NFL Player News

Taylor had six carries for 18 yards in Sunday's 37-10 victory over the Vikings.

Taylor did not take a carry until halfway through the fourth quarter of Sunday's contest, but the six he recorded from there on out were the most he's tallied as a professional. He could top that number Week 18 should the Packers elect to limit top running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon -- or hold them out altogether with the NFC's top seed in hand.

Coach Bruce Arians said Monday that Vaughn is dealing with bruised ribs following Sunday's 28-24 win over the Jets, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Vaughn finished Sunday's contest with eight rushes for 31 yards while hauling in two of three targets for 14 yards. Arians said that the 24-year-old "might" be able to play in Sunday's Week 18 tilt against the Panthers, and he could see increased playing time if Ronald Jones (ankle) is unavailable.

Coach Bruce Arians said Monday that the team is waiting on results from Jones' MRI to determine the extent of his ankle injury, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Jones sustained his ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Jets and was unable to return to the field. If Jones can't play in Sunday's Week 18 matchup against Carolina, Ke'Shawn Vaughn (ribs) and Le'Veon Bell could see additional work.

Hines had two carries for four yards and four receptions for 14 yards on four targets in Sunday's 23-20 loss to Las Vegas.

Hines had the most touches he's had in three games, and it's just the second time he's had six or more since Week 9. That says more about how little Hines has been used in the second half of the season than any change in his workload. Hines will continue to have a minimal workload as long as Jonathan Taylor remains healthy.

McNichols rushed the ball twice for 14 yards in Sunday's 34-3 win over the Dolphins.

McNichols was the third back in Tennessee's rotation as he took the field for only six offensive snaps. His playing time could tick up in different game script given that his primary role for the team comes from work as a receiver out of the backfield. However, that may not come in Week 18, as the Titans should be favored in a matchup at Houston.

Williams took two carries for four yards and caught two of three targets for seven yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Eagles.

Williams played only eight snaps on offense, one-third his total from the week before, even though Antonio Gibson missed Sunday's game on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Rookie Jaret Patterson was the clear lead back with 62 percent snap share and 17 touches, while Wendell Smallwood handled a lot of passing downs after coming up from the practice squad. Williams thus figures to close out the season in a reserve role Week 18 at the Giants, regardless of Gibson's availability.

Freeman had six carries for 25 yards and did not catch his lone target in Sunday's 23-7 loss to San Francisco.

With David Johnson on the reserve/COVID-19 list after missing last week's game due to a quadriceps injury, Freeman served as Houston's top backup to starter Rex Burkhead for a second straight week. He's had 42 touches over the last five games following a backfield shakeup, but if the Texans had any thoughts of Freeman being a lead back, they would have elevated him above Burkhead already.

Gaskin had five carries for 23 yards during Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Titans.

Gaskin also failed to secure his only target, while once again surrendering the lead role to Duke Johnson (seven carries for 49 yards). Though Gaskin was relatively efficient with limited work, he saw slim opportunities for fantasy success on a day in which Tua Tagovailoa fell flat and looked unable to move Miami into scoring range. A regular-season finale against the Patriots could once again position the Dolphins' offense to be stifled, and Gaskin can no longer be considered a lock to receive the bulk of the touches out of the backfield.

Jones rushed eight times for 76 yards and caught five of six targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 37-10 win over Minnesota.

Jones was dealing with a minor knee injury during practice this week, but he was cleared for this matchup and looked explosive in limited touches. The 27-year-old was out-touched by AJ Dillon 16 to 13, with the latter getting both of Green Bay's rushing scores. The Packers now boast a dynamic one-two punch in the backfield, with Jones seeing action when the offense is in attack mode, and the beefier Dillon coming in to grind away the opposition when Green Bay is protecting a lead. With nothing left to play for before the playoffs, it will be interesting to see how much playing time -- if any -- Jones and the rest of the key starters receive against the Lions next Sunday.

Dillon rushed 14 times for 63 yards and two touchdowns while catching two of three targets for 20 more yards in Sunday's 37-10 win over the Vikings.

Aaron Jones (13 touches for 106 yards) was more efficient in terms of per-touch production, but Dillon got extended run in the second half and pounded his way to two scores. It was the 2020 second-round pick's second two-score game this season, and he now has seven touchdowns overall. Dillon has worked his way into a "thunder and lightning" timeshare with Jones, staying fantasy-relevant even after his backfield mate returned from injury. The Packers clinched the first seed in the NFC, so it will be interesting to see if they rest any starters against the Lions next week. If Jones does end up resting or playing limited snaps, Dillon would see a huge boost in value in the regular-season finale.