NFL Player News

Mixon (concussion) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Geoff Hobson of the Bengals' official site reports.

While added context is required to get a better read regarding how close Mixon is to being medically cleared in advance of Sunday's game against the Vikings, his limited practice participation Sunday is nonetheless a positive indicator with regard to his Week 15 availability.

Mixon (concussion) was spotted at practice Thursday, Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

After not practicing Wednesday, Mixon was sporting his helmet and jersey at Thursday's session, which represents a step in the right direction for the running back as Sunday's game against the Vikings approaches. We'll circle back on Mixon's status later Thursday to see how the Bengals list his level of practice participation.

Coach Sean Payton said Thursday that the expectation is for Kamara (concussion) to play Sunday against the Jets.

The running back already cleared a major hurdle by logging a full practice Wednesday, but concrete news with reference to Kamara clearing the NFL's concussion protocol has yet to arrive. That said, Payton seems quite confident that Kamara will gain clearance, but fantasy players should stay tuned for an official announcement before deploying the back in Week 15 lineups.

Grant (shoulder) was a full participant at the Jaguars' practice Wednesday.

Grant suffered the injury in Sunday's win over the Seahawks but was able to return to the game. The injury appears to have been minor, given the 25-year-old's return to practice, and he should have his special teams-oriented role against the Texans on Sunday.

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.