NFL Player News

Patterson (hip) was limited at Thursday's practice, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Patterson and the Raiders don't play until Monday night, so his practice regimen over the next couple of days will give a better picture of his game status. He's currently leading the league in yards per kick return with 28.3, so Oakland's special teams would take a hit if he were to sit against the Eagles. Moreover, in the event that Amari Cooper (ankle) is limited or out for the team's Week 16 contest, Patterson's workload in the passing game could increase. With Cooper sidelined in Week 15, Patterson was on the field for 44 (out of a possible 66) snaps on offense against the Cowboys.

Ekeler (hand) will likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup with the Jets, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Ekeler remained limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday, as he continues to test out his effectiveness while playing with a club to protect a broken ring finger on his left hand. Considering the ball-security issues that his cast might present, Ekeler will most likely be limited to a special-teams role if he suits up in Week 16.

Williams (shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

While it's encouraging that Williams has been able to practice this week, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post relays via coach Adam Gase that at this stage there are still some practice activities that make Williams' shoulder feel uncomfortable. We'll circle back on the running back's status Friday, but if Williams is able to suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, he'd provide the Dolphins with a welcome opportunity to spell Kenyan Drake more than they were able to while Williams was sidelined.

Head coach Jay Gruden said Perine injured his groin in the early portion of Thursday's practice and missed the rest of the session, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

At this point in the season, Perine is the last running back standing in Washington with Chris Thompson (fibula), Rob Kelley (ankle), Keith Marshall (knee) and Byron Marshall (hamstring) all on injured reserve. This reality has allowed Perine to average 20.6 touches per game over the last five contests. When Gruden spoke to the media Thursday, he stated his belief that Perine's issue is a "minor" one, but it remains to be seen how his status will be impacted for Sunday's game against the Broncos. With one practice remaining this week, Friday's injury report likely will be the last word on Perine's potential to play. In the event he's limited or absent entirely Sunday, the next players up in the Redskins backfield are Kapri Bibbs and LeShun Daniels.

Mixon (concussion) put in a full practice Thursday, Jay Morrison of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Back-to-back full practices to begin the week suggest that Mixon is trending toward suiting up Sunday against the Lions, but his availability won't be confirmed until head coach Marvin Lewis indicates the running back has cleared all phases of the concussion protocol. Mixon was able to put in a full practice last Friday, but ultimately sat out the Bengals' loss to the Vikings two days later after failing to receive clearance to play from an independent neurologist. If Mixon passes all his tests this week, he'll likely start against Detroit, though he could end up splitting backfield reps with Giovani Bernard.

Breida was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to a knee injury, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Breida has enjoyed good health throughout his rookie season, playing in each of San Francisco's 14 games. His ability to practice in some capacity suggests he'll keep the streak going, but if not, Jeremy McNichols would serve as Carlos Hyde's backup Sunday against the Jaguars. Breida has seen a workload bump in Jimmy Garoppolo's three starts, taking 29 carries for 88 yards (3.0 average).

Ekeler (hand) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, sporting a large cast over his broken left hand, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Judging by the size of the cast, Ekeler presumably will be limited to a special-teams role if he's cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Jets. His usual duties as a passing-down back are out of the question, and it also appears he would have difficulty taking handoffs. Branden Oliver will thus serve as the top backup to Melvin Gordon, who could get a few extra targets with Ekeler out of the backfield rotation.

Williams (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Williams has missed the Dolphins' past three games, but he could be nearing a return to game action. If he does suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, it's unlikely that he would supplant Kenyan Drake as the team's lead back. Drake has been exceptional during Williams' absence, so a complementary role presumably awaits Williams if he is in fact cleared to play Week 16.

Williams (quadriceps) isn't practicing Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Williams injured his quad in the second half of Sunday's 20-15 loss to the Redskins, leaving Elijhaa Penny and D.J. Foster to split backfield work in the fourth quarter. Penny likely would serve as the lead runner if Williams were to miss Sunday's game against the Giants, with Foster potentially also taking on a larger role than usual. Bronson Hill, who was re-signed Tuesday, might also factor into the backfield equation.

Mixon (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mixon also practiced fully last Friday before being ruled out in advance of the Bengals' Week 15 loss to the Vikings, so it can't be assumed that he's cleared the NFL's concussion protocol just yet. That said, Mixon's continued full participation does bode well for his chances of returning to action Sunday against the Lions. Mixon had been working as the Bengals' lead back before missing the last two contests with the head injury, but he could be eased back into action in Week 16 and split snaps out of the backfield with Giovani Bernard.