NFL Player News

McKinnon rushed seven times for 46 yards and caught two of three targets for nine more in Sunday's 31-24 loss to Carolina.

McKinnon was far more effective on a per-touch basis than Latavius Murray, averaging 6.6 yards per rush compared to Murray's 1.6. Neither running back was able to get into a rhythm with Minnesota never holding a lead in this one, but the team's 10-3 record suggests gameflow won't be an issue most weeks. If McKinnon keeps outplaying Murray, he'll get a greater share of the workload moving forward after being out-touched, 11-9, in this one.

Williams is the starting running back for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Williams is taking over for Adrian Peterson (neck) for the second week in a row. During his previous chance to lead the Cardinals' backfield last Sunday against the Rams, Williams churned out 97 yards on 16 carries. That said, he's facing Tennessee's third-ranked run defense Week 14, hindering his potential.

Washington (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Displeased with the state of the backfield, the Lions have deactivated Ameer Abdullah and Washington in favor of Theo Riddick and Tion Green. In a similar situation last Sunday, Riddick earned 64 percent of the offensive snaps, while Green handled 33 percent.

With Ameer Abdullah (neck) sidelined, Green will take on a larger role in the Lions offense Sunday in Tampa Bay.

The Lions are exploring different combinations out of the backfield. Like a week ago, Theo Riddick will likely earn more reps, but Green should also get in the act with Abdullah and Dwayne Washington in street clothes. Last Sunday in Baltimore, Green picked up 21 of 63 offensive snaps, which translated to 11 rushes for 51 yards and one touchdown.

Abdullah (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

Sidelined for a second straight week, Abdullah will yield the backfield to Theo Riddick and Tion Green, the latter of whom turned 11 carries into 51 yards and one touchdown last Sunday in Baltimore.

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.