NFL Player News

McCaffrey is in line to serve as the lead back for the Panthers, as fellow running back Jonathan Stewart is inactive for the game due to back tightness.

McCaffrey is typically the lead back in Carolina, but has conceded anywhere from 20 to 30 snaps to Stewart in every game since the Week 11 bye. With a NFC South title on the line Sunday, McCaffrey will now presumably get to showcase his skill set as the feature back. Though Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker are waiting in the wings, McCaffrey is the most dynamic of the three, and should be given every opportunity to build upon his effort of 39 rushing yards in Week 16.

Williams (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

With Williams out, Kenyan Drake -- who was on the field for 95 percent of the Dolphins' snaps on offense in Week 16 - will head the Miami backfield in the team's regular-season finale, with Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith on hand to work in reserve roles.

Williams (quadriceps) is listed as active Sunday at Seattle, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

In four consecutive starts, Williams garnered 47 percent (133 of 281) of the offensive snaps, averaging 18 touches and 77.8 yards from scrimmage per game. The breakdown of backfield roles hasn't allowed Williams to reach the end zone, though. Instead, D.J. Foster has handled clear passing situations and Elijhaa Penny (hand, groin) is the short-yardage back. Despite the reality of his situation, Williams will seek a breakout performance against the Seahawks' 18th-ranked run defense.

Oliver will serve in a reserve role Sunday against the Raiders with Melvin Gordon (ankle) active for the contest.

There was some thought that Oliver could enter the starting lineup for the regular-season finale after Melvin Gordon was unable to practice Wednesday due to the ankle sprain he sustained in the Week 16 win over the Jets, but Gordon ultimately gained clearance for Sunday after turning in a pair of limited sessions later in the week. Even so, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network suggests that the Chargers aren't sure how long Gordon will be able to play through the pain in his ankle Sunday, potentially setting up Oliver for an elevated role if Gordon incurs an in-game setback. Oliver didn't have much success against the Jets in his first extended action in several weeks, rushing eight times for just nine yards.

Gordon (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

After Gordon sprained his left ankle in the 14-7 win over the Jets in Week 16, it initially didn't appear promising that he would be able to make it back in time for the regular-season finale, but he received the green light after logging limited practice sessions Thursday and Friday. Though Gordon incurred no issues in pregame warmups, there's still some concern regarding how long he'll able to hold up Sunday due to the ankle injury, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With that in mind, Branden Oliver, the team's only healthy backup running back, could be pressed into extended action if Gordon suffers a mid-game setback.

The Redskins ruled Perine (ankle) out of Sunday's road contest against the Giants.

Perine likely will undergo a battery of tests in the coming days to hone in on a diagnosis. For the rest of the Redskins' season finale, though, the offense will trust in Kapri Bibbs to lead the backfield.

Mixon (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's matchup against the Ravens.

Despite missing plenty of practice time this week, Mixon tested his ailing ankle on the field during pregame warmups, and the results were favorable enough to allow the back to suit up. Though Mixon has had some productive fantasy games in the second half of the season, he's a risky fantasy play given the fact that he may not be 100 percent, as well as the fact that Giovani Bernard has been highly productive in his stead. Look for some type of timeshare between the two backs.

Perine is questionable to return to Sunday's road game against the Giants due to an ankle injury.

Perine left the contest on the Redskins' second offensive play, a four-yard run. If Perine is unable to get the all-clear for more snaps, Kapri Bibbs will likely handle the bulk of the touches out of the backfield. That said, the recently-promoted Dare Ogunbowale is also around to spell Bibbs.

Dayes (knee) is active Week 17 against the Steelers.

Dayes missed the first practice of the week, but returned on a limited basis and will suit up for the regular season finale. His role primarily is on special teams as a kick returner, as Dayes has received just one carry since Week 4 and has carried the ball just five times this season.

Washington (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 17 tilt against the Vikings.

Like fellow running back Zach Zenner, Washington finishes the 2017 campaign with a multi-week stretch as a healthy scratch. In Washington's case, his last game action dates all the way back to Week 10, and he'll wrap up his second NFL season with just 20 carries for 44 yards and a pair of catches for 14 more yards. Now having averaged under 3.0 yards per rush in each of his first two seasons, the 23-year-old heads into the offseason with plenty to prove if he wants to keep a roster spot in 2018.