NFL Player News

Perine (calf) is listed as inactive Thursday in Dallas.

With Perine and Chris Thompson (ribs) out of commission, Kapri Bibbs and Byron Marshall will be afforded the few running back touches that don't go to Adrian Peterson in Week 12.

Cunningham will not return to Thursday's game against the Lions due to an ankle injury.

Cunningham suffered an ankle injury during a first-quarter punt, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, and limped off the field under his own power. As long as the depth running back and special teams player remains sidelined, Taquan Mizzell could see a slight uptick in snaps.

The Dolphins listed Drake (shoulder) as a limited participant on Thursday's estimated practice report, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Since the Dolphins didn't hold a formal practice due to the holiday, the team maintained the "limited" label Drake received after going through non-contact work Wednesday. It's unclear if the Dolphins were just exercising precaution with Drake coming out of the bye week or if there's legitimate concern about his health, but the running back would assuage any worry about his prospects for Sunday's game against the Colts by returning to full participation at Friday's practice.

Martin (ankle) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

Coach Jon Gruden previously downplayed Martin's ankle issue and the fact that the running back practiced Wednesday -- albeit in a limited capacity -- supports that view. Martin's activity will bear monitoring in the coming days, but if he's able to go Sunday against the Ravens, he should head the Raiders' Week 12 backfield.

Jones (hamstring) was listed as a full practice participant Wednesday.

A limited participant all last week, Jones ultimately was ruled out two days ahead of Sunday's eventual 38-35 loss to the Giants. Jones' progression to full participation suggests he should be back for the Week 12 against San Francisco, but there's no guarantee of a sizable role after Peyton Barber just turned in his best game of the season. It makes sense for the Bucs to give Jones a better look down the stretch, as they don't have any chance to make the playoffs and presumably hope the rookie can supersede Barber before Week 1 of 2019. As bad as he's looked so far, Jones at least offers theoretical upside with his excellent speed, while Barber seemingly lacks the athletic traits to be anything more than a low-end starter or solid backup.

Ekeler was a limited participant at practice Wednesday due to a neck injury.

Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times suggests that Ekeler may have gotten dinged up near the end of the Chargers' Week 11 loss to the Broncos. On the plus side, the running back's injury doesn't appear to be overly serious since he wasn't withheld from practice entirely. Assuming Ekeler is cleared to play against the Cardinals this weekend, he should be ready to handle his usual complementary role behind starter Melvin Gordon.

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

Per Salguero, Drake sported a non-contact jersey during Wednesday's session, so the running back's status will need to be monitored as Sunday's game against the Colts approaches. If Drake is out or limited this weekend, added backfield work would be in store for Frank Gore, as well as Kalen Ballage to a lesser extent.

Zenner could be part of a backfield committee Thursday against the Bears, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

With Kerryon Johnson (knee) set to miss at least one game, the Lions are left with Zenner, LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick in the backfield. Blount and Riddick are the safe bets to handle significant roles, though neither has offered much on the ground this season. Zenner owns a career average of just 3.6 yards per carry and has mostly played special teams since 2016.

Perine (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Dallas.

Perine opened the week as a non-participant in practice before upgrading to limited showings Tuesday and Wednesday. With Adrian Peterson taking most of the carries while Kapri Bibbs and Byron Marshall handle passing-down work, Perine may stay on the inactive list even if he's healthy enough to play.

Williams was elevated to the Colts' 53-man roster from the practice squad.

Williams joined the Colts' practice squad in early October after being waived by the Saints after three games. The 24-year-old should serve as a depth back with Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins all currently healthy.