Patriots and isn't likely to play, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Steelers expect him back for the Week 16 game in New Orleans.

The strong likelihood of Conner missing a second straight game this weekend is still a disappointing development for a team still clawing for the AFC North title, but it's encouraging news that his sprained ankle doesn't seem to threaten his availability for a potential postseason run. The Steelers will lean on Jaylen Samuels as their primary runner and pass catcher out of the backfield again versus New England, with Stevan Ridley likely to spell him mainly in short-yardage situations.

Breida (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, will play in the contest, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

After logging his third limited practice in a row Friday, Breida stated that he expected to play this weekend, so Schefter's report offers confirmation on that front. What's less certain is what Breida's workload may look like as he returns from a one-game absence. Because Breida has been less than fully healthy for most of the season, the 49ers may not be inclined to hand him an overwhelming share of snaps out of the backfield, especially with undrafted rookie Jeff Wilson emerging as a viable option over the past three weeks.

Chubb rushed 20 times for 100 yards during Saturday's 17-16 win over the Broncos. He failed to catch his lone target.

Chubb broke off a 40-yard run to essentially seal Cleveland's victory in the fourth quarter, as the rookie reached the century mark for the third time this season. Though he found success on the ground, his five-game touchdown streak came to end. He also wasn't involved in the passing game, failing to catch a pass for the first time since Oct. 21 against the Buccaneers. He'll look to keep up his impressive debut season next Sunday when the Browns square off against the Bengals.

The Steelers downgraded Conner (ankle) from questionable to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

The designation change doesn't come as a surprise after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported less than an hour earlier that the Steelers weren't expecting Conner to be ready to go this weekend. Unless his sprained ankle feels better than anticipated Sunday, Conner will be sidelined for a second straight game, paving the way for Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley to shoulder the team's backfield duties. It was Ridley who reached the end zone in the Week 14 loss to the Raiders, but Samuels dominated the offensive snaps and touches by 48-8 and 18-5 margins, respectively.

Foreman (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Jets.

Though Foreman was activated from the PUP list Dec. 4, the Texans apparently don't feel the second-year back is ready to contribute coming off November 2017 surgery to repair his Achilles' tendon. Foreman has been a full practice participant since being added back to the 53-man roster but may not have regained the same speed and explosiveness he displayed during his injury-shortened rookie campaign. With that in mind, the Texans will continue to deploy Alfred Blue as the main backup to Lamar Miller, with No. 4 back Buddy Howell's prowess on special teams earning him the active nod over Foreman, who isn't used on the team's kick coverage or return units.

Conner (ankle) is not expected to play against the Patriots on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

While Conner is listed as doubtful, it appears likely the second-year running back will miss his second straight game with a troublesome mid-to-high ankle injury. Rapoport seemed to suggest Conner would be good to go in Week 16, but at least in the immediate future Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley will once again split time in the Pittsburgh backfield. Samuels handled almost the entire load in Week 14 against the Raiders, carrying the ball 11 times for 28 yards while adding seven catches for 64 yards, but it was Ridley who scored the red-zone touchdown and figures to reprise his goal-line role against the Patriots.

Coach Pete Carroll said Penny (knee) had an MRI and isn't expected to require surgery, Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Penny didn't practice this week and has been ruled out for Sunday's game in San Francisco. His absence should free up more work for Mike Davis behind starter Chris Carson, though it's also possible Carson or J.D. McKissic handles some of the vacated snaps/touches. While the rookie doesn't seem like a great bet to make it back for Week 16, the Seahawks hope he can play again this season.

Breida (ankle) said he's on track to play Sunday against the Seahawks, Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group reports. "As long as everything keeps going the way it has, they gave me the green light and I'll be ready to go," Breida said Friday.

Coach Kyle Shanahan didn't sound quite as optimistic, though he did acknowledge Breida has made significant progress. Listed as questionable after logging limited practices each day this week, the second-year pro seems to be on track for a Sunday return. Jeff Wilson piled up 230 scrimmage yards on 47 touches the past two games, but he didn't score any touchdowns or break off any runs longer than 11 yards. The 49ers likely will keep both players involved in some capacity if Breida does in fact make it back this week.