NFL Player News

Elliott (calf) is active for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

After taking off one game to rest a bruised calf, Elliott is back in the lineup, as expected. His workload remains to be seen, though, after Tony Pollard ripped off 132 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns Week 15 versus the 49ers. There's a chance Elliott yields some reps to Pollard, meaning the former could fall short of his 19.7 touches per game this season.

Kelley (coach's decision) is inactive heading into Sunday's game against the Broncos, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Los Angeles will roll with Kalen Ballage and Justin Jackson as secondary backs behind Austin Ekeler during a Week 16 AFC West clash. Kelley's 3.2 yards-per-carry average is uninspiring, while his two lost fumbles on the season motivate the Chargers' coaching staff to search elsewhere for more reliable options.

Breida did not register an offensive snap during Saturday's 26-25 win over the Raiders.

Breida had 12 carries for 86 yards against the Patriots last week, but with Myles Gaskin now back in the lineup, his opportunities have completely evaporated. Salvon Ahmed and Lynn Bowden both worked behind Gaskin in the backfield, while Breida handled just 10 snaps on special teams.

Freeman (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The 24-year-old was considered questionable with the hip issue but is good to go Sunday. Freeman will serve as the backup to Melvin Gordon with Phillip Lindsay (hip/knee) on injured reserve.

McCaffrey (thigh) is inactive for Sunday's Week 16 tilt against Washington, Bill Voth of the team's official site reports.

As expected, McCaffrey will log a sixth consecutive absence and still has just three active games on his 2020 ledger. The Pro Bowl running back will have one final opportunity to suit up this season Week 17 against the Saints, but given the Panthers' lack of postseason aspirations, it's fair to wonder whether it will be worthwhile to risk McCaffrey's health in a meaningless finale. Mike Davis will assume primary running back duties again for Carolina.

Gibson (toe) is listed as active Sunday against the Panthers, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Back in action for the first time since suffering a turf toe injury Week 13 at Pittsburgh, Gibson could have a smaller workload than normal, considering he practiced in a limited capacity in advance of this contest. J.D. McKissic still is on hand for pass-catching reps out of Washington's backfield, while Peyton Barber is available for early-down work and short-yardage situations. Still, in the 11 appearances in which he was healthy this season, Gibson averaged 15.5 touches for 79.8 yards from scrimmage and one TD per game.

Ahmed had six carries for two yards during Saturday's 26-25 win over the Raiders. He also hauled in his only target for one yard.

Ahmed reverted to a depth role in Miami's backfield due to the return of Myles Gaskin from the COVID-19 list. Just a week removed from dropping 122 rushing yards on the Patriots, Ahmed was inefficient on his seven offensive touches, while Gaskin racked up 169 scrimmage yards and two scores on his 14 carries and five targets.

McFarland (illness) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Colts, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

McFarland was added to the injury report Friday as a non-participant due to the illness, and he won't be available for Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis. The 21-year-old was unlikely to see significant playing time even if available since James Conner, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels are healthy.

Patterson (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

The 29-year-old was considered questionable after sitting out practice all week, but he's ready to go for Sunday's contest. Patterson should continue to operate as Chicago's primary kick returner and secondary running back behind starter David Montgomery.

Pollard is expected to serve as the Cowboys' No. 2 running back Sunday against the Eagles with Ezekiel Elliott (calf) set to play after sitting out the Week 15 win over the 49ers, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.

While Elliott sat out the Week 15 contest, Pollard thrived in his first career start, carrying 12 times for 69 yards and two touchdowns and hauling in six of nine targets for 63 yards. Though Elliott -- who is listed as questionable for the contest -- has averaged a career-worst 3.9 yards per carry this season and presumably isn't 100 percent while he works back from the bruised calf, the massive six-year, $90 million contract extension he signed last week should continue to give him the edge over Pollard for lead duties out of the backfield. That being said, it wouldn't be surprising if Pollard's stellar Week 15 outing earned him a larger portion of the snaps and touches out of the backfield. Over the previous four games both he and Elliott played together, Pollard logged between 32 and 39 percent of the offensive snaps while averaging just over eight touches per contest.