NFL Player News

Washington ran for 108 yards on 11 carries during Sunday's 33-14 loss to Carolina.

With nothing really to play for in Week 17, the Saints gave Washington a longer look and he didn't disappoint, gashing the Panthers for a handful of nice carries, including a 26-yarder at the end of the third quarter that set up a touchdown. The third-year back entered Sunday with just 16 carries in 12 games, but maybe Sunday's strong showing can lead to a modest supporting role in the playoffs behind Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram.

Williams accounted for four yards on eight rushes, adding three receptions for 16 yards during Sunday's 31-0 loss to Detroit.

Williams has been entrusted with an expanded workload since the injury to Aaron Jones (knee) during the first quarter of a Week 15 loss to Chicago. Prior to the season finale against Detroit's top-15 rush defense, the second-year back had made the most of his opportunity, accounting for 253 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against the Bears and Jets. The Lions may rank as a slightly above-average rush defense on the season, but the team's defensive interior looks completely transformed since acquiring Damon Harrison, permitting just one rusher (Todd Gurley) to exceed 75 yards on the ground over the past seven outings. Williams looked overwhelmed Sunday, as the Lions contained him to measly 0.5 yards per rush. After a disappointing finale, the powerful Williams looks forward to returning in 2019 as the Packers' No. 2 option at running back behind Aaron Jones.

Drake rushed 11 times for 43 yards and caught all five of his targets for 52 yards during Sunday's 42-17 loss to the Bills.

Drake split carries with rookie Kalen Ballage during the season finale, once again serving as a change-of-pace back in Miami's struggling offense. The third-year pro ends the 2018 season with 120 rushing attempts for 535 yards and four touchdowns, in addition to 53 receptions for 477 yards and five scores. Drake managed to lead the Dolphins' offense with nine total touchdowns, despite never exceeding 15 carries in a single game. Hesitation to utilize Drake in a workhorse role severely limited his production on the year, with a lack of pass-protection capabilities being continuously cited as the reason for his lack of every-down usage. Imminent offseason changes to Miami's coaching staff and player personnel could bring about a better situation for Drake come 2019, but until those changes are made, his outlook will be difficult to discern.

Wilson was forced out of Sunday's game against the Rams with a shoulder injury.

With Wilson now banged up and Matt Breida (ankle) out, Alfred Morris is next up for the 49ers' Week 17 carries. Matt Dayes is also on hand in reserve.

Zenner rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown on 21 carries, adding a 30-yard reception during Sunday's 31-0 win against the Packers.

Detroit hasn't exactly handed the keys over to Zenner since Kerryon Johnson (knee) fell victim to injury Week 11 against the Panthers. In six games since, LeGarrette Blount has been entrusted with 76 carries to Zenner's 54. Zenner has been significantly more productive with those opportunities, however, averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry during that span compared to Blount's average of 3.1 yards per rush. The fourth-year back has given Detroit's front office something to ponder with his contract expiring over the offseason. Having compiled 192 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his three appearances with 10-plus carries this season, Zenner has proven himself to be a capable backup option behind the 21-year-old Johnson.

Williams (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Raiders, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

He and Charcandrick West are thus in line to work in complementary roles behind Damien Williams on Sunday, with Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive once again.

With Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive, Williams is in line to head Kansas City's ground game Sunday against the Raiders, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Charcandrick West and Darrel Williams are on hand to see complementary work in the team's Week 17 backfield, but with Ware still out, Damien Williams is in a good spot to produce against an Oakland defense that hasn't been strong against the run this season.

Conner (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Conner -- who last suited up in Week 13 -- will give it a go Sunday, but it remains to be seen if he'll log as heavy a workload as he did prior to sustaining his ankle injury. With that in mind, Jaylen Samuels, who filled in well in place of Conner over the last couple of weeks, is available to spell Conner when needed in both early-down and obvious passing situations. On the plus side, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com relays that Conner "looked pretty fluid on a few cuts" when briefly testing out his ankle with a team trainer before Sunday's contest.

Penny (knee) is listed as active Sunday against the Cardinals.

A full practice participant all week, Penny still needed to get through a pregame workout unscathed to make his first appearance since Week 14. With the health of his knee approved by the training staff, he'll be available to the Seahawks backfield, though his workload could be determined by game flow. Chris Carson will get the initial touches but could be pulled if Seattle gets out to a comfortable lead, which would leave Penny and Mike Davis to vie for snaps.

Conner appears to be in line to play Sunday against the Bengals after testing out his ankle in warmups, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

We'll confirm the running back's Week 17 status, either way, upon the release of the Steelers' inactives in advance of Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff. However, at this time it looks like Conner is poised to return to action following a three-game absence.