NFL Player News

Ellington practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday due to a knee issue.

With Alfred Blue (concussion) practicing fully Wednesday, Ellington could have some company in the Texans' backfield mix behind starter Lamar Miller in Week 15 against the Jaguars. Neither Ellington nor Blue represent high-percentage fantasy plays against the Jaguars' stout defense, in any case.

Perine (illness) wasn't listed on the Redskins' injury report Wednesday.

Perine slogged his way through an illness in Sunday's loss to the Chargers, notching 17 carries for 45 yards and four receptions (on four targets) for seven yards. When he departed with 13:38 left in the contest, he joined reserve running back Byron Marshall (hamstring) on the sideline. Marshall has since been placed on injured reserve, leaving Perine as the last man standing in a backfield that had already lost Chris Thompson (fibula), Rob Kelley (ankle) and Keith Marshall (knee) for the season. Perine should continue to receive a healthy dose of touches on a weekly basis with LeShun Daniels and Kapri Bibbs as the backups.

Gillislee (illness) isn't listed on the Patriots' Week 15 injury report.

Gillislee -- who was under the weather heading into Monday's loss to the Dolphins -- has been inactive five straight games, as he's the odd man out behind running backs Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White. Gillislee's power-running skills may be needed by the Patriots down the stretch, but for now, he's clearly off the fantasy radar.

McKinnon was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

After six consecutive games in which he failed to surpass 3.6 yards per carry, McKinnon found daylight in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, gaining 46 yards on seven totes. Despite his efficient work, McKinnon saw his usage dwindle after halftime, with the shoulder issue perhaps offering an explanation for that. McKinnon's ability to practice in any capacity Wednesday suggests his injury shouldn't keep him out Week 15 against the Bengals, but his situation will warrant a closer look if he fails to turn in a full session either Thursday or Friday.

Kamara (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

After suffering a concussion in the Saints' loss to the Falcons on Dec. 7, Kamara posted on his personal Twitter account and then outright stated he wouldn't miss any time, according to Katzenstein. An uninhibited session Wednesday is a step in the right direction, but such a development doesn't mean Kamara has emerged from the NFL's concussion protocol. Until he gains clearance from an independent neurologist, he won't be allowed to suit up Sunday versus the Jets. That said, Kamara has plenty of time to pass this final hurdle.

Williams (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant in the Dolphins' estimation of Wednesday's injury report.

Since the Dolphins are only two days removed from a Monday night win over the Patriots, head coach Adam Gase elected to give the team a day off Wednesday, hence the estimated report. In any event, Williams' listing as a non-participant is a seemingly telling sign of the limited progress he has made in his recovery from the dislocated left shoulder, which he suffered in the Dolphins' first matchup with New England in Week 12. Williams could gain clearance to play Sunday against the Bills if he's able to resume practicing by the end of the week, but he'll likely play second fiddle to Kenyan Drake in the backfield if he suits up for the divisional matchup.

Mixon (concussion) remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and isn't taking part in practice Wednesday, Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Though Owczarski reported prior to the session that Mixon was present for the start of practice and looked to be progressing, the running back's lack of involvement doesn't offer much reassurance that he'll be ready to return from a one-game absence. With the Bengals due to practice again Thursday and Friday, Mixon will have a couple more chances to improve his outlook heading into Sunday's game against the Vikings, but regardless of his participation level in those sessions, he'll need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist before being removed from the protocol. If Mixon is sidelined for a second straight game, Giovani Bernard would be in store for another sizable workload as the Bengals' feature back.

Mixon remains in the concussion protocol Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports, but he appears to be making progress, according to Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

With Mixon still in the concussion protocol, it shouldn't be a surprise if he sits out practice Wednesday. In any event, if the report that he's progressing is true, it bodes well for Mixon's chances of getting back on the field Sunday against the Vikings. Mixon still has several days to clear the protocol, but he will ultimately have to do so in order to play in Week 15.

The Seahawks signed Fowler to their practice squad Tuesday, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com reports.

Fowler made the Titans' 53-man roster out of training camp as the team's sole fullback, but after his usage declined in recent weeks, Tennessee decided to cut him a few days ago. The Seahawks apparently see some potential in Fowler as a lead blocker and could look to bring him aboard their roster if head coach Pete Carroll cites a need for a fullback over the team's final three regular-season contests. Tre Madden (calf), who had served as Seattle's only fullback earlier in the campaign, was placed on injured reserve in early November and was never replaced.

Conner ran for six yards on two carries during Sunday's 39-38 win over Baltimore.

Conner maintains his No. 2 role in Pittsburgh's offense, but the disparity is considerable. Le'Veon Bell racked up 80 snaps to Conner's seven on Sunday. As a consequence, the rookie isn't as valued as most No. 2 backs in the league. He's tallied five touches just once this season and hasn't topped 20 total yards in a game since Week 4.