NFL Player News

Mitchell (illness) was limited at practice Thursday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Mitchell wasn't able to mix into drills Wednesday due to an illness, so his return in some capacity one day later is a step in the right direction as the 49ers prepare for Sunday's game against the Rams. The team will be without at least quarterback Brock Purdy (coach's decision) and running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) in that contest, which may lead to a more run-based focus with backup Sam Darnold under center. A healthy Mitchell would be a candidate to be the primary beneficiary, and if he's able to suit up he could be San Francisco's lead runner over Jordan Mason and practice-squad member Tyrion Davis-Price, if the latter is elevated. In five appearances since the team's Week 9 bye, Mitchell has averaged 4.6 yards on his 39 carries.

Walker (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.

After missing Wednesday's session due to a lingering shoulder injury, Walker was able to get back on the practice field one day later, which didn't happen until last Friday ahead of this past Sunday's game against the Steelers. This seems to confirm coach Pete Carroll's comments to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times on Wednesday that Walker is in a better spot this week as opposed to last week. Walker has one more chance to get back to full Friday before the Seahawks potentially give him a designation for Sunday's regular-season finale at Arizona. That said, if he's able to suit up for that contest, he should resume his role as the team's top running back, which has resulted in 131 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD on 30 touches in the two games in which he's played through his current health concern.

Hunt (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday.

Despite making regular appearances on Cleveland injury reports since signing with the team in September, Hunt has played in each of the Browns' last 14 games. He likely would be able to play through the groin issue this Sunday against the Bengals if the Browns had something at stake, but with Cleveland locked into the No. 5 seed, head coach Kevin Stefanski could look to rest several key players in the regular-season finale. It's not yet clear if Hunt will ruled out before Sunday or made inactive for the contest, but even if he isn't, both he and starting running back Jerome Ford could be in store for smaller roles than usual.

Jacobs (quad) remained sidelined at practice Thursday.

The Raiders' top back was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate, with interim head coach Antonio Pierce indicating that he views Jacobs as a game-time decision for Sunday's season finale against Denver. If Jacobs -- who has missed three straight contests -- remains unavailable this weekend, Zamir White once again would lead the team's backfield Week 18.

Dowdle (ankle) practiced in full Thursday, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.

After sitting out Week 17 due to a lingering ankle injury, Dowdle appears set to resume his standing as the Cowboys' No. 2 running back behind starter Tony Pollard on Sunday at Washington, as he has for most of the season. Since the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, Dowdle has turned 61 touches into 248 yards from scrimmage and three total TDs over the last nine games.

Pacheco (quadricep/shoulder) was a limited participant in practice Thursday.

Pacheco didn't practice Wednesday, but his ability to log a capped session a day later indicates that the running back's health is improving ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Chargers. That said, with the Chiefs locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs, the team could opt to limit or sit Pacheco in Week 18. If that occurs, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness), La'Mical Perine and practice-squad member Keaontay Ingram would be candidates to see added backfield opportunities versus Los Angeles.

Cook's agency announced Thursday that the running back will sign with the Ravens ahead of the postseason, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

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Mixon was added to the Bengals' Week 18 injury report after sitting out Thursday's practice with an illness.

If Mixon is able to return to practice Friday as a limited or full participant, it would assuage some of the concern about his availability for Sunday's game against the Browns. However, with Cincinnati already eliminated from postseason contention heading into the Week 18 matchup, Mixon could be subject to a lighter workload than usual Sunday even if the illness is fully behind him. Rookie fifth-round pick Chase Brown has worked in a change-of-pace capacity behind Mixon over the last few weeks, but the Bengals could be motivated to give the Illinois product more reps in an otherwise meaningless season finale in preparation for him taking on a larger role in 2024.

Mostert (knee/ankle) didn't practice Thursday, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports.

Mostert, who sat out this past Sunday's 56-19 loss to the Ravens, has now logged back-to-back DNPs, which sets the stage for what, if anything, he's able to do at Friday's practice to loom large in terms of his Week 18 availability. If Mostert remains sidelined Sunday night against the Bills, De'Von Achane (toe/ribs) would be in line to lead Miami's backfield, with Jeff Wilson and Chris Brooks also in the mix.

Harris (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Harris has been a regular on Pittsburgh's injury reports since the beginning of December due to a knee issue, but he hasn't missed a game and will continue his streak of appearances Saturday in the team's regular-season finale. After practicing fully Thursday, Harris looks poised to enter the weekend without any restrictions. He's coming off his best rushing performance of the season in the Steelers' Week 17 win over the Seahawks this past Sunday, when he carried 27 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He appears to have fully ceded passing-down work to backup Jaylen Warren, however, as Harris has gone three consecutive games without a target.