NFL Player News

Anderson (ankle) did not practice Thursday.

The same applies to fellow RB Ronnie Hillman, with coach Gary Kubiak noting encouragingly Thursday that that both backs are candidates to return to practice Friday. "The expectations are for [Hillman] and C.J. to be full participants [Friday]. We'll see," Kubiak said, adding that if the duo does well Friday, they would both be in position to suit up Sunday against the Raiders. In the event that one or both are limited this weekend, however, Juwan Thompson would be next up for carries in the Denver backfield.

Hillman (foot) did not practice Thursday.

Nor did fellow RB C.J. Anderson, with the report noting that Hillman did "a little bit" of work during the walk-through period prior to Thursday's practice, per coach Gary Kubiak. On the plus side, Kubiak also noted that both backs are candidates to return to practice in some capacity Friday, which suggests that either player, or both, could potentially suit up Sunday against the Raiders.

Mathews (concussion/groin) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Mathews was slated to meet with an independent neurologist Tuesday, but the fact that he was contained to individual drills Wednesday signaled his continued residence in the concussion protocol. With a return in full Thursday, though, he appears to have cleared the final hurdle, which would leave the Eagles with an even more crowded backfield Sunday against the Bills. If he returns from a three-game absence, he'll have to contend with fellow backs DeMarco Murray, Darren Sproles, and perhaps even Kenjon Barner (ankle) for touches.

Hillman (foot) did not practice Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.

On the plus side, coach Gary Kubiak noted that he expected Hillman to practice some on Thursday, which could put Hillman slightly ahead of fellow running back C.J. Anderson, who is viewed as day-to-day after missing practice Wednesday as well.

Anderson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.

Nor did fellow RB Ronnie Hillman (foot), with coach Gary Kubiak calling Anderson "day-to-day," while adding that he expects Hillman to practice some Thursday. Per Troy Renck of the Denver Post, Anderson "remains hopeful (his) ankle will be fine" for Sunday's game against the Raiders, but in any case, the running back's status is clearly worth tracking in advance of that contest following Wednesday's missed practice session.

Hightower is in line for an elevated workload after Mark Ingram (shoulder) landed on injured reserve Wednesday.

The Saints have been flirting with Hightower since inking him to a deal in January, releasing him two times in September before signing him for good on Nov. 2. Active for each of the team's games in the meantime, he actually spelled Ingram in Week 10 when he was knocked out for a time, notching 11 carries for 46 yards. Hightower's subsequent usage over C.J. Spiller this past Sunday implies that he'll be given the first shot to replace Ingram for the season's final four contests.

Mathews (concussion/groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Mathews made some progress with his concussion Monday after passing a baseline test, but his meeting with an independent neurologist Tuesday doesn't appear to have yielded the desired result. As the week continues, he'll have additional chances to prove his health, yet he still has some steps to take to complete his passage through the protocol for head injuries.

Ellington (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Vikings, Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 Phoenix reports.

Ellington's inability to practice since sustaining a turf toe injury in Week 12 should have tipped owners off, but the running back won't be available for the second game in a row. On a positive note, head coach Bruce Arians relayed Wednesday that Ellington may be able to return on Dec. 20 in Philadelphia. In any case, David Johnson will again be the Cardinals' workhorse RB on Thursday, with Stepfan Taylor (shoulder) and Kerwynn Williams providing support.

Sims was in on 22 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Sims once again played second fiddle in the backfield to starter Doug Martin, who received his second-highest total of carries on the season. However, the second-year pro was highly efficient with his nine touches, collecting his second-best total of yards on the ground (56) in 2015, and adding another 21 in receptions. Sims and Martin have been working perfectly in concert all season, and both backs have luckily avoided the injury bug.

Martin was in on 49 snaps in Tampa's Week 13 victory over the Falcons, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The contract-year tailback ran decisively all afternoon long against a Falcons front seven that has only given up 3.8 yards per carry this season. Martin was a true workhorse on the afternoon, and received six consecutive carries to open the game. The 26-year-old is now averaging an outstanding 5.0 yards per rush on the season, career-best total.