NFL Player News

Kelley ran four times and lost two yards in Sunday's 34-28 win against the Jets. He also caught both of his targets for four yards.

It's clear Kelley has been surpassed on the depth chart by Kalen Ballage (55 snaps Sunday), but crucially the rookie is not expected to operate as the between-the-tackles ball carrier with the expected return of Austin Ekeler (knee/hamstring). The season-low 11 snaps also put him behind scatback Troymaine Pope (16), although the latter likely reverts to a special teams ace once Ekeler is able to take the field. The 23-year-old Kelley hardly figures to be an attractive fantasy asset so long as Ballage remains healthy.

Williams hauled in all three of his targets for 22 yards Sunday versus the Raiders.

Williams actually worked his way into an even timeshare of 20 snaps with Le'Veon Bell in the backup role Sunday, surpassing his snap count in any of the last three weeks. Bell still out-touched him eight to three, but the fact that Williams is remaining involved in a significant way is at least encouraging. Unless Bell or Clyde Edwards-Helaire misses time, it's unlikely Williams will see his role expand much beyond its current state.

Edwards is in line for an increased role Thursday against the Steelers after Mark Ingram and J.K. Dobbins were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Jamison Hensley of ESPN reports.

The Ravens' backfield depth is depleted in light of this news, but Edwards has shown he can handle an increased workload in the past. Edwards got the start against the Steelers in Week 17 of 2019 and took 21 carries for 130 yards. He also had his best game of the season to this point against Pittsburgh in Week 8 when he took 16 carries for 87 yards and a score. Edwards is coming off his quietest outing of the season -- a three-carry, six-yard performance against the Titans -- but that was due in part to Dobbins seeing the bulk of the backfield work. Look for Edwards to handle most of the carries Thursday against the Steelers, with Justice Hill in a backup role.

Akers rushed five times for 15 yards and caught a four-yard touchdown pass on his only target during Monday's 27-24 win over Tampa Bay.

Considering the rookie only played 12 of 72 offensive snaps, he certainly made the most of his opportunities, including scoring his first career touchdown. Additionally, while it's clear the Rams are committed to incorporating all three of their running backs into the rushing attack, Akers has still flashed big-play potential over the past three games. Second-year player Darnell Henderson played 33 offensive snaps, and veteran Malcolm Brown played 27 while handling the majority of the third-down work, which left the rookie third in snaps by a significant margin. While it all adds up to an unfavorable fantasy situation for Akers, his increased involvement in the offense over the past few weeks has provided a glimpse at his long-term upside. It wouldn't be shocking if any buy-low windows close soon in dynasty/keeper settings.

Jones rushed 10 times for 24 yards in Monday night's 27-24 loss to the Rams. He also failed to haul in his lone target.

Jones' rollercoaster season continued Monday, as he followed his career-best rushing total in Week 10 with his lowest yards per carry in a game this season. In his defense, Jones faced a tough matchup against a smothering Rams front seven, but he nonetheless underwhelmed with his production. To make matters worse, Leonard Fournette vultured a two-yard rushing touchdown during the second quarter, but with 26 scrimmage yards on eight touches and three drops in the passing game, Fournette didn't do anything to separate himself in the backfield going forward. Overall, it was a forgettable display from Jones, who will aim to get back on track in Week 12 versus the Chiefs.

The Football Team placed Leake on the practice squad COVID-19 list Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Leake has either tested positive for the virus or come into close contact with an infected person. He won't be allowed to return to team activities until he clears the league's COVID-19 protocols.

Barner is active for Monday's game versus the Rams.

Barner was elevated from the practice squad for Monday's game. His presence will force Ke'Shawn Vaughn to serve as a healthy scratch for a third straight game. Barner is expected to add depth as the No. 4 running back in the rotation, and he could chip in as a kick or punt returner as well.

Vaughn (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game versus the Rams.

Vaughn will serve as a healthy scratch for a third straight game. He hasn't recorded a snap on offense since rushing five times for 42 yards in Week 6 against the Packers. The Buccaneers elevated Kenjon Barner from the practice squad to add depth behind Ronald Jones, Leonard Fournette and LeSean McCoy.

Wilkins had four carries for 21 yards and one reception for 15 yards on his lone target in Sunday's win over Green Bay.

Wilkins played on just nine snaps on offense compared to 46 for Jonathan Taylor and 29 for Nyheim Hines. Taylor had 22 carries for 90 yards in a needed resurgent performance. Taylor may get the bulk of carries next week against Tennessee, but it's been a guessing game each week for how much each running back will be used in a three-back committee.

Mattison had one carry for six yards in Sunday's loss to Dallas.

Mattison played just six snaps on offense. He's had just three carries the last two weeks, and just 18 carries the past four weeks. Earlier in the season, it looked like he'd get a decent number of carries to take the load off starter Dalvin Cook. However, Cook has received nearly every touch out of the backfield the last four games.