NFL Player News

Boone is expected to serve as the Vikings' lead back Monday against the Packers with Dalvin Cook (chest) ruled out for the contest and Alexander Mattison (ankle) listed as questionable, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Though the questionable tag implies Mattison is a 50-50 proposition for Monday, the rookie has turned in only one limited practice since injuring his ankle in the Week 14 win over Detroit. Given that the Vikings have now clinched a playoff spot following the Rams' loss to the 49ers on Saturday, Schefter posits that Minnesota won't take any chances with either of its top two backs on the depth chart in Week 16, even with the division title still at stake. As such, Boone will likely step in as the Vikings' primary ball carrier against Green Bay, just as the Cincinnati product did while Mattison was out and while Cook exited early in last week's win over the Chargers. The second-year player was impressive in his most extensive NFL action to date, carrying 13 times for 56 yards and two touchdowns but drawing no targets. Boone was never much of a receiving threat during his college days, so the Vikings may turn to Ameer Abdullah as their primary back on passing downs Monday.

Henry (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints, isn't expected to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Henry's likely absence was foreshadowed by the Titans' decision to downgrade him to questionable Saturday after he initially didn't carry an injury designation into the weekend following a full practice Friday. Evidently, Henry's lingering hamstring injury was still slowing him coming out of Friday's session, so he'll likely end up on the inactive list for the first time this season. With the NFL's second-leading rusher seemingly on track to sit out, Dion Lewis is expected to headline the Titans' running-back corps. Undrafted rookie Khari Blasingame and practice-squad callup Dalyn Dawkins could also have marginal roles in the game plan.

Mostert rushed 11 times for 53 yards and a touchdown and failed to bring in his only target in the 49ers' 34-31 win over the Rams on Saturday.

As expected, Mostert led the rushing attack in production for the fifth-straight week, although he continues to split carries with Tevin Coleman (31 offensive snaps to Coleman's 24). The fifth-year pro did average an efficient 4.8 yards per tote with a long run of 16 yards on a late second-quarter touchdown rush. Mostert has now found the end zone in five consecutive games, and although his passing game contributions have been modest overall, he should retain a hold of the top job in a pivotal Week 17 NFC West showdown versus the Seahawks.

Singletary rushed 15 times for 46 yards in the team's Week 16 loss to the Patriots. He also added one reception for two yards.

Despite Frank Gore not recording a touch for the first time this season, Singletary was limited as the Bills possessed the ball for just 21 minutes. Even when he did get touches, Singletary averaged only 3.1 yards per carry, with his longest gain going for 12 yards. Though Singletary has shown flashes as a receiver throughout his rookie campaign, he was lightly used through the air for the second consecutive week. He'll look to end the season on a stronger note as the Bills take on the Jets in Week 17, though he may not receive a full allotment of playing time with the Bills' playoff positioning locked in.

Wilson (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Rams.

Wilson was active for Week 15 but didn't end up playing any offensive snaps. Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman are all good to handle the backfield work for the 49ers on Saturday.

Jones rushed 14 times for 77 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 32 yards on four targets in Saturday's 23-20 loss to Houston.

With quarterback Jameis Winston struggling to the tune of three first-half interceptions, the Buccaneers relied on the ground game to get them back in it. Jones turned seven first-half carries into 69 yards and a touchdown, scoring from four yards out right at the two-minute warning. The 22-year-old running back went quiet after halftime but has clearly established himself as the lead back over Peyton Barber, who rushed five times for 13 yards and lost a fumble. Locked in as the top option in Tampa Bay's backfield, Jones will look to finish strong when the Falcons come to town in Week 17.

Henry was downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints with a hamstring injury, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

This certainly isn't great news, made worse by the fact Dayln Dawkins was called up from the practice squad to act as a depth running back. Considering Henry, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue all week, initially didn't have an injury designation following Friday's practice, it's clear the powerful back has suffered some sort of setback, although the team did opt to rule him as questionable as opposed to something more serious. Still, fantasy owners will want to monitor his status heading into Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff against the Saints.

Mattison (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Packers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Dalvin Cook has been officially ruled out, and Mattison remains uncertain for Monday, which could open the door for Mike Boone to get the start in the Minnesota backfield. Mattison went through individual drills in Saturday's practice and a final decision on his status will come in the hours before kickoff.

Cook (chest) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Packers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Minnesota will be without its starting running back for a vital divisional matchup in Week 16 with Cook unable to go due to his chest injury. Schefter adds that Alexander Mattison (ankle) is questionable, meaning that Mike Boone should be in line for an elevated role against the Packers.

Mattison tested his ankle out during individual drills Saturday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

We'll have to see how the Vikings officially list Mattison's practice participation level, but his presence on the field Saturday is at least a step in the right direction following back-to-back missed sessions Thursday and Friday. We'll look for added clarity with regard to his status for Monday night's game against the Packers once the Vikings' final Week 16 injury report is released, but at this stage Mattison remains iffy for the contest, while fellow back Dalvin Cook (chest) is trending toward being out.