NFL Player News

Rodgers (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

On Monday, head coach Dirk Koetter noted Rodgers may be a participant in practice this week because he viewed the running back working outside with the training staff. Recovering from a sprained foot, Rodgers may take it slow in order to avoid a setback. As a result, he could enter the weekend as something akin to a game-time decision. If active Sunday against the Seahawks, he would act as Doug Martin's backup, capping his potential.

Jones is poised to be a healthy scratch yet again Thursday in Dallas.

There's been no indication that the Redskins intend to turn away from Rob Kelley, who as a workhorse has received 20 or more carries in three consecutive games. With Chris Thompson serving as the pass-catching back and Mack Brown manning special teams -- the latter isn't part of Jones' repertoire -- Jones should be included on Washington's inactive list for a third straight week.

Gillislee left Wednesday's practice early with a hamstring injury.

He'll be listed as limited by the Bills, with his status now worth monitoring in conjunction with fellow RB LeSean McCoy, who is bouncing back from a thumb procedure.

Sims (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, opening his 21-day window for activation from injured reserve, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Sims was always the most logical of Tampa Bay's IR members to make another appearance this season, but when (or if) he does, he'll take on his normal change-of-pace role behind Doug Martin. In four games this season, Sims offset 2.8 yards per carry with 14 receptions (on 19 targets) for 112 yards. His first opportunity to play again will be Dec. 11 against the Saints.

Johnson (groin) won't return this season, as the Cardinals have cleared Tyvon Branch (groin) to practice, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Among players placed on injured reserve, each team can designate just one for activation, and the Cardinals have made their choice due to need. With David Johnson regularly churning out 100 yards from scrimmage on a weekly basis, the elder Johnson would merely be an accessory, while Branch would bolster the back end of the defense. An unrestricted free agent in the offseason, Chris Johnson may have played his last down with the Cardinals.

At this point, Mathews (knee) is viewed as more of a question mark for Monday night's game against the Packers than fellow RB Darren Sproles (ribs), Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Per Philly.com, Mathews -- who won't practice Wednesday -- is "day-to-day" with an MCL issue in his right knee. Meanwhile, Sproles won't practice either Wednesday, as a precaution, per Berman. If either Mathews or Sproles is out or limited Monday night, Wendell Smallwood would presumably be in line for an uptick in work.

Mathews (knee) will not practice Wednesday.

Mathews is considered day-to-day with his knee injury -- which bodes well for his long-term status -- but his setback will prevent him from taking the field Wednesday. He will have an extra day to recover with the Eagles playing Monday night in Week 12, but his week is not off to a promising start. The Eagles' running back situation is in limbo this week with both Mathews and Darren Sproles (ribs) banged up, and it will likely be a day or two before the situation becomes clearer. Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner are candidates for more snaps if either or both of Mathews and Sproles is unable to play Monday.

Ellington carried the ball five times for 21 yards and added two receiving yards in Sunday's loss to Minnesota.

The six touches tied a season high for Ellington and his 23 yards were two off his season-high mark. It's the bleak reality of playing behind one of the league's most dominant backs. So long as David Johnson keeps rolling, don't expect Ellington to turn it around.

Abdullah underwent a scheduled checkup on his left foot Tuesday, which apparently "went well," Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Abdullah has been out of commission since suffering an unknown but serious foot injury in Week 2. What "went well" Tuesday remains to be seen, but until he's given clearance to practice, it's unclear if the Lions are keen to use their one designated-to-return spot on the running back. In the meantime, head coach Jim Caldwell will continue to rely on the tandem of Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington out of the backfield.

The Chargers claimed Hillman off waivers Tuesday, Ricky Henne of the team's official site reports.

After Dexter McCluster broke his forearm in a freak incident at his residence on Nov. 4, the offense was able to get by with Melvin Gordon powering the rushing attack in the Chargers' two games before a Week 11 bye. Upon reconvening this week, Hillman has been brought in to bolster the RB ranks but will contend with Kenneth Farrow for slotting behind Gordon. Notably, running backs not named Gordon have cobbled together just 6.8 touches per outing this season, so Hillman will be hard-pressed to make an impact on his third squad since the preseason kicked off.