NFL Player News

Walker (shoulder/illness) didn't participate in Wednesday's walkthrough, John Boyle of the Seahawks' official site reports.

Last week, the Seahawks delayed any on-field work for Walker until Friday, so his lack of activity to begin Week 17 prep isn't a surprise. He was listed with the shoulder issue last week, but he's also tending to an illness in Week 17, which could throw a wrench into his status this time around. In any case, Walker has two more chances this week to put himself on a path to suit up Sunday against the Steelers. While playing through the shoulder issue this past Sunday at Tennessee, he easily paced Seattle's backfield with 17 touches for 56 yards from scrimmage on a 58 percent snap share, with No. 2 back Zach Charbonnet picking up the other 42 percent of plays en route to three touches for minus-4 yards.

Achane (toe) didn't practice Wednesday, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

The rookie running back has been dealing with the toe issue over the last few weeks but has played through it. Achane paced the Miami backfield in playing time in the team's 22-20 win over Dallas on Sunday, seeing action on 55 percent of the snaps while Raheem Mostert's role was reduced as he managed an ankle injury. Achane has handled single-digit carries in each of the last three contests, but he hasn't found the end zone while averaging 4.5 yards over his 23 totes during that stretch.

Harris (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Harris also sat out last Wednesday's practice with a knee issue before returning to full practices Thursday and Friday. With no reported setbacks in this past Saturday's win over the Bengals -- a game in which the running back logged a season-high-tying 19 carries -- Harris' lack of participation to begin Week 17 prep could well be maintenance-related. The expectation is that Harris will be ready to go for Sunday's game in Seattle.

Abanikanda (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Browns.

The rookie running back was limited in practice all week. He's carried the ball 16 times over the last three weeks, generating 50 yards and no touchdowns while catching two passes for 11 scoreless yards in that span. If Abanikanda is forced to sit out Thursday, Dalvin Cook would move back into the No. 2 role out of the backfield behind Breece Hall.

Dowdle (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports.

One day removed from being limited at Tuesday's walkthrough, Dowdle was held out of drills entirely. Thus, he'll have only more chance to practice this week before the Cowboys potentially make a ruling on his status for Saturday's game against the Lions.

Jacobs (quadricep) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.

After not taking part in Wednesday's walk-through session, Jacobs now has two more chances to practice ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. If Jacobs remains sidelined for a third straight game this weekend, Zamir White would once again be in line to lead the Las Vegas backfield.

Dillon (thumb) was a limited participant at Wednesday's walkthrough.

The Packers backfield duo of Dillon and Aaron Jones (knee/finger) continue to operate with practice restrictions as the team dives into Week 17 prep. In his return from a one-game absence this past Sunday at Carolina, Dillon received 12 snaps on offense, which resulted in seven carries for 12 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Jones had 22 touches for 135 yards from scrimmage on a 52 percent snap share. Assuming both players are able to suit up Sunday in Minnesota, Dillon is expected to serve as merely a complementary piece to Jones.

Elliott is expected to remain the Patriots' lead back for the final two games of the season after New England placed Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) on injured reserve Wednesday.

While Stevenson has been sidelined for each of the previous three games, Elliott has handled snap shares exceeding at least 83 percent on every occasion while averaging 15.0 carries for 40.0 yards and 7.0 catches for 42.0 yards and scoring two touchdowns across those contests. Though his 2.7 yards per carry average in those three games is far from efficient, Elliott is still providing a huge boost for fantasy managers down the stretch thanks to his heavy volume of touches, particularly in the passing game. With Stevenson now ruled out for Weeks 17 and 18, Elliott should continue to stay busy this Sunday at Buffalo, though there's always some chance the Patriots give younger backs Kevin Harris or JaMycal Hasty more playing time while they're eliminated from playoff contention.

Mattison (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.

Mattison sat out Week 15 due to a right ankle sprain, but he was able to return to action this past Sunday against the Lions, when he turned two carries into minus-1 yard on five offensive snaps in the Vikings' 30-24 loss. Fellow running back Ty Chandler paced the Vikings backfield with 36 snaps on offense, but he managed just eight carries for 17 yards and one touchdown. As long as Mattison's health is compromised, he may continue to play second fiddle to Chandler down the stretch, assuming the former is active on game days. In the end, Friday's injury report will reveal whether or not Mattison enters the weekend with a designation for Sunday's matchup with the Packers.

The Patriots placed Stevenson (ankle) on injured reserve Wednesday.

With the Patriots eliminated from playoff contention, Stevenson -- who last played in Week 13 -- will be shut down for the final two games of the season as he continues his recovery from a right high-ankle sprain. Ezekiel Elliott is slated to lead the team's backfield in Weeks 17 and 18, with Kevin Harris serving as his top understudy and JaMycal Hasty on hand in reserve. Stevenson wraps up his third NFL season with 156 carries for 619 yards (4.0 average) and four touchdowns to go with 38 catches for 238 yards on 51 targets over his 12 appearances.