NFL Player News

Ekeler (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the Jets.

If Ekeler does take the field Week 16, a large club will be protecting the broken ring finger on his left hand. As such, his pass-catching viability is more or less not an option, making him a candidate to receive the occasional carry or two behind Melvin Gordon. More than likely, though, Ekeler will uphold his status as a gunner on the punt team. The preceding is assuming he bypasses his status as a game-time decision and avoids the inactive list Sunday.

Williams (quadriceps) appears to be practicing Friday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

With Williams absent from the prior two practices, it appeared the Cardinals might need to lean on Elijhaa Penny as their lead runner for Sunday's game against the Giants. Williams' return to practice Friday at least gives him a shot to play, though it's still quite possible he's no better than a game-time decision. Another update will be available Friday afternoon when the Cardinals release their final injury report.

Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Williams' absence of late has led to Kenyan Drake seeing added work in the Miami backfield, an assignment that Drake has handled well. Assuming Williams is inactive Sunday, Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith will be on hand to back up Drake.

Perine (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Perine and LeShun Daniels (broken hand) both suffered injuries Thursday, leaving Kapri Bibbs as the lone running back available for Friday's practice. With Daniels out for the season and Perine seemingly on the wrong side of the 'questionable' tag, the Redskins figure to promote Dare Ogunbowale from the practice squad before Sunday. Should Perine end up missing the game, Bibbs might be asked to handle a three-down role, albeit against a stingy Denver defense.

Daniels fractured his hand during Thursday's practice and will miss the rest of the season, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

With starting running back Samaje Perine listed as questionable with a groin injury, Daniels might have landed in a key role for Sunday's game against the Broncos if he hadn't injured his hand. The undrafted rookie has plenty of time to get healthy for the start of the offseason program, but there's no guarantee the Redskins even keep him around that long. The team already has four running backs on injured reserve, led by Chris Thompson (leg) and Rob Kelley (ankle).

Perine (groin) and teammate LeShun Daniels (illness) both missed Friday's practice, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Perine injured his groin Thursday and wasn't able to finish practice. His continued absence Friday suggests he's in serious danger of missing Sunday's game against the Broncos, potentially leaving Kapri Bibbs as the Week 16 starter. With Daniels also absent, Bibbs was the only running back on the field at Friday's practice.

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.