NFL Player News

Coach Matt Rhule hopes that McCaffrey (thigh) can practice Wednesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Per David Newton of ESPN.com, if McCaffrey is able to return to practice Wednesday, he'll continue to be evaluated through the week before a call on his status for Sunday's game against Washington is made. If McCaffrey remains sidelined Week 16, Mike Davis would continue to head Carolina's backfield this weekend, with Rodney Smith and Trenton Cannon in the mix to see complementary work.

Scott caught his lone target for a seven-yard gain in Sunday's 33-26 loss to Arizona.

Scott played 15 snaps in the game and has not seen more than 16 in any of his past three outings. The Louisiana Tech product did not register a carry for the first time all season and has not seen more than four touches in a contest since Week 12.

McKinnon did not receive a carry but caught both of his targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Co-starters Raheem Mostert (ankle) and Jeff Wilson (ankle) both suffered injuries late in the game, so Tevin Coleman (three carries for 11 yards) and McKinnon were called into action. The former handled early down work and the latter was used in passing situations, a scenario that is likely to repeat itself if the aforementioned backs are unable to heal on a short week leading up to Saturday's tilt against Arizona. Neither veteran backup is particularly appealing from a fantasy perspective based on what we've seen from Coleman and McKinnon in limited action this year.

McFarland should see some playing time in Monday's game against the Bengals because James Conner (quad) has been ruled out.

McFarland was a healthy scratch last week against the Bills, when Conner, Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels were all healthy. Conner also missed Weeks 12-13, and in that stretch, McFarland logged 25 snaps, seven carries and a reception, totaling 29 yards from scrimmage. Snell is slated to lead the Steelers' backfield once again; McFarland will compete with Samuels for the leftover reps.

The Steelers have downgraded Conner (quadriceps) to out for Monday's game in Cincinnati.

Conner's quad injury will force him to miss his third game in four weeks. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Benny Snell is the favorite to draw the start in Conner's stead, though Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland also will be candidates to handle increased roles.

Snell is expected to start Monday's game in Cincinnati, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

The Steelers have ruled James Conner (quadriceps) out for Monday night's road contest, a move which leaves Snell as the No. 1 option atop the depth chart. Snell stands to handle the bulk of Pittsburgh's carries, while Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland could see increased opportunities through the air.

The Steelers are expected to downgrade Conner (quadriceps) to out for Monday's game against the Bengals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Conner clearly wasn't himself Week 14, his first game back from a two-week absence, when he went for just 18 yards on 10 carries against Buffalo. Given the 25-year-old's injury history, the Steelers may simply be taking a cautious approach to his health while keeping an eye toward the postseason. Benny Snell is expected to start in Conner's place, while Jaylen Samuels and Anthony McFarland could also see increased roles.

Laird had two carries for 20 yards during Sunday's 22-12 win over the Patriots. He also secured both of his targets for 12 yards.

Laird worked as a depth and change-of-pace option behind Salvon Ahmed and Matt Breida in Week 15, logging runs of eight and 12 yards. If Myles Gaskin (undisclosed) can return from the COVID-19 list for Week 16, however, Laird's role on offense could dissipate entirely.

Taylor carried once for two yards in Sunday's 22-12 loss to the Dolphins.

With Damien Harris (ankle) inactive for the contest, Taylor had a chance to see his first game action since Week 3, en route to logging five snaps on offense. Though he's firmly behind Harris, Sony Michel and James White on the Patriots' RB depth chart, it's possible that Taylor could see some extra touches over the team's last two games, with New England having been eliminated from the playoffs as a result of Sunday's loss.

Ogunbowale had two carries for 17 yards and caught his lone target for eight yards during Sunday's 40-14 loss to the Ravens.

The 26-year-old broke off a 17-yard carry in the closing minutes of the contest but was otherwise minimally involved in the offense. Starter James Robinson exited late due to an ankle injury, and Ogunbowale would be the likely beneficiary should Robinson be sidelined or limited Week 16 against the Bears.