NFL Player News

Freeman could step in as the Texans' No. 2 running back behind Rex Burkhead in Sunday's game against the Colts with David Johnson (thigh/illness) listed as questionable for the contest but not expected to play, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

While both Burkhead and Johnson were active for last week's loss to the Dolphins, the two handled all of the Texans' running-back snaps, relegating Freeman exclusively to special-teams work. Johnson's absence will likely allow Burkhead to take on a greater portion of the snaps and touches out of the backfield, but expect Freeman to have at least a small role on offense as a change-of-pace option. Freeman isn't projected to see enough volume to make him a trustworthy play in weekly fantasy lineups, but a strong showing Sunday could allow him to earn more work during the final quarter of the season.

Robinson (heel/knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, plans to try and play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The two injuries have left Robinson hobbled for weeks, but he's proceeded to suit up in each of Jacksonville's last three games while averaging 79.0 yards from scrimmage per contest and scoring two touchdowns. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network characterizes Robinson as more of a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff, but unless he deals with a setback in pregame warmups, expect the 23-year-old to start as he normally does. Carlos Hyde is the next man up for work in the Jacksonville backfield if Robinson is inactive or limited during the contest.

Edwards-Helaire (illness), who is listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday against the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Edwards-Helaire missed Friday's practice with an illness, but his ability to return for Saturday's walk-through session suggests he'll be available for the contest, which begins at 8:20 p.m. ET. Official confirmation of his Week 13 status will arrive approximately 90 minutes prior to kickoff, when Kansas City releases its inactive list.

Jacobs (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Washington, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Jacobs logged limited practices Thursday and Friday before taking the designation into the weekend, but he looks like he's trending toward playing. Confirmation of his availability, either way, will arrive when the Raiders' inactive list is posted 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Robinson (heel/knee) is viewed as a game-time decision ahead of Sunday's contest against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Per Rapoport, the assumption earlier in the week was that the running back likely wouldn't play, but Robinson is reportedly feeling better and now has a chance to suit up, a notion echoed by an Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. How his pre-game workout goes will therefore determine Robinson's status, which will be known when Jacksonville releases its inactive list 90 minutes prior to the 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff. If Robinson is out this week, Carlos Hyde would see an increased role in the team's backfield.

Walter was elevated from the practice squad Saturday.

Walter surprisingly saw nine carries in Week 12 after being elevated from the practice squad in the absence of Michael Carter (ankle). He's now set for another chance to produce, though he'll likely remain behind at least Tevin Coleman in what could be a three-back committee in New York for a Week 13 matchup against the Eagles.

Sermon (ankle) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan seemed to hint this designation was on the table Friday, as the rookie evidently suffered a sprain serious enough to cause him to miss significant time. It's been a disappointing campaign for the Ohio State product, and while Sermon will be eligible to return before the end of the season, it's hard to envision a scenario where the running back emerges as the main ball carrier.

McCrary was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

McCrary was elevated after Kevon Seymour (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. It remains unclear if McCrary will be active Sunday, as that would likely require the Ravens to make Ty'Son Williams inactive. Even if he suits up, McCrary would probably see most of his playing time on special teams.

Ollison was elevated from Atlanta's practice squad Saturday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Ollison led the team in carries in Week 11 against New England but was left on the practice squad for Week 12 after being sidelined with an illness. He won't maintain the primary role for Atlanta against the Buccaneers on Sunday due to the return of Cordarrelle Patterson, though Ollison could overtake both Wayne Gallman and Mike Davis for the primary backup duties.

Nwangwu is questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit with an illness.

Nwangwu was expected to serve as the Vikings' backup running back behind Alexander Mattison with Dalvin Cook (shoulder) sidelined. It appears that there is still a decent chance for him to suit up, though an illness has jeopardized his availability after he logged full practices all week. In addition to further depleting the running back depth chart, Nwangwu's potential absence would hurt the Vikings' return game, as he has two kick-return touchdowns this season.