NFL Player News

Freeman (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.

Freeman was spotted on the practice field Thursday with his helmet, but he didn't participate in any team drills and was subsequently officially listed as not practicing. His status for Sunday's game against the Texans is thus murky, especially with the Broncos' Week 10 bye looming. If Freeman remains sidelined this weekend, Phillip Lindsay would head Denver's Week 9 backfield, with Devontae Booker on hand to work in a change-of-pace role.

Kamara (undisclosed) wasn't on the field for the open portion of Thursday's practice, Josh Katzenstein of The Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara's absence is a bit of a surprise after he handled every practice rep Wednesday. He tended to a knee injury for a two-week stretch earlier this season, but until the Saints release Thursday's version of the practice report, the potential DNP will be unexplained.

Freeman (ankle) was spotted at practice Thursday, Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Post reports.

We'll have to see how the Broncos list his participation level, but Freeman's presence on the field Thursday suggests that he could return to action as soon as Sunday's game against the Texans. Once he's fully up to speed, Freeman would presumably resume a backfield time-share with Phillip Lindsay, with Devontae Booker on hand to work in a change-of-pace role.

Mostert (ankle) is expected to play Thursday against the Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Presented with a short week to prepare for this contest, the 49ers wouldn't surprise if they involve all three of their running backs. Top option Matt Breida is slated to suit up in spite of a lingering ankle injury, but coach Kyle Shanahan has inserted Mostert and Alfred Morris into the backfield for various stretches this season. Over the last four games, Mostert has averaged 7.8 touches for 48 yards from scrimmage per game. However, he managed just two carries for 18 yards this past Sunday at Arizona.

Breida (ankle) is expected to suit up for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

There's little question the banged-up running back will be available, as he's played through all manner of injuries this season. Due to the presence of Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Alfred Morris, though, Breida has a bit of competition for reps. Moreover, there's the distinct chance Breida spends time with the medical staff at some point during the contest, capping his potential.

Mostert (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest versus the Raiders.

Mostert wrapped up Week 9 preparations with back-to-back limited walk-through participation, making him a decent candidate to work in a reserve role behind Matt Breida (ankle) on Thursday. Considering Mostert is a bit banged up at the moment, the 49ers may follow a similar breakdown of snaps for Breida (47 percent of the offensive snaps), Mostert (18.2 percent) and Alfred Morris (16.7 percent) to what they deployed in the Week 8 loss to Arizona.

Gordon (hamstring) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday.

Gordon sat out the Chargers' Oct. 21 win over the Titans in London after heading into that contest as a game-time decision. Following the Chargers' Week 8 bye, Gordon appears to be trending in the right direction in advance of Sunday's game against the Seahawks. Austin Ekeler -- who drew the start at running back for the team in Week 7 -- waits in the wings in the event that Gordon's hamstring issue flares up as the week progresses.

Breida (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.

Until the 49ers actually opt to give Breida a respite, he should be available on gamedays. In the Week 8 loss to the Cardinals, Breida led the backfield with 31 (of 66) offensive snaps, earning 16 carries for 42 yards. Meanwhile, Raheem Mostert (12 snaps) and Alfred Morris (11) combined for eight rushes for 46 yards.

Cook (hamstring) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

After focusing on rehabilitation of his left hamstring for the last two weeks, Cook was a participant in practice for the first time since Oct. 17. His presence indicates a return may be possible Sunday against the Lions, but his hamstring will have to avoid the flareups that have kept him on the sideline for four games in a row and five of the past six contests.

Cook (hamstring) participated in practice Wednesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Donning helmet and pads, Cook was working with the rest of the Vikings' running backs in the team's first practice of the week, per Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The news suggests Cook will be at least a limited participant, which will be clarified when the Vikings release their initial Week 9 injury report later in the day. While any activity from Cook is encouraging, he admitted to Krammer on Monday that the prospect of a setback with his hamstring continues to weigh on his mind. With a Week 10 bye incoming, Cook is a candidate to miss a fifth consecutive game Sunday against the Lions with an eye toward the second half of the season.