NFL Player News

Williams (quad/ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Williams seems to be healthier than last week, which he kicked off with back-to-back DNPs before practicing in a limited capacity Friday. After getting the all-clear to play Sunday against the Giants, he earned 16 carries and three targets on his 33 offensive snaps, racking up 65 yards from scrimmage in the process. Williams still hasn't reached the end zone since Week 1, but an upcoming matchup with the Seahawks, who have allowed the eighth-most TDs (14) to running backs this season, could be just what the doctor ordered.

Patterson (hip) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Patterson landed on last week's injury report with the same hip injury and ended up catching one of two targets for seven yards in Monday's 19-10 loss to the Eagles. His decreased role seemingly was a result of Amari Cooper's (ankle) return to the lineup, rather than as a byproduct of the hip injury.

Williams (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

If Williams is able to return for Sunday's season finale against the Dolphins -- which is not a lock -- he would presumably work in a complementary role behind Kenyan Drake. He's been inactive for each of the Dolphins' last four games with the dislocated shoulder.

Gillislee missed practice Wednesday with a knee issue, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

It remains to be seen if Gillislee's absence from practice Wednesday was maintenance-related or if the knee injury is legitimately something that could impact his status for the Week 17 game against the Jets. If Gillislee is available Sunday, it's not hard to imagine him remaining involved in the Patriots' ground game behind Dion Lewis, given that Rex Burkhead (knee) looks questionable at best for the contest and James White (ankle) is also banged up.

Hunt (shoulder) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hunt sprained his shoulder during last week's victory over the Dolphins. However, his full availability for Wednesday's practice suggests the injury was relatively minor and puts him firmly on track to play in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Broncos. It's possible he could see some carries on offense if the postseason-bound Chiefs rest their starters, since they having nothing to gain by winning.

Henry is in line for a featured role Sunday against the Jaguars, Paul Kuharsky of 104.5 The Zone Nashville reports.

While the Titans haven't yet ruled co-lead back DeMarco Murray (knee) out for Week 17, it doesn't seem especially likely that the veteran will be able to play through a torn MCL. With Murray facing the prospect of his first absence since joining the Titans, his backfield mate could get a chance to lead the way without significant competition. No. 3 running back David Fluellen has just four carries and zero targets this season, with most of his usage coming on special teams. Henry should be able to handle a three-down role, as he's at least appeared competent with his very limited opportunities in the passing game, hauling in 23 of 30 targets for 207 yards in 30 career appearances. Of course, he will have to contend with an impressive Jacksonville defense that has toughened up against the run in the second half of the season, though it's possible the Jaguars rest key players at some point before the end of the game.

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett confirmed that Elliott would play Sunday against the Eagles, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Elliott's return from a six-game suspension Week 16 against the Seahawks wasn't enough for the Cowboys to avoid a loss, which officially eliminated Dallas from playoff contention. Though the team has little at stake in Week 17, head coach Jason Garrett evidently wants the Cowboys to close the season on a high note, so the team's key contributors will suit up like usual. Despite his lengthy absence, Elliott didn't exhibit any noticeable rust against Seattle, producing 118 yards on 28 touches (four receptions). Expect the running back to enjoy another hefty workload Sunday.

Mixon (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

After missing the previous two games with a concussion, Mixon returned for Sunday's 26-17 win over the Lions, only to be forced out with an ankle injury midway through the first quarter. Giovani Bernard played more than 80 percent of the snaps on offense for a third straight week as a result, ultimately notching his first 100-yard rushing game since Week 2 of the 2015 season. Bernard likely would take on another huge workload -- albeit against a much tougher opponent -- if Mixon were to miss Sunday's season finale in Baltimore.

Gordon (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said he considers the running back day-to-day, which meshes with Gordon's own optimism that he'll be able to play through the injury Sunday against the Raiders. He wore a walking boot in the aftermath of the Week 16 win over the Jets, but further testing nonetheless confirmed that he's merely dealing with a sprained left ankle. With the swelling already subsiding to a significant degree as of Wednesday, Gordon hopes to be available for a game that the Chargers need to win to have any hope of securing a wild-card berth. Branden Oliver likely would handle a heavy workload if Gordon were to miss the contest, as Austin Ekeler (hand) will presumably be limited to special teams for a second straight week. The early week optimism likely will taper off if Gordon doesn't manage to practice in some capacity Thursday and/or Friday.

Gillislee (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Per the report, Gillislee's knee was wrapped in ice following Sunday's win over the Bills, so it looks as though he could be managing that issue. Also absent from practice Wednesday was fellow running back Rex Burkhead (knee), who Gilleslee helped replace against Buffalo. Dressing for the first time in seven games, Gillislee finished that contest with six carries for 28 yards and a touchdown and gained 15 yards on his lone reception.