NFL Player News

Johnson (concussion) was a full participant at Thursday's walkthrough.

Johnson has kicked off Week 16 with back-to-back full sessions, though the Bears have yet to announce that he's fully cleared the NFL's concussion protocol. The final step Johnson will have to progress through involves consultation with an independent neurologist. Johnson seems to be trending in the right direction for Sunday's divisional contest against the Lions, but he'll require full clearance in order to retake the field.

The 49ers are not expected to have Guerendo (hamstring) available for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Guerendo missed Wednesday's practice session due to a new hamstring injury, and Schefter's reporting makes it seem as though he'll be officially listed as a non-participant again Thursday. The rookie fourth-round pick managed to play through a foot sprain during last Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams, in which he rushed 16 times for 57 yards and brought in all four targets for 18 yards, handling all of San Francisco's running back touches. Head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't yet commented on Guerendo's status for Week 16, but if he's indeed sidelined on the road against Miami, Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda and practice-squad player Ke'Shawn Vaughn will be next up for backfield reps.

Ford is expected to serve as the Browns' lead running back for the final three games of the season after Nick Chubb was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, Patrick Warren of the team's official site reports.

Ford stepped in for Chubb during last week's loss to the Chiefs and contributed his best effort of the season with 84 yards on seven carries, including a 62-yard touchdown scamper. Cleveland not only will have a new lead back Sunday against the Bengals, but the offense will also feature a new starting quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Given the relative inexperience of Thompson-Robinson, the offensive game plan may initially lean on Ford and the ground game. Ford should also see some use on passing downs, though Pierre Strong is capable of spelling him in those situations.

Charbonnet didn't practice Wednesday due to an oblique injury, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Charbonnet joined fellow running back Kenneth Walker (calf) as a non-participant to begin Week 16 prep, placing a cloud over the Seahawks backfield ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings. Kenny McIntosh is the only healthy player at the position on Seattle's active roster, and how Charbonnet and Walker fare in practices Thursday and Friday likely will determine who may be the team's primary rusher this weekend.

Walker (calf) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

Walker is seeking his first practice reps since Dec. 4 as he continues with his recovery from a calf injury that has sidelined him the last two games. Fellow running back Zach Charbonnet also didn't practice Wednesday due to an oblique issue, so Kenny McIntosh currently is the healthiest member of the backfield on the Seahawks' active roster. Practices on Thursday and Friday likely will be telling for who among the trio may be the team's primary runner Sunday versus the Vikings.

Irving (back/hip) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Irving has been playing through a few health concerns for some time now, but he hasn't been inactive yet in his rookie season. He's also recorded two 100-yard efforts on the ground over the last three games, including a 17-touch, 113-yard performance in this past Sunday's win over the Chargers. In the end, Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not Irving enters Sunday's contest in Dallas with a designation.

Davis was a limited participant in practice Wednesday due to a back injury, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Davis and Braelon Allen were both limited by back injuries Wednesday. Even if both rookies are cleared for Sunday's game against the Rams, the majority of touches in the Jets backfield will likely go to Breece Hall, who was a full participant Wednesday.

Allen (back) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Allen's ability to practice in any capacity is a good sign after he was unable to finish this past Sunday's 32-25 win over the Jaguars. Fellow backup running back Isaiah Davis (back) was also limited Wednesday, while Breece Hall practiced without limitations. Now that Hall seems to be over the knee injury that cost him Week 14 and likely played a factor in his limited workload Week 15, Allen and Davis could both see only light touches even if they play Sunday against the Rams.

The Saints signed Edwards-Helaire to the practice squad Wednesday.

Alvin Kamara came out of this past Sunday's loss to the Commanders with an adductor injury, which is clouding his availability for a Week 16 road matchup with the Packers. If Kamara cedes reps to others Monday night, Kendre Miller likely would get the first chance to handle early-down work, but Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims, practice-squad member Xazavian Valladay and now Edwards-Helaire would be candidates for work.

Hasty (ankle) was a DNP for Wednesday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hasty played 10 snaps (two on offense, eight on special teams) during this past Sunday's 30-17 loss to Arizona and finished with 24 kick return yards. However, the fifth-year running back appears to have come out of that contest worse for wear with an ankle injury, which had him sidelined for Wednesday's practice. Hasty's practice participation over the next two days will dictate his chances of playing against Buffalo on Sunday.