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NFL injury updates, latest league news from Friday, Dec. 31

The Washington Football Team announced Friday that running back Antonio Gibson was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday’s game against rival Philadelphia.

Washington’s top back has been the motor of the club’s ground game. In 15 games, Gibson has generated 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 237 carries while battling through injury.

With J.D. McKissic on injured reserve, Gibson’s absence means a hefty load for rookie Jaret Patterson. The undrafted rookie has carried 50 times for 188 yards and a TD this season.

At 6-9, Washington isn’t mathematically eliminated from postseason contention ahead of Sunday bout against the seventh-seeded Eagles.

Washington also placed guard Ereck Flowers on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The club signed punter Ryan Winslow to the practice squad and designated LB Khaleke Hudson to return to practice.

Also out for Washington on Sunday will be offensive lineman Samuel Cosmi (illness) and cornerback William Jackson III (calf). Defensive end Montez Sweat (personal), wide receiver Curtis Samuel (hamstring) and defensive end James Smith-Williams (illness) are each questionable.

Injuries/COVID-19

The Jaguars announced that defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi and defensive quality control coach Patrick Reilly are currently unavailable for Sunday’s game due to COVID-19 protocols.

  • The Las Vegas Raiders activated quarterback Marcus Mariota and linebacker K.J. Wright from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
  • The Los Angeles Chargers placed tight end Jared Cook on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
  • Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said Friday it was unlikely running back Cam Akers (Achilles) would play Sunday against the Ravens, but Akers has a questionable designation for the game. Also listed as questionable for the Rams are linebacker Leonard Floyd (ankle), defensive lineman Greg Gaines (hand) and safety Taylor Rapp (shoulder). Floyd practiced all week before showing up on the Friday injury report as limited with an ankle injury.
  • Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday versus the Bengals.
  • The Miami Dolphins activated wide receiver Albert Wilson and guard Solomon Kindley from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
  • The Minnesota Vikings placed quarterback Kirk Cousins on the reserve/COVID-19 list and he is out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported. Head coach Mike Zimmer later announced quarterback Sean Mannion, who was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, will start in Cousins' place. Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler is doubtful for Sunday, while tight end Tyler Conklin (hamstring), defensive tackle Michael Pierce and linebacker Chazz Surratt (illness) are each questionable.
  • New England Patriots wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) is out for Sunday against the Jaguars. Cornerback J.C. Jackson (elbow), running back Damien Harris (hamstring) and linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) are questionable.
  • New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (chest) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead (knee), running back Mark Ingram (knee) and wideout Lil'Jordan Humphrey (illness) are questionable.
  • The New York Giants ruled out wide receivers Kadarius Toney (shoulder) and John Ross (knee/COVID ramp up), while defensive back Adoree' Jackson (COVID ramp up) and offensive lineman Nate Solder (COVID ramp up) are questionable.
  • New York Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (hand) won't play against Washington, while running back Jordan Howard (stinger) is questionable to play.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers placed linebacker Joe Schobert and defensive lineman Chris Wormley on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/right shoulder) was a full practice participant Friday after missing Thursday. Punter Pressley Harvin III was a DNP again due to personal reasons.
  • San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday he's still holding out hope Garoppolo can start, but NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported it's expected rookie Trey Lance will start. Running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is questionable for the game.
  • The Seattle Seahawks activated defensive lineman L.J. Collier from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Running back Alex Collins (abdomen) is questionable for Sunday against the Lions, while offensive tackle Brandon Shell (shoulder) is questionable and linebacker Jon Rhattigan (knee) is out.
  • The Tampa Bay Buccaneers activated receiver Mike Evans from the reserve/COVID-19 list and placed punter Bradley Pinion on the list. Evans is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets due to a hamstring injury, however. Bucs outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (knee) and Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday. Cornerback Richard Sherman (Achilles) is doubtful and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) and wide receiver Antonio Brown (ankle) are questionable.
  • The Tennessee Titans activated wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Titans wideout A.J. Brown (calf) was back at practice Friday after missing Thursday and told reporters it was "no problem." Brown has no injury designation going into Sunday. Defensive lineman Larrell Murchison (knee) and outside linebacker Derick Roberson (calf) are each questionable.

Roster moves

  • The Houston Texans waived defensive lineman Xavier Williams.
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars signed offensive lineman D.J. Fluker to the practice squad.
  • The San Francisco 49ers activated quarterback Nate Sudfeld off the practice squad.