NFL Player News

Ekeler carried the ball two times for eight yards and also caught a pass for 13 yards in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Patriots.

The No. 2 backup to start the season, Branden Oliver, actually saw the first snaps of any backup running back Sunday, failing to generate much of a push on two separate first-quarter carries. That seemingly paved the way for Ekeler to sneak in his usual 20-or-so snaps, showing off his versatility by lining up as a wide receiver on multiple occasions throughout the game. If Melvin Gordon were ever to succumb to an injury, it seems likely Ekeler would receive an increase in usage, but whether or not the situation would develop into a backfield-by-committee approach remains to be seen.

Sims played 19 offensive snaps in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Panthers but did not log any touches.

It was a low-water mark for Sims, who's been modestly involved in the offense all season. The fourth-year back saw a spike in his passing-game work Weeks 5 and 6, posting a combined nine receptions for 76 yards over that span. However, he was back down to just two catches for seven yards against the Bills in Week 7 before bottoming out Sunday. Position mate Jacquizz Rodgers has suffered a similar fate since the return of Doug Martin from suspension Week 5, but Sims' minuscule role has been particularly surprising, given that the Buccaneers have often played from behind.

Kelley ran eight times for 19 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 33-19 loss to the Cowboys.

His longest run of the day was for 10 yards and came on the game's final play as Washington ran the clock out. It is tough to blame him entirely, however, given that the Redskins' offensive line is in shambles. Fortunately, the Tulane product salvaged his day with a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Things won't get any easier Week 9 in Seattle, and if Kelley can't run more effectively, he may cede more carries to Chris Thompson in the near future.

Elliott rushed 33 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday. He also caught one of two pass attempts for four yards and lost a fumble in the 33-19 win over the Redskins.

With slick conditions making it difficult for both teams to hold on to the ball, Dallas fed Elliott the ball early and often despite his fumble on the first play of the day. He responded with his third straight 100-yard game and his second with multiple scores. The former Buckeye's status for Week 9 should be resolved fairly soon after his court hearing Oct. 30, so fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes peeled prior to the waiver deadline for the week.

Washington didn't return to Sunday's game against the Steelers after exiting with a concussion in the fourth quarter, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports.

Washington did little prior to leaving Sunday's game, amassing 16 yards of offense on his seven touches. Zach Zenner would be the main beneficiary if Washington is forced to miss any time.

Rodgers rushed once for one yard and lost five yards on his sole reception in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Panthers.

Rodgers' lost season continues, as he's now seen just one carry in consecutive games and eight totes overall in his last four contests. The 27-year-old retains a modest role in the passing game as well, but it's nowhere near enough to make up for the almost complete lack of contributions on the ground. Much had been made of Rodgers serving as a high-usage complement to Doug Martin once the latter returned from suspension, but the opposite has been true. While injuries in front of him or a change in offensive philosophy could certainly brighten his outlook in the coming weeks, Rodgers presently has next to no fantasy value in any format.

Foreman did not have a touch in a 41-38 loss to Seattle in Week 8.

This appears to be punishment for Foreman leaving Friday's practice in protest over controversial remarks made by Houston owner Bob McNair, but both the running back and head coach Bill O'Brien told Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle that the playing time was not connected to Friday's incident. O'Brien added that Alfred Blue had a better week of practice than Foreman. Whatever the reason for keeping Foreman glued to the bench, the next question is how long will Foreman remain the team's No. 3 running back.

Gillislee carried 11 times for 34 yards during Sunday's 21-13 win over the Chargers.

Gillislee returned to the realm of double-digit touches after receiving just eight a week ago, but he responded with an uninspiring 3.1 yards per carry. He saw Dion Lewis lead the team in totes for the third straight week, though he struggled in his own right. Gillislee found the end zone four times in the season's first two weeks, but he hasn't scored in six games since and has topped 50 rushing yards just once in that span. His could continue to see double-digit carries in Week 10 against the Broncos, but it's difficult to count on him for fantasy production until he resumes seeing heavy red zone usage.

Rawls lost one yard on six carries and failed to haul in his lone target in Sunday's 41-38 win over the Texans.

The target came in the end zone and hit Rawls right in the hands. The only consolation from Sunday's performance was that Eddie Lacy didn't play any better, taking six carries for zero yards and failing to draw a target. The Seahawks once again were entirely reliant on Russell Wilson, who responded with 452 passing yards and four scores. It seems increasingly unlikely the Seahawks will establish any kind of consistent running game this season, regardless of how they divide work between Lacy and Rawls. Expectations should remain low in a Week 9 matchup with the Redskins.

Clement rushed 10 times for a team-high 54 yards while failing to haul in his lone target in Sunday's 33-10 win over the 49ers.

Clement's success came at the expense of Wendell Smallwood, who was limited to just one carry and one catch. LeGarrette Blount got into the end zone while seeing a team-high 16 rushing attempts, but the power runner's inability to catch the ball out of the backfield creates the need for a shiftier complement. If Clement can take over that role from Smallwood moving forward, the undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin would quickly work his way into the flex conversation.