NFL Player News

Murray carried the ball 11 times for 33 yards in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Packers.

The Vikings featured a more balanced offensive gameplan compared to last week's loss to the Bears, but neither Murray nor Dalvin Cook was able to do much on the ground against the Packers. The veteran has seen his role reduced over the last three games since Cook's return from injury, but the two have maintained a fairly even split in terms of rush attempts over that span. Murray doesn't possess enough upside to be worth a look in most formats while stuck in a timeshare, as his biggest fantasy impact is acting as a thorn in the side of those with shares in Cook.

Cook carried 10 times for 29 yards and added 47 yards and a touchdown on three receptions in Sunday's 24-17 win over Green Bay.

This was a step in the right direction for Cook, who turned in an absolute dud against the Bears last week. Still, Cook's 2.9 yards-per-carry average against the 26th-ranked Green Bay rush defense down its best defensive lineman (Mike Daniels) was disappointing. Luckily for his fantasy managers, Cook was able to salvage the game with a shifty 26-yard catch and run for a score in the first quarter. Health issues have dampened Cook's production for most of this season, but the other fear some had heading into draft day of Latavius Murray (11 carries for 33 yards) cutting into the second-year back's touches has also come to fruition. The two will likely share work again in Week 13 against New England, though Cook ranks as the more appealing fantasy option of the two due to his big-play upside.

Jones carried the ball 17 times for 72 yards and a touchdown, adding another 21 yards on three catches (five targets) in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Vikings.

Jones didn't turn in the biggest rushing performance of Week 12, but it was certainly a huge win for fantasy owners, considering the Vikings boast a top-five rush defense. The 24-year-old received 17 of the Packers' 18 running back carries, cementing his status as the lead back in Green Bay. With a huge share of carries -- a rare quality in an era dominated by committees -- and five touchdowns over the last five weeks, Jones has become a must-start back. Arizona's 29th-ranked rush defense is on tap this Sunday, and with the Packers favored to win, we could see Jones break the 20-carry mark for the first time this year.

Freeman managed 17 yards on six carries during Sunday's 24-17 win against the Steelers.

It's evident that Freeman still has a role in the Broncos backfield, but he's clearly fallen out of favor compared to Phillip Lindsay as the team's No. 1 option at the position. Since Week 4, Freeman has logged 7.7 carries per game compared to Lindsay's 12.9, with a 4.1 YPC averaged compared to a clip of 5.7 for Lindsay over than same span. Week 13's opponent leaves room for both players to feast, as Denver goes up against a Cincinnati defense that's allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to opposing running backs this year.

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.