NFL Player News

Patterson (hip) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Michael Crabtree is back from a one-game suspension and Amari Cooper (ankle) is listed as active as well, so while Patterson could still factor in some on Sunday, his path to targets is less clear than it was last weekend, when both Cooper and Crabtree were unavailable.

Martin will start at running back for the Buccaneers in Sunday's game against the Lions, a source informed Adam Schefter of ESPN.

While Martin sat out the Buccaneers' Week 13 loss to the Packers with a concussion, Peyton Barber operated as the team's lead back and turned in an eye-opening performance, putting up 143 total yards on 27 touches. Though Barber's productive showing could result in him earning a sizable role in the Bucs' Week 14 game plan, it looks as though Martin, who cleared the concussion protocol earlier this week and is back to full strength, will retain top status in the backfield at the beginning of Sunday's contest. It's worth noting, however, that Martin has averaged fewer than four yards per carry in six of his last seven appearances, so if he struggles to make an impact early on against the Lions, don't be surprised if head coach Dirk Koetter leans heavily on Barber the rest of the day.

Patterson (hip), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, is considered likely to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Though Rapoport indicates that both Amari Cooper (ankle) and Patterson (hip) are trending toward suiting up in Week 14, Patterson's health seems to be less of a question mark after he was able to put in two limited practices to Cooper's one this week. Patterson's play-making ability as a runner and receiver should guarantee him at least a couple touches each game regardless of the Raiders' overall health at the skill positions, but his fantasy outlook Sunday would surely be enhanced if Cooper were to sit out a second straight game.

Updating a previous report, Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is not expected to play, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Although it appears Abdullah could be healthy enough to return from a one-game absence after practicing in a limited fashion all week, the Lions are apparently eager to give longer looks to some of their other options in the run game. While Theo Riddick will continue to rank as the team's top pass-catching back, it seems likely that Tion Green will benefit the most if Abdullah is in fact held out Sunday. In Abdullah's stead last week against a tough Ravens defense, Green made his season debut and was impressive while amassing 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Green could be worth a look in deeper formats where available for owners in need of a boost at running back during the fantasy playoffs.

Abdullah (neck), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Abdullah's neck injury prevented him from playing in the Week 13 loss to the Ravens, but it appears the three limited practices he put in this week will be enough for him to gain clearance to dress Sunday. While Abdullah has regularly served as the Lions' lead back this season, he's averaging a meager 3.4 yards per carry. Abdullah's lack of productivity coupled with the injury will likely result in head coach Jim Caldwell liberally rotating Theo Riddick, Dwayne Washington and perhaps even Tion Green into the backfield mix, capping the fantasy upside of all players.

The Titans released Fowler on Saturday, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

The lone fullback on the Titans' roster, Fowler had been phased out of the offensive game plan the last two weeks, going down as a healthy inactive for both contests. His dismissal clears a spot on the roster for linebacker Josh Carraway.

Williams (shoulder) was officially ruled out for Monday night's game against the Patriots, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Williams did not practice again this week and it remains unclear when he may be able to return. Kenyan Drake is likely to be the workhorse in the Dolphins backfield once again, coming off a 120-yard performance with a touchdown on 23 carries, by far his best output of the season.

Gillislee is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Dolphins with an illness, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Gillislee was a new addition to the injury report and was unable to practice Saturday. The 27-year-old has been a healthy scratch each of the last four weeks, and currently remains the odd man out in the New England backfield regardless of if he is healthy enough to play Monday.

With Adrian Peterson (neck) ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Titans, Williams is in line to start at running back, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Head coach Bruce Arians noted Friday that there isn't a timetable for Peterson's return, meaning Williams has a prime opportunity to contribute for a number of games. In his first chance to start for David Johnson (wrist) in Week 2, Williams put up a measly 22 yards on nine carries. Thereafter, he was an afterthought in the offense -- especially after the addition of Peterson -- but Williams didn't disappoint when called upon this past Sunday, averaging 6.7 yards on his 16 carries. While he could cede some snaps to D.J. Foster and goal-line option Elijhaa Penny this weekend, Williams figures to serve as the Cardinals' primary ballcarrier.

Williams (shoulder) didn't participate in Friday's practice.

Williams has yet to practice in any capacity since dislocating his left shoulder in the Dolphins' Week 12 loss to the Patriots, and at this point, it's looking unlikely that he'll be available for the rematch Monday night. While Williams was sidelined for last week's win over the Broncos, Kenyan Drake took control of the lead-back role, finishing the contest with 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and adding three receptions for 21 yards.