NFL Player News

Hubbard (calf/knee) has been placed on IR by the Panthers, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Hubbard, who was limited at practice Friday, was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. However, after practice Hubbard noted that he was dealing with some pain, and an MRI Friday night revealed a Grade 2 calf strain. With Hubbard sidelined for Carolina's final two games, Raheem Blackshear, as well as practice squad members Mike Boone and Emani Bailey, are next up for the team's backfield work. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Blackshear and Boone (pending his elevation) are likely to share RB duties versus Tampa Bay.

With Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) on track to be placed on IR ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Boone is a candidate to share backfield work with Raheem Blackshear, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Apart from Hubbard, Blackshear is currently the only other running back on the Panthers' 53-man roster, but Boone and Emani Bailey are on the team's practice squad, and are thus candidates for elevation ahead of Week 17 action. Per Schefter, Blackshear and Boone appear likely to share backfield work versus Tampa Bay, a context that makes Boone a potential lineup dart for those in need of RB help down the stretch.

Blackshear is expected to see added work during the Panthers' final two regular season games with Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) set to be placed on injured reserve Saturday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Blackshear is currently the only other running back on the Panthers' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, but Mike Boone and Emani Bailey are on the team's practice squad. Blackshear and Boone will most likely to share backfield work in Week 17, though to what extent is unclear.

The Panthers are expected to place Hubbard -- who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers -- on injured reserve due to a calf and knee injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero report.

Per Pelissero, the injury that is slated to lead to the anticipated roster move is not considered major, but the 4-11 Panthers, who are not in playoff contention, don't want to make it worse. In Hubbard's looming absence for the team's final two games, Raheem Blackshear is on track to see an expanded role, with Mike Boone and Emani Bailey candidates to be elevated from Carolina's practice squad.

Conner (knee) is expected to play Saturday night against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Along with Rapoport's report, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com indicated Friday that Conner -- who is officially listed as questionable after being deemed a limited practice participant Tuesday through Thursday -- was trending in the right direction ahead of the contest. In any case, confirmation of the running back's Week 17 status will arrive once the Cardinals' inactives are revealed prior to the team's 8:10 ET kickoff.

Badie (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bengals, Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post reports.

Badie was originally listed as questionable for Sunday's contest after practicing in full all week. However, the Missouri product has been downgraded to out and will remain on injured reserve through Week 17. With Badie now officially ruled out, the Broncos' running back room will likely consist of Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson.

Guerendo (foot/hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Friday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Guerendo now has managed back-to-back capped sessions to kick off Week 17 prep as he looks to put foot and hamstring injuries further in the rearview mirror. He sat out the 49ers' Week 16 loss at Miami due to the health concerns, and Saturday's practice report may provide a sense of his odds to return to action Monday against the Lions. If he's cleared for that contest, Guerendo likely will slot back in as the 49ers' lead runner over Patrick Taylor.

Shipley (concussion) won't play Sunday against the Cowboys.

Shipley suffered a concussion last Sunday against the Commanders and hasn't been able to clear the NFL's five-step protocol. He's logged only one snap on offense over his past six games, so Shipley's absence will mostly impact the special-teams unit. Philadelphia signed Lew Nichols to the practice squad Thursday, and he could be elevated to provide running-back depth against Dallas.

Laube (illness) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Laube popped up on the injury report when he didn't practice due to an illness Thursday, but the rookie running back logged a limited session Friday and appears set to take the field Sunday. He'll likely see most -- or all -- of his work as a kick returner, as Laube has gotten only one offensive snap this season.

Kamara (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Raiders.

Kamara wasn't able to practice this week due to an adductor injury and thus will miss a second consecutive game. Without Kamara's services Monday at Green Bay, Jordan Mims actually led the Saints backfield in snap share (45 percent) to Kendre Miller's 39 percent and Jamaal Williams' 18 percent. However, Miller's 10 touches went for 31 yards, Mims' nine touches equated to 32 yards, and Williams' three carries resulted in eight yards. Kamara has one more chance Week 18 at Tampa Bay to make an appearance this season.