NFL Player News

Breida is expected to be the Dolphins' primary running back after Myles Gaskin (knee) and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) were ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

There was some hope Gaskin would be activated off injured reserve following his minimum three-game stint, but the team is evidently content allowing Breida to act as the primary ball carrier for at least this Sunday against the Jets. The 25-year-old has seen more than six carries just twice this season and sports a paltry 3.4 yards-per-carry across 39 totes this year, but this figures to be a solid matchup regardless considering the Jets' porous defense. Breida could even be a factor in the passing game, particularly with Ryan Fitzpatrick likely set to start behind center after Tua Tagavailoa (left thumb) was downgraded to doubtful.

Gaskin (knee) will not play Sunday after the running back was not activated off injured reserve in time to be eligible to play in the contest, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

There was some thought Gaskin could play after serving his mandatory three-game stint on injured reserve, but Saturday's lack of announcement means he'll be unable to play Sunday against the Jets. With Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) also ruled out, Matt Breida will step into the starting role with Patrick Laird and DeAndre Washington expected to chip in as complementary pieces.

McFarland should see an increased workload in Tuesday's game against the Ravens following news that both James Conner (COVID-19) and Jaylen Samuels (quadriceps) are ruled out, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Benny Snell figures to handle a bulk of the backfield reps, leaving a change-of-pace role for McFarland. Coach Mike Tomlin has been hesitant about utilizing McFarland thus far, as the rookie fourth-rounder hasn't played more than 10 snaps in a game. In limited action, McFarland has recorded 95 yards from scrimmage on 24 touches.

Snell is expected to lead the backfield in Tuesday's game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

It's still uncertain whether Tuesday's game will actually happen with positive COVID-19 tests in each facility. However, if the game kicks off as planned, Snell should operate as the Steelers' lead back with both James Conner (COVID-19) and Jaylen Samuels (quadriceps) ruled out. That warrants major fantasy upside, although Snell's inefficiencies are a concern. Since taking the lion's share of the work in Week 1, he's been credited with just 2.2 yards per carry over the last eight games, while Conner produced 4.6 YPC in the same offense. Anthony McFarland figures to slot into a change-of-pace role behind Snell.

Homer (wrist/thumb/knee) will not play Monday against the Eagles, Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio 950 KJR Seattle reports.

Homer never managed to practice at any point this week, so it's hardly a surprising designation. DeeJay Dallas could operate in the pass-catching role with Homer sidelined, though the return of Chris Carson (foot) likely means any other Seahawks back seeing the field is mainly operating in a relief capacity as opposed to schematic design.

Conner was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.

It was reported earlier Saturday Conner had tested positive for COVID-19, but the team had yet to make an official designation. This news seems to suggest the running back will miss, at minimum, Tuesday's contest against the Ravens, but it's entirely possible the game could be delayed even further after both teams added new additions to their respective COVID-19 lists.

Ekeler (hamstring) was activated off injured reserve Saturday.

This is an incredibly encouraging development, but coach Anthony Lynn hasn't exactly been adamant Ekeler would play even if he was activated. Perhaps accelerating the timeline is the status of Kalen Ballage (ankle), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game but only managed to practice in a limited fashion at any point throughout the week. Expect more clarity regarding Ekeler's playing time to emerge sometime in the lead-up to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.

Wilkins could see his workload increase after Jonathan Taylor was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday,

Wilkins will likely operate as the between-the-tackles option in lieu of Taylor's absence, but it's worth pointing out Hines was a critical factor in the Week 10 win over the Titans, eviscerating opposing linebacker Jayon Brown (now on IR with an elbow injury) to the tune of 115 total yards and two touchdowns. It's possible Wilkins and Hines could essentially split the team's offensive snaps, although it's clear coach Frank Reich has never been afraid to rely on the hot hand at running back. Wilkins played over 50 percent of the offensive snaps just once this season; a Week 8 matchup against the Lions which saw the bruising back tally 20 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Conner reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and will go through additional tests to determine his eligibility for Tuesday's contest against the Ravens, Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network reports.

The Steelers have not officially placed on Conner on the reserve/COVID-19 list yet so there's plenty of ambiguity surrounding the situation. Additional testing will be critical for a number of reasons, including the status of Tuesday's twice-postponed game, but more information will need to be sorted out before any sort of final decisions can be made.

McCaffrey (shoulder) will not play Sunday against the Vikings after the running back did not travel with the team, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

All signs pointed to this being the likely outcome, so it's at least comforting for fantasy managers the decision wasn't in limbo for long. It certainly seems as if McCaffrey could return to his usual workhorse role following the team's Week 13 bye, but at least for Sunday, expect another heavy dose of Mike Davis as the lead back with Rodney Smith and Trenton Cannon mixing in on occasion.