NFL Player News

Benson (ankle) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Benson failed to practice at all last week due to an ankle issue before being ruled out ahead of Sunday's 36-30 overtime loss to Carolina on the final injury report, so his ability to take part in Tuesday's walk-through session in a limited fashion followed by a capped practice one day later has given him a chance to return to action Saturday at the Rams. Starting back James Conner (knee) has followed the same practice regimen this week, so their respective listings on Thursday's report may shed light on who might lead the backfield Week 17. Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the healthy options at the position on the active roster.

Conner (knee) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

In the wake of hurting his knee this past Sunday in Carolina, Conner has taken part in Tuesday's walk-through session as a limited participant and was limited once again in practice a day later. Conner's practice regimen has been mimicked by his top backup Trey Benson (ankle), making Thursday's practice a vital one in determining whether either or both running backs will carry designations into Saturday's game at the Rams. If Conner is active this weekend, he likely would retain his role as Arizona's lead runner. Aside from Conner and Benson, Michael Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the healthy backs on the active roster.

Ali won't return to Wednesday's game at Houston due to a hip injury.

With Justice Hill (concussion) sidelined Wednesday, Ali got the first running-back touch that didn't go to starter Derrick Henry, but that carry went for minus-3 yards. Ali's only other contribution prior to exiting with the hip injury was a 23-yard return on the opening kickoff. Ali will have plenty of time to recover for the Ravens' regular-season finale, which will fall either Jan. 4 or 5 against the Browns.

McLaughlin (quadricep) practiced fully Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

McLaughlin was inactive for this past Thursday's loss to the Chargers, but the running back's return to full practice participation Wednesday paves the way for him to return to action Sunday against the Bengals. He'll rejoin a Denver backfield that also includes Javonte Williams and Audric Estime, which sets up a potential timeshare that makes McLaughlin a touchdown-dependent fantasy option for Week 17.

Homer (hamstring) has been ruled out for Chicago's matchup versus the Seahawks on Thursday.

Homer is set to miss his second straight matchup due to a hamstring injury after having sat out the team's Week 16 loss versus the Lions. In his absence, Darrynton Evans will serve as the team's No. 3 running back behind D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

Charbonnet (elbow) doesn't carry a designation and is expected to start Thursday at Chicago with Kenneth Walker (ankle) ruled out for the game, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Walker thus will be inactive for a third time in four games, affording Charbonnet his third starting nod during that stretch. When Walker was sidelined Weeks 14 and 15 due to a calf injury, Charbonnet paced the Seahawks backfield to the tune of 38 touches for 259 yards from scrimmage and three rushing touchdowns. Reserve Kenny McIntosh also got in the act during those two games, tallying 54 total yards on 12 touches.

Hunt took nine carries for 20 yards and a touchdown with no targets as a receiver in Wednesday's 29-10 win over the Steelers.

Hunt finished as the Chiefs' leading rusher after starter Isiah Pacheco (ribs) was knocked out of the contest in the first half. The veteran backup struggled to move the ball against Pittsburgh's stout interior defense, but he rewarded fantasy managers with his second touchdown in as many games. The severity of Pacheco's injury is still unclear, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him be held out of the Chiefs' Week 18 game against the Denver after Kansas City clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs with Wednesday's win. Hunt could see a slight boost in projections if Pacheco sits out next weekend, though the Chiefs could also look to limit Hunt's usage to some degree with little at stake in the regular-season finale.

Pollard (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Pollard didn't practice at all last week due to the ankle injury before approaching this past Sunday's loss to the Colts listed as questionable. The running back was able to suit up for the contest, but he played a season-low 39 percent of the offensive snaps and carried eight times for 35 yards to go with two receptions for five yards on four targets. With no reported setbacks coming out of that contest, Pollard's lack of participation Wednesday could be maintenance-related.

Walker (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's game at Chicago, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Walker returned from a two-game absence due to a calf injury this past Sunday against the Vikings, but he suffered an ankle issue in the second half and finished Week 16 with 16 touches for 59 yards from scrimmage. Now that the Seahawks have made a decision on his availability for Week 17 action, Walker again will hand off the Seahawks backfield to Zach Charbonnet, who reeled off 259 total yards and three rushing touchdowns on 38 touches when Walker was out Weeks 14 and 15.

Kamara (groin) was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice report.

Kamara hasn't practiced since suffering an adductor injury during a Week 15 loss to the Commanders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi told Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football on Tuesday that Kamara will attempt to return this season, but it's unclear how much of a chance the running back has to play Sunday versus the Raiders. Kamara likely will need to mix into at least some drills Thursday and/or Friday to put himself on a path to do so. Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims will represent the Saints' backfield options for Week 17 if Kamara isn't able to play.