NFL Player News

Abdullah (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Jets, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

The Lions will thus rely upon a trio of LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson and Theo Riddick to shoulder the workload out of the backfield. With Brandon Powell also a healthy scratch, look for Jamal Agnew to handle returns on both punts and kickoffs.

Rodgers carried twice for one yard and hauled in his only target for two yards in the Buccaneers' 48-40 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Although he was technically listed as the No. 2 running back behind Peyton Barber, Rodgers saw a scant workload over his 15 snaps. Game flow may have played a large part in Rodgers' minimal usage, as the passing game took center stage in the high-scoring affair. While Rodgers figures to see a bump in opportunity in subsequent games, that could certainly be affected by the status of second-round pick Ronald Jones II, who was inactive to open his pro career Sunday.

Murray had 11 carries for 42 yards in Sunday's win over the 49ers.

Murray led the Vikings in rushing over Dalvin Cook (40 yards), but six of his carries came in the final six minutes of the game when the Vikings were clinging to an eight-point lead. Cook had 57 snaps on offense compared to 14 for Murray. Cook held a 19-to-5 touch advantage over Murray midway through the fourth quarter, showing no signs of any workload restriction in his first regular-season action since tearing an ACL in Week 4 last year. Murray should still get a steady role off the bench, but it doesn't look like the near equal time share some envisioned as Cook returns from last year's knee injury.

Patterson logged 16 out of a possible 75 snaps on offense in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Texans.

In the process, Patterson ran three times for 13 yards and caught his only target for six yards. He was predictably out-snapped by both Chris Hogan (68) and Phillip Dorsett (57), but it does appear as though the Patriots will look for ways to get the ball into his hands in the coming weeks. That could result in some occasional big plays for Patterson, who also sees kick return work, but he's not a reliable fantasy lineup option so long as he slots in as the team's No. 3 wideout.

Cook played 57 of 71 snaps (80.3 percent) on offense in Sunday's 24-16 win over the 49ers.

Cook lost a fumble and averaged just 2.5 yards on 16 carries, but he largely made up for it with six catches for 55 yards on seven targets. Latavius Murray took 11 carries for 42 yards on just 14 snaps, with six of his chances coming in the final six minutes of the game when the Vikings were clinging to an eight-point lead. Cook held a 19-to-5 touch advantage over Murray midway through the fourth quarter, showing no signs of any workload restriction in his first regular-season action since tearing an ACL in Week 4 last year. Cook figures to stay busy as the clear leader of Minnesota's backfield Week 2 in Green Bay.

Michael had two carries for nine yards in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati. He played just three snaps on offense.

Jordan Wilkins (46 snaps) and Nyheim Hines (37 snaps) got the bulk of work in the Indy backfield. Michael looks like a veteran insurance policy at this point and his role will decrease further when Marlon Mack returns from a hamstring injury.

Hines had five carries for 19 yards and seven receptions on nine targets for 33 yards in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati. He played 37 snaps on offense compared to 46 snaps for Jordan Wilkins, who got the start at running back.

Hines had a larger role than anticipated as both Wilkins and Hines got time in the backfield while Christine Michael (three snaps) wasn't a factor. Hines wasn't used in the return game after ball security issues in the preseason, but he could get another shot later in the season. Hines had just 3.8 YPC, but bested Wilkins' 2.9 YPC and Hines showed he could be effective as a receiver. While both Wilkins and Hines may see fewer snaps when Marlon Mack returns from a hamstring injury, Sunday's game shows Hines could still carve out a third-down role.

Kamara played 52 of 64 snaps (81.3 percent) on offense in Sunday's 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay.

With the Saints unexpectedly playing from behind most of the afternoon, Kamara had more catches (nine) than carries (eight) en route to 141 scrimmage yards, three touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Meanwhile, backup running backs Mike Gillislee and Jonathan Williams combined for just 10 snaps and four carries, with the former losing a fumble along the way. Kamara might actually see his snap count drop if the Saints have an easier time in a Week 2 home game against Cleveland, but he'd also figure to draw more carries in that scenario. Whatever the case, he shouldn't have any trouble staying busy while Mark Ingram serves the remainder of a four-game suspension.

Williams had 15 carries for 47 yards in Sunday's victory over the Bears. He was targeted twice but did not catch a pass.

The Packers were in catch-up mode for most of Sunday's contest, which limited Williams' opportunities to touch the ball. He was not very effective when he did run it, averaging just 3.13 YPC, but he played a key role in pass protection for a banged-up Aaron Rodgers after halftime. That skill will earn him snaps in the Packers' backfield whenever he is healthy, but he's going to have to be more productive when he runs the ball in order to hang onto the starting job after fellow running back Aaron Jones completes his two-game suspension.

Williams did not gain a yard on his only carry in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.

Promoted to the active roster before the game, Williams played behind both Alvin Kamara and Mike Gillislee in his Saints debut. However, wIth Gillislee falling flat, including losing a key first-half fumble, the door to playing time during Mark Ingram's four-game suspension may have opened a crack for Williams. The former Arkansas product will nevertheless be hard to trust for fantasy purposes Week 2 against the Browns.