NFL Player News

Conner (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. "James Conner, with his ankle injury, had a really impressive week last week," Tomlin noted after the session. "We'll see what this week holds, and his availability [for Sunday's game against the Patriots] will be based on his health and then his preparedness. We'll see about his availability throughout the course of the week and let his availability and then the quality of that be our guide."

Based on Tomlin's comments, it would seem that Conner, who sat out the Week 14 loss to the Raiders, has a shot to play in the team's crucial matchup with New England. Conner's continued absence from practice isn't the most encouraging sign, but he'll be viewed as day-to-day leading up to the weekend unless the Steelers suggest otherwise. If Conner ends up being limited at all of held out of action in Week 15, the Steelers would once again turn to the combination of Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley in the backfield.

Elliott was held out of practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, Calvin Watkins of The Athletic reports. "Just a maintenance day," Elliott told Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. "Just got a little sore shoulder. It's late in the season. I've had a lot of touches. Just trying to make sure I'm fresh for [Sunday's game against the Colts]."

After Elliott ripped up the Eagles for 192 yards from scrimmage in the Cowboys' Week 14 win, coach Jason Garrett relayed the running back was feeling fine as a result of a neck injury he suffered in the fourth quarter. Elliott was seen in sweats at the beginning of Wednesday's practice, though, creating questions about his health. He put them to rest with his comments afterward. Elliott has two more sessions this week to prove that the shoulder issue won't impact his upcoming availability.

Williams is likely to serve as the Chiefs' top option out of the backfield Thursday against the Chargers with Spencer Ware (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the contest, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

There's not much in the way of tough competition behind Williams on the depth chart, as undrafted rookie Darrel Williams has played six total offensive snaps all season and Charcandrick West just signed with the Chiefs less than two weeks ago. With that in mind, Williams should have a path to double-digit carries to go with involvement in the passing game if Ware sits out. That kind of workload would be enough to make just about any back a decent fantasy option, but Williams' presence on the league's best scoring offense elevates his outlook another notch. At least for the short term, Williams needs to be owned in every league where he's still sitting on the waiver wire.

Ekeler (neck/concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, top running back Melvin Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for the contest, with his status likely to come down to a game-time call. With Ekeler unavailable, Justin Jackson would be next in line to handle the bulk of the Chargers' carries Thursday if Gordon is limited or out.

Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.

Gordon's official status matches the notion previously put forth via Ricky Henne of the Chargers' official site that the decision on the running back's Week 15 status "will come down to the wire just before kickoff." What is known for sure already is that Gordon's top backup, Austin Ekeler (neck/concussion), has been ruled out. If Gordon is unavailable for a third straight game or limited at all, added work would be in store for Justin Jackson, with Detrez Newsome available in a reserve capacity.

Breida (ankle) will be limited at Wednesday's practice, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Coach Kyle Shanahan got ahead of any questions about Breida's status for Week 14 by ruling him out for that game one day after the running back played through a lingering ankle injury in a Dec. 2 loss to the Seahawks. The reprieve from game action appears to have done Breida some good, but it remains to be seen if he'll do enough in practice this week to be cleared for a rematch with Seattle this weekend. In Breida's place this past Sunday, Jeff Wilson compiled 96 yards from scrimmage on 24 touches as the lead back in a 20-14 win over the Broncos.

Clement (knee) likely will have some limitations during the Eagles' offseason program, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

While the Eagles haven't provided many details on Clement's injury, this timeline suggests it's something fairly severe, though not quite on par with an ACL or patella tear. The second-year running back was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, finishing a disappointing sophomore season with 68 carries for 259 yards (3.8 YPC) and two touchdowns as well as 22 catches for 192 yards on 25 targets (7.7 YPT). Clement's role in 2019 will largely depend on what the Eagles do in the offseason to address their running-back room. Jay Ajayi (knee) is set to become an unrestricted free agent and Darren Sproles may finally be ready to retire.

Elliott (neck) didn't participate in practice Wednesday, Kate Hairopoulos of The Dallas Morning News

Hairopoulos notes that Elliott was on the field Wednesday but was in sweats, while his teammates practiced with their helmets on. Per Todd Archer of ESPN.com, the running back suffered a stinger in Sunday's overtime win over the Eagles, but returned to the game and finished with 28 carries for 113 yards and 12 catches for 79 yards. The Cowboys will provide their first Week 15 practice report later Wednesday, which will indicate if Elliott was a non-participant due to injury or merely for rest. Either way, he's expected to be ready to go this weekend against the Colts.

The Bills promoted Ford from their practice squad Wednesday.

With LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and Chris Ivory (shoulder) both banged up coming out of the Week 14 loss to the Jets, Ford will join the roster as a depth option out of the backfield. The Texas A&M product has yet to see any NFL action and would likely be limited to a special-teams role if he suits up Sunday against the Lions.

Freeman carried the ball six times for 36 yards during Sunday's 20-14 loss in San Francisco.

The Broncos' offense didn't start to click until they were too late against the 49ers. Stacked boxes can be partially to blame as San Francisco sold out against the run, holding the Broncos to just 3.8 yards per carry. The Broncos now lack anything resembling experience at receiver or tight end, with first-year players like Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick leading the charge. Expect teams to take a similar run-focused approach down the stretch versus Denver, starting Saturday against at Cleveland run defense that has been gashed at times this season, surrendering a sizable 4.7 yards per carry.