NFL Player News

Ekeler is expected to act as the top backup to starting running back Melvin Gordon in Sunday's game against the Giants with Branden Oliver (hamstring) ruled out for the contest.

Per Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn suggested that Andre Williams could be signed from the practice squad to provide an additional option in the backfield in Week 5, but Ekeler should still rank second on the depth chart based on how he's performed in spot duty through the first four weeks. The Chargers have deployed Ekeler primarily as a pass catcher out of the backfield, but he made the most of his lone carry of the season in the Week 4 loss to the Eagles, scoring on a 35-yard run. Though Gordon will presumably handle an overwhelming amount of the snaps Sunday, look for Ekeler to have his largest role in the offense to date, potentially setting him up to permanently leapfrog Oliver on the depth chart with a solid showing.

Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said Friday that he'd like Drake to serve as the top backup to starting running back Jay Ajayi, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Drake and fellow reserve running back Damien Williams both fill important roles on special teams, but neither has been able to distinguish himself on offense in limited supporting duties behind Ajayi. In the team's three contests this season, Drake has logged three carries for three yards, while Williams has toted the ball three times for six yards. Even if Drake ultimately assumes Williams' workload in the weeks to come, it will still likely take an Ajayi injury before Drake sees enough touches to warrant fantasy intrigue.

Elliott (chest) was a full practice participant all week and doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against Green Bay, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Elliott's first appearance on the injury report this season never appeared to be much of a concern. He should be fine to handle his usual massive workload come Sunday, with the Cowboys surely not planning to hold back ahead of a Week 6 bye. On the suspension-related front, Elliott may get a decision on the NFL's appeal of his preliminary injunction during the Cowboys' upcoming bye week. It still seems likely he'll be able to play the entire 2017 season.

Williams (knee) was removed from the final injury report ahead of Sunday's game in Dallas, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Williams was a full practice participant all week, while starting running back Ty Montgomery (ribs) was limited and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. Williams is next up on the depth chart, but Aaron Jones is a better pass catcher and is coming off a solid Week 4 performance in a 35-14 win over the Bears. It won't be surprising if Jones ends up out-touching Williams come Sunday.

Jones (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

While Jones, who carried four times for 11 yards in Week 4, will likely be out Sunday, the Colts' backfield depth behind starter Frank Gore will be bolstered this weekend by the expected return of Marlon Mack (shoulder).

The Chargers have ruled Oliver (hamstring) out for Sunday's game against the Giants, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Oliver's hamstring injury kept him off the practice field throughout the week, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise that he'll miss a game for the first time this season. With Oliver out of commission, Austin Ekeler is expected to step in as the top backup to bell cow Melvin Gordon, and the Chargers are likely to add another running back as a third-string option. According to Williams, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn hinted that Andre Williams would likely be signed off the practice squad to provide additional backfield depth against his former team.

Abdullah (ankle) was removed from the Lions' injury report in advance of Sunday's game against Carolina.

A limited practice participant Wednesday and a full participant Thursday and Friday, the third-year running back out of Nebraska is fine to fill his usual role as Detroit's lead runner. Abdullah is quietly on pace for a 1,000-yard rushing season, but he's only caught nine passes and scored one touchdown -- trends that could continue so long as he loses passing-down work to Theo Riddick and goal-line/short-yardage carries to Zach Zenner or Dwayne Washington (ankle). The Panthers have held opposing running backs to 3.8 yards per carry and 67.5 rushing yards per game this season.

Washington (quad) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Washington's absence for a third straight week isn't a big issue for the Lions now that it's clear Ameer Abdullah (ankle) doesn't have a serious injury. Zach Zenner filled in for Washington the past two weeks, taking six carries for five yards as a short-yardage specialist.

With Wendell Smallwood (knee) not expected to play Sunday against the Cardinals, Clement could take on a larger role in the Eagles' rushing attack, Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News reports.

Clement had 10 carries for 30 yards in Sunday's 26-24 win over the Chargers, setting new personal bests in terms of both workload and snap count (19). It's questionable how much Smallwood's absence actually helps Clement, given that Smallwood earned a lot of his playing time on passing downs last week. LeGarrette Blount is still the lead runner, and recent addition Kenjon Barner could handle some of the pass-catching work. Clement still seems unlikely to get more than 8-to-12 carries in a difficult matchup against the Cardinals.

Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur believes Murray can replace Dalvin Cook (knee) as a high-volume runner, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Jerick McKinnon should handle most of the pass-catching workload and some of the carries out of the backfield, but the Vikings have made it clear Murray will get the first crack at replacing Cook as the lead runner. While the former Raider is unlikely to match Cook's average of 21.3 touches per game, something in the range of 15-to-20 touches isn't out of the question. It remains to be seen if Murray will be effective with those opportunities, as he recently admitted that he still isn't all the way back at full strength after having ankle surgery in March. Murray has gained only 38 yards on 14 carries this season, and he'll start his tenure as the lead back with a Monday Night Football matchup against a Chicago defense that's allowing just 3.5 yards per carry and 85.5 rushing yards per game. The Bears do have a clear weakness at inside linebacker due to a combination of injuries and suspensions, however.