-
Aaron Jones RB | MIN
Packers' Aaron Jones: Knee injury not clarified
Interim coach Joe Philbin didn't provide an update on Jones' knee injury Monday, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.
During Sunday's 24-17 defeat at Chicago, Jones was removed late the first quarter and ruled out just after halftime. Speaking at a post-game media session, he told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he thought he picked up a sprained MCL in his right knee, which kept him sidelined for two games last season. While not overtly addressing the situation, the Packers claimed Kapri Bibbs off waivers Monday, likely covering their bases in the event Jones' injury is serious. Jamaal Williams was the primary back for most of Sunday's contest, totaling 97 yards from scrimmage and a TD run on 16 touches.
-
Jordan Wilkins RB | CLE
Colts' Jordan Wilkins: Minimal role in win
Wilkins caught his lone target for six yards in Sunday's win over Dallas.
The Colts ran the ball 39 times in Sunday's grind-it-out win against the Cowboys, but Wilkins saw only two offensive snaps. Marlon Mack continues to dominate the carry count with Nyheim Hines still serving in a secondary role, leaving little playing time for Wilkins while both remain healthy.
-
Austin Ekeler RB | WAS
Chargers' Austin Ekeler: Still in concussion protocol
Coach Anthony Lynn said Monday that Ekeler (head/neck) is still in the concussion protocol, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
On the other hand, Melvin Gordon (knee) was nearly able to play in Thursday's 29-28 win over Kansas City and is now scheduled to practice Monday afternoon. Ekeler still has time to join his backfield mate on the path toward Week 16 active status, hoping to return to action for Saturday's game against the Ravens. In addition to the concussion, Ekeler acknowledged last week that the neck injury was making it hard to move his head. Another absence would leave Justin Jackson as the No. 2 running back, assuming Gordon returns.
-
Melvin Gordon RB | BAL
Chargers' Melvin Gordon: Ready to practice Monday
Coach Anthony Lynn said Gordon (knee) will practice in a limited fashion Monday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
While they won't release an injury report until Tuesday, the Chargers are starting practice a day early in the aftermath of Thursday's 29-28 win at Kansas City. Lynn said Gordon came close to playing in that contest and likely would've been able to go if the game had been played Sunday instead of Thursday. All the early signs point to a return for Saturday's game against Baltimore, but there's always some chance things take a turn for the worse during practice. Meanwhile, fellow running back Austin Ekeler is still in the concussion protocol, per Williams.
-
Kenyan Drake RB | GB
Dolphins' Kenyan Drake: Not limited by shoulder
Coach Adam Gase confirmed that Drake's lingering shoulder injury had nothing to do with his lack of carries after Frank Gore (foot) was removed from Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Vikings, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
More work for Drake seems like the obvious response to a Gore injury, but the Dolphins instead let rookie Kalen Ballage take 12 carries, which he parlayed into 123 yards (10.3 average) on the strength of a 75-yard touchdown scamper. Drake's snap share landed right in its usual range at 53 percent, yielding one carry for six yards and three catches for 28 yards. While Gore is expected to miss the rest of the season, Drake won't necessarily take on any more work Week 16 against Jacksonville, as Ballage also appears primed for a significant role.
-
John Kelly RB | CLE
Rams' John Kelly: Receives first career carries
Kelly played seven offensive snaps and rushed twice for four yards during Sunday's 30-23 loss to Philadelphia.
The rookie debuted last week with seven snaps on special teams, and his two carries Sunday were his first of the season. With Malcolm Brown (clavicle) out for the year and Justin Davis (shoulder) also dealing with an injury, Kelly has a chance to solidify himself as the No. 2 back behind Todd Gurley. However, that role hasn't been conducive to fantasy production, so Kelly's off the radar in the majority of settings.
-
Cordarrelle Patterson RB | PIT
Patriots' Cordarrelle Patterson: Catches three passes Week 15
Patterson caught all three of his targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Steelers.
Patterson did not record a carry for the second straight week, and his backfield involvement figures to be minimal going forward, with the return to health of both Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead. Patterson's versatility and ability as a returner are assets to the Patriots, but his fantasy upside is hampered by a lack of reliable volume.
-
D'Onta Foreman RB | CLE
Texans' D'Onta Foreman: Could have role Week 16
Coach Bill O'Brien said Foreman may be active for Week 16 in Philadelphia, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Foreman was activated from the PUP list Dec. 4 but hasn't actually been active for any games. Lamar Miller's ankle injury may create an opening Week 16, with Alfred Blue and undrafted rookie Buddy Howell representing the other options at running back. Even if he ends up playing, Foreman would probably have to settle for a small role in a multi-player backfield. He's still an intriguing asset in dynasty/keeper leagues, but the appeal is limited in redraft formats.
-
Ronald Jones RB | DAL
Buccaneers' Ronald Jones II: Non-factor in second straight game
Jones brought in one of two targets for minus-2 yards in the Buccaneers' 20-12 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
Just another forgettable game for the rookie, who's seen his first year in the NFL become a total washout. Jones' sole touch Sunday was his only one of the past two games, and he logged a meager four snaps from scrimmage for the second straight week. With his primary usage coming on coverage units, Jones has next to no fantasy value in any format.
-
Jacquizz Rodgers RB | NO
Buccaneers' Jacquizz Rodgers: Minimal involvement in loss
Rodgers brought in his only target for one yard in the Buccaneers' 20-12 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
One game after logging eight touches from scrimmage, Rodgers was back to minimal involvement. The Buccaneers opted to give Peyton Barber all of the running back carries Sunday, and the team's second-half deficit also forced them to turn more towards the passing game as the contest wore on. Rodgers also has ceded kickoff return duties to Bobo Wilson the last pair of contests, leaving him with negligible fantasy value.