NFL Player News

Jones (quadricep) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

His ability to practice in any fashion to begin Week 18 prep essentially confirms that the quad injury he suffered during Sunday's 27-25 win over Green Bay is minor. Jones missed the entire fourth quarter, leaving Cam Akers and Ty Chandler to split backfield work in what ended up being a close game after the Packers scored 15 unanswered points late in the contest. With Sunday's game against Detroit determining the No. 2 seed in the NFC, it's safe to assume Jones will give it a go if at all possible.

Ali (hip) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Ali suffered a hip injury during the Ravens' Christmas Day win over the Texans. Given his ability to practice in full Wednesday after logging a limited session Tuesday, the rookie fifth-round pick is trending toward being available for Saturday's regular-season finale against the Browns.

Edwards (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Edwards missed the Chargers' final two practices last week due to the ankle issue and then didn't end up playing in Saturday's 40-7 win over the Patriots. It's not clear how serious the injury is, but the veteran running back will likely need to practice in some capacity by the end of this week in order to have a realistic chance of suiting up Sunday versus Las Vegas. Edwards' absence last weekend was soothed by the return of J.K. Dobbins, who was activated off injured reserve and reclaimed his role as Los Angeles' No. 1 running back.

Spears (concussion) didn't participate in Wednesday's walk-through practice, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

On Monday, head coach Brian Callahan noted that he wasn't optimistic about Spears' chances of playing in Week 18 against the Texans, after the running back left this past Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jaguars upon suffering his second concussion in under two months. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard (ankle) -- who was inactive in Week 17 -- was limited in practice Wednesday. If neither Spears nor Pollard are available versus Houston this weekend, Julius Chestnut would be in line to see an expanded role, with Joshua Kelley and Jabari Small offering added depth out of the backfield.

Miller (concussion) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice.

Miller made an early exit from this past Sunday's loss to the Raiders due to a concussion, and his lack of activity to begin Week 18 prep indicates he hasn't made much progress through the five-step protocol. The Saints' top running back, Alvin Kamara, also didn't practice Wednesday due to a lingering adductor issue, leaving Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims and practice-squad member Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the healthy options at the position at the moment.

Pollard was listed as a limited participant during Tennessee's walk-through practice Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Tyjae Spears (concussion) is unlikely to play Week 18 against the Texans, though head coach Brian Callahan suggested that Pollard has a greater chance to suiting up in Sunday's season finale. Callahan mentioned Wednesday that Pollard hopes to return after missing Week 17, with the running back having some added motivation in the form of $250,000 incentives for 1,100 rushing yards or seven rushing touchdowns. Pollard has amassed 1,017 yards and five scores on the ground in 15 games, with his average of 4.3 yards per carry being impressive in light of the dismal state of Tennessee's offense.

Ekeler (concussion) was a full participant in his return to practice Wednesday.

After being designated for return from the injured reserve earlier Wednesday, Ekeler took the practice field for the first time since Week 12, and his lack of restrictions indicate that he's likely cleared concussion protocol. Ekeler may still need to get back in playing shape after missing the Commanders' last four games, and even if he's added back to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Cowboys, he may be in store for just a small role out of the backfield. A win this Sunday will earn Washington the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs and a first-round matchup with the Rams or Buccaneers, while a loss could drop Washington to the No. 7 seed -- if Green Bay beats Chicago -- and would set the Commanders up for a more challenging wild-card round matchup with the Eagles.

Irving was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice due to shoulder and shin injuries.

Irving hasn't been a stranger to Buccaneers injury reports in his rookie season, but he's yet to miss a game. With his 113-yard effort on the ground in this past Sunday's win over the Panthers, he reached 1,000 rushing yards on the campaign. Assuming his current health concerns don't hold him back, he'll aim to build upon his 1,420 yards from scrimmage and seven rushing touchdowns in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Saints.

The Cardinals signed Carter off the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

Arizona placed its top two running backs, James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle), on injured reserve over the last two days, necessitating at least one promotion to the active roster. Carter has received ample playing time the past two games, racking up 25 touches for 129 yards from scrimmage and no touchdowns. He'll likely serve as the team's No. 1 back Sunday against the 49ers, while DeeJay Dallas handles change-of-pace work out of the backfield.

The Cardinals placed Conner (knee) on injured reserve Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.

In the last two days, Arizona has placed its top two running backs on IR, with rookie third-round pick Trey Benson (ankle) getting deactivated Tuesday. Conner thus will finish the 2024 campaign with 283 touches for 1,508 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns in 16 games. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed Michael Carter off the practice squad, and he likely will lead the backfield Sunday against the 49ers while DeeJay Dallas plays a complementary role.