NFL Player News

Barkley rushed for 31 yards on 14 carries, adding four receptions for 25 yards during Sunday's 17-0 loss to Tennessee.

Widely considered to be a generational talent before taking his first NFL snap, Barkley averaged 134.8 offensive yards per game through his first 13 appearances as a pro, never once dipping below 94 yards in any outing. That is, until he ran into the buzz saw that is the Titans defense, a unit that's held opponents to 14 or fewer points on six occasions this season. Barkley was completely neutralized by the Tennessee front seven, putting forth 56 total yards -- an output 40.4 percent beneath his previous career low. His 2.2 yards per rush average established a new career worst. Meanwhile, he also continued a curious streak of ineffectiveness in the passing game, one that's seen him compile no more than 27 receiving yards over any of his past three outings while failing to record a touchdown during that span (52.8 YPG and four receiving scores through Week 12). The still incredibly reliable Barkley will look to rebound in Week 16 against Indianapolis, facing a Colts defense that entered Sunday allowing the second-most running back receptions this season (91).

Elliott carried 18 times for 87 yards and caught seven passes for an additional 41 yards during Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Colts.

Elliott broke off some big gains as he averaged a respectable 4.8 yards per carry against an underrated Indianapolis front. He had a couple carries near the goal line, but he was stood up as the Cowboys failed to take advantage of numerous red-Zone opportunities. On a positive note, he was once again heavily involved as a receiver and now has 25 receptions over his last three games. He'll look to put on another workhorse performance in Week 16 at home against the Buccaneers.

Cook rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries while hauling in one of two targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 41-17 win over the Dolphins.

Cook got to the edge for a 13-yard rushing score in the first quarter and sliced through Miami's defense for a 21-yard touchdown in the fourth. Minnesota scored just 3:20 in and never relinquished that lead, which led to a run-heavy approach featuring 19 carries for Cook and 15 for Latavius Murray. A similar game script could well unfold in Week 16 against a Lions team that's been mired in a rut offensively, which is great news for owners who have managed to weather Cook's injury issues up to this point.

Conner (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

This is the expected outcome after Conner was downgraded from questionable to doubtful Saturday. On the plus side, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Steelers expect the running back to be available for Week 16's game against the Saints. Against the Patriots, however, Jaylen Samuels is once again in line to head Pittsburgh's backfield, with Stevan Ridley on hand to work in a complementary role against the team he played for from the 2011 season through 2014.

Breida (ankle) is listed as active Sunday against the Seahawks.

On the heels of limited practice sessions all week, Breida is returning from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury that has plagued him for much of the season. He's expected to split the RB workload with Jeff Wilson, a breakdown that allowed Breida to compile 57 yards from scrimmage on eight touches in his last appearance Week 13 at Seattle.

Jones (knee) won't return to Sunday's game in Chicago.

Jones left near the end of the first quarter with four carries for eight yards on the ledger. The severity of the knee injury is unknown, but Jamaal Williams is the only healthy and active running back on the roster at the moment.

Jones is questionable to return to Sunday's game at Chicago due to a knee injury.

Jones entered the blue medical tent late in the first quarter to have his knee examined. If Jones is unable to return, Jamaal Williams will be the sole healthy running back available to the Packers offense.

Perine (coach's decision) won't play in Sunday's game versus the Jaguars.

Perine will sit out for his fifth straight game and his third as a healthy inactive. With Perine watching from the sidelines, Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson and Byron Marshall will work in the backfield.

Ford, added to the active roster Wednesday, could see action in Sunday's game against Detroit if LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and/or Chris Ivory (shoulder) are unable to suit up.

If either veteran plays, Ford would likely be relegated to No. 3 duties and would likely see spot action at best. But if both sit, that leaves just Marcus Murphy and Ford to take over the carries. Murphy is higher on the depth chart, but the Buffalo coaching staff has been praising Ford -- an undrafted rookie from Texas A&M -- all week, and they might want to see him get a fair audition with the Bills already eliminated from playoff contention.

The Chargers anticipate Gordon (knee) will be ready to play Week 16 against the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Gordon nearly made his way back for Thursday's 29-28 win over the Chiefs, but the Chargers ultimately made him inactive for a third straight week after his knee didn't respond as well as he hoped during a pregame warmup. With Austin Ekeler (neck/concussion) also missing the contest, the Chargers turned to No. 3 back Justin Jackson (16 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown, three receptions for 27 yards) to handle the bulk of the backfield snaps. Ekeler's status remains uncertain for Week 16, but the expected return of Gordon would be a boon for a Chargers squad that is still fighting for the AFC West crown.