NFL Player News

Conner compiled 53 rushing yards on 13 attempts, adding four catches for 42 yards during Sunday's 24-17 loss to Denver.

The runaway freight train that was Conner between Weeks 5 and 9 is no more, as he's managed a combined 143 rushing yards over his past three outings (compared to 118.5 rushing yards per game in that hot stretch). Prior to Sunday, recent inefficiency on the ground could be explained away by difficult matchups of late (Panthers and Jaguars, both top 12 in RB rushing yards allowed per game), but averaging under 4.1 yards per carry against Denver is disappointing. We're talking about the only defense in NFL history to allow 200-yard rushers in back-to-back games within the same season. Week 13 presents a matchup against a Chargers defense that's been slightly above-average against the run in 2018 (14th with 107.5 yards allowed per game) but that's just now assimilating Pro Bowler Joey Bosa back into the lineup.

Ekeler carried the ball five times for 35 yards and scored a touchdown, and also caught 10 of his 11 targets for 68 yards in the 45-10 win Sunday over the Cardinals.

Ekeler's workload rose substantially in the second half after Melvin Gordon left with an MCL injury. That injury could keep Gordon out next week against the Steelers, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com, in which case Ekeler figures to be the primary ball carrier. Of course, more information regarding Gordon's status should trickle out throughout the week, but it's worth pointing out that Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome saw a combined 11 carries, all after Gordon left. It's not clear if that was due to the Chargers' considerable lead, or a peek into how the team plans on handling the backfield in weeks to come. Regardless, Ekeler figures to hold a prominent role in the passing game if nothing else.

Gordon (knee) received an initial diagnosis of an MCL injury, threatening his availability for Week 13 against the Steelers, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Playing through hamstring and knee injuries, Gordon piled up 66 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns before taking an awkward hit to the leg early in the third quarter of Sunday's 45-10 win over the Cardinals. MCL sprains often come with a recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks, but we won't know if that's what Gordon is facing until he has more tests Monday. It's too early to rule out the possibility of damage to other ligaments, and even the best-case scenario could threaten his Week 13 eligibility. Austin Ekeler would lead the Chargers backfield if Gordon misses time, with Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome also candidates to get carries.

Drake (shoulder) returned to Sunday's game against the Colts after missing only a few snaps, NFL.com's Michael Fabiano reports.

Drake re-entered the game to pick up four yards on a third-and-10 that ended up being Miami's final offensive snap of the game. He certainly can't be blamed for the heartbreaking 27-24 defeat, considering he took eight carries for 32 yards and a touchdown while catching five of six targets for 64 yards and another score. Drake may have been the heart and soul of the Miami offense, but backfield mate Frank Gore once again led the team in carries, picking up 67 yards on 14 totes. While both players have higher weekly ceilings with Ryan Tannehill back in the lineup, workload consistency remains a concern heading into a Week 13 home game against the Bills. Bothered by his shoulder for the past couple weeks, Drake likely will show up on the injury report again.

Mack (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Mack was able to walk off the field after taking a big hit midway through the fourth quarter, but subsequent tests confirmed initial fears of a concussion. He finishes the afternoon with 15 carries for 85 yards and two catches for 11 yards, leaving Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins to man the Indianapolis backfield in the closing minutes of the game. Mack will hope to return for a Week 13 game against the Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Mack was pulled from Sunday's game against Miami in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion, Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star reports.

Mack was removed after he took a big hit on a 1-yard loss, leaving Nyheim Hines to handle most of the backfield snaps during a game-tying drive. Mack gained 85 yards on 15 carries and 11 yards on two catches prior to his early exit. He won't be able to return if tests determine he did in fact suffer a concussion.

Drake was removed from Sunday's game against Indianapolis in the fourth quarter with an apparent left shoulder injury, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

The Dolphins almost certainly will have time for at least one more drive, perhaps giving Drake a chance to return. He played a huge role in helping the team build a lead, taking seven carries for 28 yards and a touchdown and adding five catches for 64 yards and another score on six targets. Frank Gore figures to get most of the backfield snaps if Drake doesn't make it back into the game. The Dolphins consider Drake questionable to return, per Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald.

Martin ran for 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and added 21 yards on three catches during Sunday's 34-17 loss to Baltimore.

Martin barreled into the end zone for a 1-yard score to cap the first drive of the game, a play that was originally ruled a fumble. It was the veteran's first touchdown of the season. The Raiders have had an ugly season, but Martin has recorded at least 10 carries in each of his five games since Marshawn Lynch (groin) was place on injured reserve, averaging a solid 4.8 yards per carry. He gets a great matchup next Sunday against a Chiefs defense surrendering 5.0 yards per opponent carry this season.

Edwards carried the ball 23 times for 118 yards during Sunday's 34-17 win over Oakland.

Edwards, with Alex Collins (foot) out, looked mighty fine taking snaps next to Lamar Jackson and pounding the ball down the Raiders' throat. The undrafted rookie has topped 100 yards in each of his past two games and, perhaps most impressively, he's been getting yards in chunks despite a stocky frame, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. The Ravens haven't gotten a ton of consistent yardage out of their running game this season, so expect them to ride the hot hand in Edwards. He gets a great matchup next Sunday against a Falcons defense surrendering a whopping 5.1 yards per carry.

Gordon was forced out of Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a right knee injury, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Prior to his exit, Gordon had logged 10 carries for 61 yards with two TDs and caught two passes for five yards. Next up for the team's carries Sunday are Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.