NFL Player News

Gordon (knee) didn't participate in Thursday's practice.

Gordon hasn't been formally ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, though coach Anthony Lynn conceded it's "highly unlikely" the star running back suits up, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It's expected that Gordon will be sidelined for at least two games while he contends with an MCL sprain in his right knee, though the prevailing belief is he'll be near full strength in advance of the postseason. While Gordon remains idle, the Chargers are set to proceed with Austin Ekeler as their lead back for the second time this season after Gordon sat out a Week 7 game against the Titans due to a hamstring issue.

Edwards (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday.

The same applies to Alex Collins (foot), which would seem to put both on track to play Sunday against the Falcons. We'll circle back on Edwards' status Friday to see if the Ravens list him as questionable or remove him altogether from their Week 13 injury report. After having logged 40 carries over the past two weeks, Edwards appears to poised to head the Baltimore backfield once again this weekend, heath permitting.

Mack (concussion) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice, Andrew Walker of the Colts' official site reports.

That's a big step for Mack, but the report indicates that the running back's availability for Sunday's game against the Jaguars "is still up in the air," given that he's still in the NFL's concussion protocol. Mack's return to practice obviously checks off a key box in that regard, but it remains to be seen if he'll gain full medical clearance in advance of Friday's final Week 13 injury report. Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins are next up for carries if Mack is ultimately held or or limited this weekend.

Mack (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan Indianapolis reports.

That's a step in the right direction for Mack, though it remains to be seen how the Colts list his participation level or where he's at as of Thursday in terms of the NFL's concussion protocol.

Edwards (ankle), who missed Wednesday's practice, returned to work Thursday, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Per the report, Edwards didn't appear hampered by his ankle injury and "should be fine to start Sunday" against the Falcons. We'll circle back on his status later Thursday, once the Ravens report his level of practice participation.

Breida (ankle) was limited at Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Breida was affected by an ankle injury for most of October, but November has been a different story. Prior to the 49ers' previous games in Weeks 10 and 12, his practice reps weren't impacted, making this his first limited listing since Oct. 31. He's sandwiched back-to-back 100-yard performances on the ground about the 49ers' Week 11 bye, totaling 272 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in those two outings. Assuming he continues to play through any residual discomfort in his ankle, he'll set his sights on Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks, who have given up 143.9 scrimmage yards per game and 12 touchdowns to running backs in 11 contests this season.

Coach Anthony Lynn believes Ekeler will have no problem holding up as an every-down back, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports. "That's why you see him running through tackles," Lynn said. "That's why you see him creating yards after contact. He's not a big back, but he can do those type of things."

Ekeler is a bit on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 200 pounds, but Lynn was quick to point out that the second-year back is the strongest player on the Chargers roster from a pound-for-pound standpoint. The 23-year-old is set to replace Melvin Gordon (knee) in the starting lineup for the second time this season, having previously filled in with 12 carries for 42 yards and five catches for 26 yards in a 20-19 win over Tennessee in Week 7. While his final stat line was disappointing, Ekeler handled a three-down role against the Titans, logging 42 of 44 offensive snaps (96 percent) in a game where the opponent dominated possession. Sunday's contest in Pittsburgh should be much more fruitful in terms of overall play volume, offering clear potential for a shootout. The Chargers don't seem to have much confidence in fellow running backs Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome.

Jones (hamstring) wasn't listed on the Buccaneers' injury report Wednesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Since straining his hamstring Week 8, Jones was a regular presence on those reports, missing four games in the process. With the injury behind him, he can focus on regaining a foothold in Tampa Bay's backfield, which has been dominated by Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers this season to the tune of 19.5 touches per game between the duo.

Edwards didn't practice Wednesday due to an ankle issue.

Edwards has logged 40 carries over the past two weeks, so it's quite possible that he's simply a little sore and therefore received Wednesday off to rest up in advance of Sunday's game against the Falcons. Assuming that his ankle isn't a major concern, Edwards is trending toward leading Baltimore's backfield once again in Week 13, with fellow running back Alex Collins (foot) not practicing Wednesday.

Drake (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald confirms Drake was limited to non-contact work, just as coach Adam Gase suggested he would be at the beginning of the week. Drake followed the same plan ahead of last week's 27-24 loss to the Colts, ultimately piling up 96 yards and two scores on 13 touches. He aggravated his shoulder injury midway through the fourth quarter, but returned to take a carry on the Dolphins' final drive. With Miami still holding out hope for a wild-card spot, Drake seems likely to give it a go Sunday against the Bills.