NFL Player News

Mattison (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

Mattison's full participation in practice to kick off Week 15 prep clears the way for him to put an end to his three-game absence Monday against the Falcons, but he'll likely find himself in a smaller role than he enjoyed prior to missing time with the ankle injury. Per Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site, head coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday that Sincere McCormick will remain the team's starting running back moving forward, which likely means Mattison will see a reduction in the 9.7 carries per game he had averaged for the season before suffering the injury. McCormick hasn't shown much prowess as a receiver, however, so Mattison could be called upon to replace him on passing downs after averaging a healthy 9.8 yards per reception prior to his recent absence.

Demercado (back) didn't practice Thursday, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Demercado has yet to take part in drills this week due to a lingering back injury that limited him during the entirety of Week 13 prep. His lack of activity this time around may be maintenance related, but his status is one to monitor to see if he could be in danger of missing Sunday's game versus the Patriots. If Demercado is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, rookie Trey Benson would be the Cardinals' unquestioned No. 2 RB behind starter James Conner.

The 49ers elevated Vaughn from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Thursday's game versus the Rams.

Vaughn got in the mix this past Sunday against the Bears when Isaac Guerendo exited early due to a foot sprain. All three of Vaughn's offensive snaps occurred in garbage time with San Francisco holding a massive lead, resulting in two carries for four yards. Guerendo's status for Week 15 remained in limbo until earlier Thursday, when Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the running back "feels good" and intends to play versus L.A. If Guerendo is able to suit up, he likely would pace the team's backfield, with Patrick Taylor and then Vaughn the pecking order behind him.

Hall (knee) didn't practice Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Though Hall did make an appearance in the injury rehab area, per Cimini, this marks the fifth straight practice that the running back has missed. Friday's final injury report will relay whether Hall has any chance to face the Jaguars on Sunday, but if he remains unavailable for the contest, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis would be in line to split the Jets' backfield duties Week 15.

Kamara (illness) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kamara now has opened Week 15 prep with back-to-back absences due to an illness, giving him just one more chance to mix into drills before the weekend. Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not he's tagged with a designation for Sunday's game against the Commanders. Behind Kamara, Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams are the next players up in the Saints backfield.

Blackshear (chest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Blackshear was unable to practice in any capacity Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see his activity level increase. With Jonathon Brooks (knee - ACL) done for the year, Blackshear could see increased depth opportunities behind starter Chuba Hubbard if he's able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Jones was limited at Thursday's walkthrough due to a back injury.

Jones has been listed with hip, hamstring, chest and rib issues at various points this season, but he has yet to miss a game after averaging 2.7 absences per campaign in his seven seasons with the Packers. In the end, though, his status will be monitored in the coming days to ensure he'll be available Monday against the Bears.

Pollard (ankle) isn't practicing Thursday, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Pollard has now sat out both of the Titans' first two Week 15 practices, making his activity (or lack thereof) in Friday's session important with respect to determining his status for Sunday's game against the Bengals. The 27-year-old has suited up in all 13 of the Titans' contest to date, but if Pollard is forced to miss his first game of the season Sunday, Tyjae Spears would likely have a path to double-digit touches out of the backfield.

Homer (head) is listed as a full participant in Thursday's walkthrough practice.

Homer was forced off the field during Sunday's loss to the 49ers due to a head injury, but it appears he's now fully recovered. With D'Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (concussion) both listed as non-participants Thursday, Homer's availability as a backfield depth option may be key heading into Monday's divisional road matchup against the Vikings.

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

Johnson has been a listed DNP since sustaining a concussion during a Thanksgiving day loss at Detroit, sitting out Week 14 at San Francisco so far. With no activity to speak of yet, he clearly hasn't made much progress through the protocol for head injuries. Meanwhile, fellow RB D'Andre Swift (groin) also was a non-participant Thursday, and Travis Homer (head) was listed as full. Consequently, the state of the Bears backfield remains in flux ahead of Monday's game in Minnesota.